Wake up to the smell of warm cinnamon, sweet vanilla, and a breakfast that’s already made. Nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated — just intentional.
You know how most mornings start in a blur?
This one starts with peace.
This one says, “I thought of you last night, and I wanted you to wake up to something warm.”
That’s the magic of this Crockpot Steel Cut Oatmeal.
You throw everything into the slow cooker the night before, and when you open your eyes… your kitchen smells like cinnamon and comfort.
It’s hearty, it’s healthy, and it’s the kind of food that makes you feel taken care of before the day even begins.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups steel cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups milk of your choice (dairy, oat, almond, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- A generous pinch of salt
How to Make Overnight Oatmeal in the Crockpot
Step 1: Combine all ingredients
Add the oats, water, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to your slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir.
Step 2: Set it and forget it
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours. If your slow cooker runs hot, aim closer to 6. You can also use a programmable crockpot with a “keep warm” setting.
Step 3: Wake up to cozy
In the morning, give it a stir. It should be thick, creamy, and gently spiced with cinnamon and vanilla. If it’s too thick, stir in a little extra milk to loosen it up.
Step 4: Make it your own
Spoon into bowls and top with whatever makes you happy. Some of my favorite toppings are:
- Fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries
- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- Banana slices
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Shredded coconut
- A dollop of peanut butter or Greek yogurt
- More cinnamon (always more cinnamon)
Estimated Nutrition (per 1-cup serving, no toppings)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugar: 1g (from cinnamon/vanilla only)
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Will vary depending on milk choice and toppings.
Virtual Godmother Notes
- Want to meal prep? Store leftovers in jars and reheat with a splash of milk all week long.
- If you love texture, go for steel cut oats — they hold their shape better than rolled oats.
- This recipe is dairy-free friendly and sweetener-free — you control the sugar with your toppings.
Watch the Video: Crockpot Oatmeal Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Need to see how it comes together? Watch the video and cook along with me:
A Morning Worth Waking Up For
This isn’t just about breakfast.
It’s about starting your day with softness.
It’s about nourishing your body before the world gets your attention.
And it’s about reminding yourself — every single morning — that you are worth the effort.
I’m Yvette Perry Banks — The Virtual Godmother.
And I’ll keep reminding you to take excellent care of YOU.