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- 2 cups steel-cut oats - 6 cups water - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts - Fresh berries - Sliced bananas The main ingredients for this oatmeal are simple yet rich. Steel-cut oats give it a hearty texture. You will need six cups of water to cook them. Maple syrup adds sweetness, while brown sugar boosts the flavor. The additional flavors really make this dish shine. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. A teaspoon of cinnamon gives a lovely spice. Don’t forget a pinch of salt to bring all the flavors together. For toppings, you can get creative! Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch. Fresh berries or sliced bananas make it fresh and colorful. You can mix and match these options to make your bowl unique. Enjoy experimenting with these ingredients. Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker. You can use cooking spray or butter. This step helps prevent the oatmeal from sticking. Next, set the slow cooker to low heat. This ensures a gentle cook for the oats, making them creamy and tender. In the slow cooker, mix together the steel-cut oats and water. Then, add the maple syrup and brown sugar. The syrup and sugar give the oats a sweet taste. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well mixed. This helps the flavors blend evenly throughout the oatmeal. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This long cook time is key for soft oats. Stir the mixture every so often, if you can. This helps to break up clumps and evenly distribute the flavors. About 30 minutes before serving, you can add the chopped nuts, if you want. They add a nice crunch to your bowl of oatmeal. Once cooked, give the oatmeal a final stir before serving. Cooking time is key to great oatmeal. If you cook it long enough, the oats will be soft and creamy. I recommend cooking for 6 to 8 hours on low heat. This allows the flavors to blend well. Stir occasionally to keep everything from clumping together. A good stir helps mix the ingredients and keeps the oats from sticking to the bottom. To boost the flavor, I suggest adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also try almond extract for a unique twist. If you want to change the sweetness, consider using honey or agave syrup. Both will bring a different taste while still being sweet. Presentation matters! Serve your oatmeal in cozy, rustic bowls. Drizzle a little maple syrup on top to make it look even better. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and color. Fresh berries or banana slices not only taste great but also make the dish pop with color. For drinks, a warm cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with this sweet bowl of goodness. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in your oatmeal for fun flavors. Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots add sweetness and texture. When using dried fruit, add them in during cooking. This lets them soak up the flavors. You can also swap in fresh fruits. Berries, bananas, or peaches work well. Add them right before serving. This keeps them fresh and bright. Nuts add great crunch to oatmeal. Try different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Each nut brings a unique flavor. Add them about 30 minutes before serving. This way, they stay crunchy. If you want a different texture, seeds are great too. Chia seeds or pumpkin seeds can replace nuts. They are healthy options packed with nutrients. For a fun twist, add cocoa powder to make chocolate oatmeal. Just mix in a few tablespoons when you add the oats. You can also try peanut butter. It gives a creamy texture and rich taste. Using flavored syrups is another option. Vanilla or hazelnut syrup can enhance the dish. Just stir in a bit to add a new layer of flavor. Store leftover oatmeal in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure you let the oatmeal cool first. Properly stored, your oatmeal lasts for up to five days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To reheat oatmeal, use the microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, place the oatmeal in a bowl and add a splash of water or milk. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. On the stovetop, warm it in a small pot over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a bit of water or milk to restore creaminess. You can freeze leftover oatmeal for later use. Scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out any extra air before sealing. This keeps it fresh. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to make it creamy again. Yes, you can use rolled oats. However, the cooking time will change. Rolled oats cook faster, usually in about 4 to 5 hours on low. Steel-cut oats take longer, about 6 to 8 hours, to become soft. This difference affects the texture too. Steel-cut oats stay chewy, while rolled oats become creamier. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar. These sweeteners work well but may change the flavor a bit. If you choose honey, use a little less than the recipe calls for. Honey is sweeter than maple syrup, so adjust the amount accordingly. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for about 5 days. Store them in airtight containers. Look for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. If it smells bad or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. In this post, we explored the ingredients and steps to make perfect slow-cooked oatmeal. We covered main ingredients like steel-cut oats and flavorful add-ins such as vanilla and cinnamon. You learned useful tips for consistency and flavor enhancement, plus creative variations and serving ideas. To wrap up, making oatmeal in a slow cooker is simple and rewarding. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Enjoy experimenting and find your favorite combo!

Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Start your day with a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal! This easy recipe combines steel-cut oats, maple syrup, and brown sugar for a delightful breakfast that's ready when you are. Simply mix the ingredients in your slow cooker, let it cook overnight, and wake up to creamy, flavorful oatmeal. Perfect for busy mornings! Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your breakfast routine today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups steel-cut oats

6 cups water

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Fresh berries or sliced bananas for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

    Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the steel-cut oats, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure the oats are evenly coated and ingredients are mixed.

      Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the oats are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally if possible, to prevent clumping.

        Add Nuts: About 30 minutes before serving, if using, stir in the chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

          Serve: Once the oatmeal is cooked, give it a good stir. Serve in bowls and top with fresh berries or banana slices if desired.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6-8

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the oatmeal in cozy, rustic bowls and drizzle an additional bit of maple syrup over the top. A sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of fresh fruit will add color and freshness!