Slow Cooker Oatmeal With Berries, Bananas, And Pecans Recipe

I relish starting my morning with slow cooker oatmeal. Steel cut oats, milk, water, and sliced ripe bananas mingle with a handful of mixed berries for a balanced blend. A sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans adds a delightful finish that brightens my breakfast routine like nothing else.

I was really excited to try out this Slow Cooker Oatmeal recipe because it somehow reminded me of a cool twist on traditional overnight oats. I mixed up 2 cups of steel cut oats with 2 cups milk and 2 cups water then tossed in 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

After that I added 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor. I layered sliced ripe bananas, a mix of berries, and chopped pecans over it all.

What blew my mind was how all these ingredients came together to create a delightfully hearty and tangy breakfast that still managed to be simple to make in just one hour. It really felt like a smart spin on classic crockpot and quick oats dishes.

I cant wait for you guys to try it and remix it with your own favorite flavors.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, it’s super easy to make and doesn’t take forever like some other breakfast recipes. I really enjoy how the steel cut oats turn all creamy and soft once they get mixed with the milk and water. Second, the mix of fruits is just amazing. The bananas and berries not only add a great sweetness but also give the dish a really colorful vibe that makes breakfast feel special. Third, I find that the chopped pecans on top give the perfect crunchy contrast to the warm, soft oatmeal which makes every bite fun. Lastly, I love that it’s a one-pot meal in the slow cooker and my whole family can enjoy it without me having to be stuck in the kitchen for a long time.

This slow cooker oatmeal is a total lifesaver for busy mornings. Its filled with creamy oats, sweet bananas and berries, and a hint of brown sugar and spices. It kinda reminds me of a warm hug in a bowl. I mix everything up until the oats are evenly coated and then let it cook for about 40 minutes so it starts to thicken up. After that, I stir in the fruits and let it cook some more so the flavors really get to know each other. When its done, i scoop it out and sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for that extra crunch. Overall, it’s a really yummy and comforting breakfast that gives me a boost to start the day right.

Ingredients

• Steel cut oats: Rich in fibre and complex carbs, oats keep you full all morning.
• Milk and water: Milk adds protein, creaminess, and essential vitamins while water perfectly balances texture.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar lightly sweetens the dish without overpowering its natural flavors or nutrients.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon provides a warm, subtle spice that makes each bite more interesting.
• Bananas: Bananas offer natural sweetness and potassium, boosting flavour and nutrition in every spoonful.
• Mixed berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, giving bursts of tangy, fresh flavor.
• Pecans: Pecans deliver healthy fats and a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the creamy oats.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances overall flavor, adding a beautifully sweet and aromatic undertone.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups steel cut oats
• 2 cups milk and 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

How to Make this

1. First, lightly grease your slow cooker so nothing sticks and then mix together the steel cut oats, milk, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and vanilla extract in a big bowl until everything is combined

2. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and make sure its spread out evenly

3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for about 40 minutes until the oats start to thicken

4. Give it a good stir then gently add the sliced bananas and mixed berries on top

5. Replace the lid and let it cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes so the fruits warm up nicely

6. Once done, stir in the fruit a bit if you like them mixed through the oatmeal

7. Scoop it out into bowls and top each serving with the chopped pecans for that extra crunch

8. Enjoy your creamy and comforting slow cooker oatmeal with lots of flavor

Hope you enjoy this easy breakfast treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker with a lid
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Whisk or stirring spoon
6. Knife for slicing bananas and chopping pecans
7. Cutting board
8. Serving bowls
9. Ladle or spatula for scooping

FAQ

Slow Cooker Oatmeal With Berries, Bananas, And Pecans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you’re out of steel cut oats, rolled oats can work but you might need a bit less liquid cause they cook faster
• If you want to switch up the dairy, try almond milk, coconut milk, or even oat milk instead of regular milk
• Instead of brown sugar, a splash of maple syrup or a bit of honey works, just remember they add a slight difference in flavor
• If pecans aren’t your thing or you can’t find them, walnuts or even almonds are good alternatives

Pro Tips

1. Toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before using them really brings out their flavor so dont skip this quick step
2. Try stirring the oatmeal gently after the first cooking stage and slowly fold the fruit in to keep them from breaking down too much and turning mushy
3. If you notice the mixture getting too thick in the slow cooker, a splash of extra milk or water can smooth things out so you keep that creamy texture you want
4. Giving the dry ingredients a good whisk before pouring them in the pot can help avoid clumps and makes sure every bite is evenly flavored