Overnight Slow Cooker Oatmeal

A Cosy, Nourishing Start to the Day

There’s something so comforting about waking up to a warm breakfast, especially on chilly mornings when the world feels quiet and still. Overnight oatmeal in the slow cooker is one of my favourite ways to make slow, simple living feel effortless. It’s the kind of meal that greets you as soon as you step into the kitchen, a gentle reminder that nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated.

I love how this recipe lets you set everything up the night before, letting time do the work while you rest. When morning comes, breakfast is ready with minimal effort, making those first few moments of the day feel unrushed and intentional. If you’re someone who struggles to find the time for a wholesome breakfast, this might just be the answer you’re looking for. Every Friday, me and both kids spend our morning in the forest at our forest school, and it’s so wonderfully nourishing for us all, but the mornings can be stressful if I don’t plan. I am blessed with late sleeping kids who get up around 9am on a regular day, so needing to be out the door at 9.30am, without on of us losing it can be quite the challenge. One thing I don’t need to worry about is breakfast, and that’s where this breakfast comes in. We all have food flasks, so I make this overnight and then throw this into those and we head off for the day. Warming, nourishing and perfect for those busy mornings.

Why Slow Cooker Oatmeal?

In a world that often feels fast and overwhelming, slow-cooked meals have a way of grounding us. This oatmeal isn’t just about convenience, it’s about embracing a rhythm that allows us to be more present. It’s about waking up to something warm, nourishing, and ready to be enjoyed without the usual morning rush.

This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable. You can make it as simple or as decadent as you like, adding different flavours and toppings depending on the season or your mood. Plus, oatmeal is packed with fibre and keeps you full for hours, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a satisfying, balanced breakfast.

Slow Cooker Overnight Oatmeal

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats

• 4 cups liquid (a mix of water and milk of choice. I do 2 cups of filtered water + 2 cups organic whole cows milk)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 bananas, sliced

Instructions:

1. Grease the slow cooker with butter or coconut oil to prevent sticking.

2. Add rolled oats, liquid, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and banana’s to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 - 10 hours. It might stick on the sides but this won’t impact the overall quality.

4. Stir well before serving. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.

5. Serve with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, maple syrup or raw honey.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Oatmeal

• Use the right setting. Since rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats, keeping the heat on low is key to preventing them from becoming too mushy. If your slow cooker has a ‘keep warm’ setting, you can switch to that after about 6 hours.

• Add flavours based on the season. Try apples and cinnamon in autumn, orange zest and cranberries in winter, or fresh berries and a drizzle of honey in spring and summer.

• Make it extra creamy. Adding a bit of coconut milk or stirring in Greek yogurt in the morning gives it a rich, indulgent texture.

• Batch cook for the week. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just add a little milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

The Beauty of Slow Mornings

There’s something so grounding about sitting down to a warm bowl of oatmeal, knowing that you’ve created space for slowness in your day. Whether you enjoy it quietly before the house wakes up or gather around the table with loved ones, this simple act of nourishment can set the tone for a more intentional morning.

So tonight, take a few minutes to prepare your slow cooker, let time do the work, and wake up to the gentle comfort of a meal that’s ready and waiting. Slow, simple, and deeply satisfying—just the way breakfast should be.

Have you tried doing this before? Do you love making oatmeal in the slow cooker? What are your favourite toppings? Let’s chat in the comments!