If you’re looking for a comforting, nutritious breakfast that practically makes itself overnight, look no further than Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats. This hearty recipe combines the chewy texture of steel cut oats with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and warm spices, resulting in a bowl that’s both satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients. Unlike rolled or instant oats, steel cut oats take longer to cook, but when you let them simmer slowly overnight, you wake up to a creamy, flavorful breakfast that’s ready to enjoy. Plus, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you choose certified gluten-free oats, making it a versatile choice for many dietary needs.

Top Reasons to Make Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

Effortless Morning Prep: Prep everything before bed, set your slow cooker, and wake up to a ready-made hot breakfast.
Rich, Creamy Texture: Slow cooking steel cut oats overnight transforms their texture into a luscious, porridge-like consistency.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with natural sweeteners like ripe bananas, and boosted with ground flaxseed meal for fiber and omega-3s.
Customizable Toppings: Add walnuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or peanut butter for a personalized twist.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Using steel cut oats and checking for gluten-free certification makes this breakfast suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Flavorful Upgrades: Freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon add warm spice notes that elevate the dish beyond basic oatmeal.

What’s in the Bowl

1.5 cups steel cut oats: The star ingredient for hearty texture. Do not substitute with quick cooking, instant, or rolled oats.
4 cups water: For slow cooking and softening the oats to perfection.
2 cups milk (any kind you like): I used skim, but feel free to use almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
2 large mashed ripe bananas: Naturally sweetens the oats and adds moisture. Plus, extra banana slices for serving.
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal: Adds fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and a slight nutty flavor.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and aroma.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic warming spice that pairs beautifully with banana.
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: An amazing flavor upgrade – freshly grated nutmeg using a zester really makes a difference.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
For serving: Chopped toasted walnuts, raisins, chocolate chips, maple syrup, peanut butter, or any other mix-ins you enjoy with banana bread.

Equipment & Tools

Slow cooker (crockpot): Essential for the overnight cooking process to get that perfect creamy texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Mixing bowl: To mash bananas and combine ingredients before adding to the slow cooker.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the oats mixture.
Zester or microplane: To grate fresh nutmeg for an elevated flavor.
Serving bowls and spoons: For a cozy breakfast experience.

Mastering Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats: How-To

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by mashing the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth. Measure out the steel cut oats, water, milk, ground flaxseed meal, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and kosher salt.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Add the steel cut oats, water, milk, mashed bananas, flaxseed meal, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into your slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Set the Slow Cooker

Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Cook for about 7 to 8 hours overnight. The slow, gentle heat will transform the steel cut oats into a creamy, porridge-like consistency.

Step 4: Stir and Serve

In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If the texture is too thick for your liking, simply stir in a splash of milk or water. Serve warm topped with your favorite mix-ins like toasted walnuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Make It Fit Your Plan

Make it dairy-free: Use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
Add protein: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder after cooking.
Boost fiber: Increase flaxseed meal or add chia seeds for extra fiber and nutrients.
Sweeten naturally: Use additional mashed bananas or a splash of pure maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter bowl.
Mix flavors: Try stirring in a spoonful of peanut butter or top with fresh berries for variety.

Testing Timeline

For best results, test your slow cooker’s timing as models vary. Here’s a general guide:

7-8 hours on low: Creamy, perfectly cooked steel cut oats.
Less than 7 hours: Oats may be chewy and undercooked.
More than 8 hours: Oats will be softer but may start to stick to the sides; give a good stir to loosen.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Store leftover Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. For freezing, portion oats into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Quick Questions

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel cut oats?

Steel cut oats have a much firmer texture and longer cooking time, so substituting rolled oats will change the texture and cooking method significantly. This recipe specifically requires steel cut oats for that chewy, hearty consistency.

Is it okay to leave the slow cooker on for more than 8 hours?

While the oats can handle a bit of extra time, going beyond 8 hours may result in overly soft or slightly sticky oats. It’s best to test your slow cooker to find the perfect timing.

Can I add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup during cooking?

It’s best to add natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey at serving time to control sweetness and avoid altering the texture during the long cooking process.

Are there any toppings that pair especially well with these oats?

Absolutely! Toppings like chopped toasted walnuts, raisins, chocolate chips, peanut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup complement the banana bread-inspired flavors beautifully.

Don’t Miss These

Fig Jam Walnut Overnight Oat Bars – A perfect grab-and-go oat-based snack with delightful fig and walnut flavors.
Oatmeal Pancakes – Fluffy, wholesome pancakes made with oats for a nutritious twist on breakfast.

Final Bite

Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats is the ultimate no-fuss breakfast that rewards you with a warm, comforting bowl every morning. The combination of steel cut oats, ripe bananas, warming spices, and wholesome add-ins creates a flavor reminiscent of your favorite banana bread, but healthier and ready as soon as you wake up. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings. Give it a try, customize to your liking, and enjoy a bowl that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for cozy mornings. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and mix-ins to keep things exciting. Happy slow cooking!

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