Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Steel Cut Oats

This oatmeal made with steel cut oats is perfect for fall (or any time of year) and couldn’t be easier to make. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a hot breakfast?

Do you know what is better than waking up to a breakfast that is already made?

NOTHING.

Nothing is better than that. Maybe it’s because I’m still nursing N, but I wake up STARVING (and usually nauseous too, as if 9 months of that weren’t enough). Having breakfast already made starts my day right away and puts a smile on my face. Even better — a healthy and filling breakfast that isn’t going to have me hungry again at 6AM. Because N gets up for the day at 5AM. So my day starts at 5AM, whether I like it or not. Having a hot breakfast waiting for me makes it slightly more tolerable. Not to mention his adorable dimples. They help a lot too.

Should we take it one step further and talk about what even better than a hot breakfast waiting for you?

Well duh, a breakfast that tastes like PIE but doesn’t have the calories of pie.

All good things going on here!

Not only that, but this recipe could not possibly be easier to make. Throw everything in the slow cooker, stir, cook over night, stir again. All that’s left to do after that is eat. This recipe is twist on my traditional slow cooker steel cut oats, but is perfect for the time of falling leaves, crisp cool air, and pumpkin obsession.

Don’t forget to have fun with toppings before you eat it. I like a little brown sugar, a little milk, and some toasted nuts — either pecans or walnuts. Pepitas would be perfect too, keeping with the pumpkin theme. Or maybe you’re craving something a little indulgent? Go ahead and grab that whipped cream.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Steel Cut Oats

Yield: a ton - 10 cups at least

Total Time: 8 hours, 5 minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

This oatmeal made with steel cut oats is perfect for fall (or any time of year) and couldn’t be easier to make. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a hot breakfast?

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups steel cut oats
• 7 cups water
• 2 cups skim milk
• 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• extra milk for topping, optional
• brown sugar for topping, optional
• extra pumpkin pie spice for topping, optional
• toasted pecans for topping, optional

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large (6 quart) slow cooker and cook on warm overnight or at least 8 hours

All images and text ©Rachel Cooks.

Verdict: Loved this. It makes a humungous batch, so be prepared to eat this all week (extra bonus!).
Husband’s take: He loves eating this before he leaves for work.
Changes I would make: None are necessary!
Difficulty: SO easy.