Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of pumpkin pie wafting through your kitchen, without spending hours in front of the stove. This magical Crock Pot Pumpkin Pie Steel Cut Oats recipe is about to revolutionize your breakfast routine! Packed with warm autumn spices and creamy pumpkin goodness, this make-ahead morning marvel transforms humble steel cut oats into a decadent, dessert-inspired breakfast that will make you feel like you're indulging in a slice of pie – but with all the nutritional benefits of a hearty, wholesome meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 4 cups almond milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In the crock pot, combine steel cut oats, pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk all ingredients together until thoroughly mixed and evenly distributed.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting. This slow, gentle cooking will help develop rich, deep flavors and create a creamy texture.
- Allow oats to cook for 6 hours, stirring occasionally (if possible) to prevent any potential scorching at the bottom of the pot. If you're away during cooking, do not worry - modern slow cookers are designed to maintain consistent temperature.
- After cooking time is complete, check the consistency. If too thick, gently stir in additional almond milk to reach desired creaminess.
- Optional: Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor before sprinkling on top of finished oats.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh spices: For the most vibrant flavor, use recently purchased cinnamon and nutmeg to ensure maximum aromatic impact.
- Prevent sticking: Always grease your slow cooker before adding ingredients to make cleanup easier and prevent burning.
- Customize your consistency: If you prefer thinner oats, add a splash more almond milk towards the end of cooking.
- Enhance nutrition: Top with additional nuts, seeds, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and texture.
- Make-ahead friendly: These oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Dairy-free variations: The recipe is already dairy-free, but you can experiment with other plant-based milks like coconut or oat milk.
- Reheating tip: When reheating, add a little extra milk to restore the creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
