Pioneer Woman Crockpot Oatmeal Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Crockpot Oatmeal is a creamy and healthy recipe, which is made with steel cut oats and mashed bananas. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast, cooking on low for 7-8 hours for a warm start to your day.

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Pioneer Woman Crockpot Oatmeal Ingredients

1.5 cups steel cut oats (do not substitute quick cooking, instant, or rolled oats; use gluten-free if needed)
4 cups water
2 cups milk (any kind you like; skim was used in the original)
2 large ripe bananas, mashed (plus additional banana slices for serving)
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

How To Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Oatmeal

Combine Ingredients: In the basin of your slow cooker, add the steel cut oats, water, milk, mashed bananas, ground flaxseed meal, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cook the Oatmeal: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours (perfect for overnight) or on high for 4 hours. The oatmeal is done when the oats are soft but still have a pleasant, chewy texture.
Stir and Serve: Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and give the oatmeal a thorough stir to combine everything well. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Tips

How to get the best flavor? Use very ripe, spotty bananas as they provide the most natural sweetness and deep banana flavor. Grating your own nutmeg also provides a much warmer, more aromatic flavor than pre-ground.
Can I use other types of oats? No, this recipe is specifically designed for steel-cut oats. Rolled, instant, or quick-cooking oats will break down too much over the long cooking time and result in a mushy texture.
How do I prevent it from sticking? Some slow cookers have hot spots. To prevent sticking or burning on the edges, you can spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick spray before adding the ingredients.
How can I adjust the sweetness? The ripe bananas add a lot of sweetness, but if you prefer more, you can stir in a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of honey after cooking.

Topping Ideas for Crockpot Oatmeal

This oatmeal is a wonderful canvas for a variety of toppings. Here are a few ideas:

Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Sliced bananas or other fresh fruit
A handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
A sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp hearts
A splash of heavy cream or a dollop of yogurt
A drizzle of maple syrup or honey

How To Store Crockpot Oatmeal

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The oatmeal will thicken considerably when chilled.
Reheat: To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk or water. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot and creamy.

Crockpot Oatmeal Nutrition Facts

Calories: 190 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why did my oatmeal burn around the edges?

This can happen if your slow cooker runs hot. Using a liner or spraying the crock with nonstick spray can help. You can also try adding an extra splash of water before cooking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts). Ensure the ingredients do not go past the two-thirds full line.

Will the oatmeal be mushy?

No, that’s the benefit of using steel-cut oats. They hold their shape and texture very well during the long, slow cooking process, resulting in a chewy, pleasant texture, not mush.

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