Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, spiced oatmeal that tastes just like your favorite carrot cake - without the guilt! This revolutionary slow cooker recipe turns ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family jumping out of bed with excitement. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Carrot Cake Slow Cooker Oatmeal is about to become your new morning obsession, combining the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet, comforting essence of everyone's beloved dessert.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 4 cups water or milk
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by gathering them on your kitchen counter. Ensure the slow cooker is clean and ready for use.
- Grate fresh carrots using a box grater or food processor until you have approximately 1 cup of finely grated carrots.
- Grease the interior of the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- In the slow cooker, combine rolled oats, water or milk, grated carrots, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- If using raisins, fold them into the oatmeal mixture at this point for additional sweetness and texture.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting.
- Cook the oatmeal for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the oats to become creamy and tender.
- After cooking time is complete, stir the oatmeal to redistribute any settled ingredients and check consistency.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or chopped nuts if desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture - pre-shredded carrots can be too dry.
- Choose rolled oats instead of quick oats to ensure a creamy, substantial texture.
- For extra richness, substitute half the water with milk or use a combination of milk and water.
- Line your slow cooker with a liner or generously grease it to prevent sticking.
- Stir the oatmeal occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- For added protein, consider stirring in a scoop of vanilla protein powder before serving.
- Experiment with toppings like chopped walnuts, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cream cheese for extra indulgence.
- If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, adjust the brown sugar or add a drizzle of maple syrup when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 247kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
