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Slow Cooker Peaches and Cream Steel-Cut Oatmeal

It's so nice to have breakfast all ready when you wake up with this slow cooker peaches and cream steel-cut oatmeal. Peaches seem to be our favorite flavor in this recipe, but any fruit works. Make it your own by adding your favorite toppings like chopped walnuts, cream, additional brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, etc.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 796.7 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker A standard slow cooker with a removable insert.
  • 1 Oven-proof Bowl A ceramic or heat-proof bowl that fits inside the slow cooker insert, creating a bain-marie.
  • 1 Set of Measuring Cups For accurate liquid and dry ingredient measurements.
  • 1 Set of Measuring Spoons For precise measurement of spices, vanilla, and salt.
  • 1 Stirring spoon or whisk For combining ingredients and stirring throughout.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup steel-cut oats
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ΒΌ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup diced fresh peaches

Instructions
 

  • Place water, oats, milk, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in an oven-proof bowl; place into the bottom of a slow cooker. Fill slow cooker with water up to the water level in the bowl. Cover slow cooker.
  • Cook on Low until oats are tender, 6 to 8 hours.
  • Stir in peaches and juices. Cover; continue cooking on Low until warmed, about 30 minutes more. Serve.

Notes

For a richer flavor profile, consider lightly toasting the steel-cut oats in a tablespoon of butter before combining with other ingredients; this develops a wonderful nutty depth. To enhance creaminess, especially if using a lower-fat milk, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. The bain-marie method, cooking the oatmeal in an oven-proof bowl set within a water-filled slow cooker, is crucial for preventing a tough skin from forming on top and ensuring gentle, even cooking without burning. Always monitor and replenish the slow cooker's water level if it gets too low. Adjust brown sugar to personal preference; a drizzle of maple syrup or honey can also be used. A small pinch of ground ginger or cardamom alongside the cinnamon can elevate the spice notes. For presentation and texture, top with fresh peach slices, toasted pecans or walnuts, and a dusting of cinnamon.