This Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm, comforting alternative to cold cereal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can set it in the crock pot and wake to a filling breakfast that tastes like home.
Make a big batch and portion it into single-serve containers to enjoy quick, hearty breakfasts all week long.
💚 About This Recipe
Looking for a warm, easy breakfast that beats cold cereal? This maple cinnamon slow cooker oatmeal is cozy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker before bed or in the morning and let it simmer into a creamy, nutrient-packed porridge.
Made with rolled oats, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, milk and a touch of salt, the recipe requires almost no hands-on time. It’s perfect for busy households, meal prep, or anyone who wants a satisfying breakfast without early-morning fuss.
This oatmeal reheats well and pairs nicely with fruit, nuts, or a smoothie if you want a fuller spread for breakfast.
🧂 Ingredients Needed
- Old-fashioned oats – hold their texture well in the slow cooker.
- Milk – dairy or your preferred plant-based milk for creaminess.
- Water – helps create the right porridge consistency.
- Pure maple syrup – natural sweetness and warm flavor.
- Cinnamon – adds comforting spice.
- Salt – enhances and balances the sweetness.
🔪 Instructions
- Combine oats, milk, water, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt in the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low for about 4 hours.
- About halfway through cooking, lift the lid, stir to incorporate the cinnamon, replace the lid and continue cooking until done.
❔ FAQs
Slow-cooked oats are rich in fiber, keeping you full longer and providing steady energy. Regular oatmeal can help with satiety, cholesterol management, and supporting gut health.
Yes—when paired with a varied diet, daily oatmeal is a healthy breakfast choice that supports fullness and can contribute to overall heart and metabolic health.
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with some antioxidants and trace minerals, but it still contains sugar and calories. Use it in moderation as a flavorful alternative to refined sugar.
💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats can become mushy.
- Lightly grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Avoid stirring frequently; only stir once midway to mix the cinnamon.
- For creamier oats, increase the milk and reduce water.
- If the porridge thickens as it cools, stir in a splash of milk when reheating.
- Add nuts, dried fruit or fresh berries about 30 minutes before the end of cooking so they keep some texture.
- Make-ahead: portion into single-serve containers for quick breakfasts during the week.
📌 Sweet and satisfying, this Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal is an easy crowd-pleaser and ideal for feeding a family without extra morning effort.
💡 Substitutions and Variations
- Swap maple syrup for honey, agave, or brown sugar to change the flavor profile.
- Add spices like nutmeg or a pinch of cloves for warmth.
- Fold in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh berries about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Topping ideas: chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, dried cranberries, raisins, sliced bananas, or fresh berries.
🔊 What readers are saying…
“This is a real keeper and will now be made probably once weekly to every couple weeks at least. Leftovers will be handy for a quick next day breakfast or an anytime snack and won’t last long at my house.”
– Gracie
🥫 Storage and Reheating
Store cooled oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen consistency. You can also freeze portions for up to 6 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating or increase reheating time.
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
For a heartier breakfast, serve the oatmeal with savory dishes like a baked egg frittata or crispy breakfast potatoes. For a sweeter spread, pair with a fresh berry salad or a smoothie bowl.
✔️ More Oatmeal Recipes You’ll Love
- Cinnamon Coffee Microwave Oatmeal — a fast microwave option with a caffeine kick.
- Pumpkin Overnight Oats — seasonal flavors perfect for fall mornings.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls — a grab-and-go option for busy days.
- Apple Cinnamon Stovetop Oatmeal — classic stovetop comfort with apple flavor.
Maple Syrup Oatmeal
If you make this recipe, tag a photo on Instagram — it’s always fun to see how you serve it!
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📋 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups milk (regular or plant-based)
- 4 cups water
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
Combine oats, milk, water, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt in the slow cooker. The cinnamon may float initially; it will incorporate as it cooks.
-
Cook on Low for about 4 hours. At the halfway point, lift the lid and stir to mix the cinnamon in, then continue cooking until finished.
Notes
- Old-fashioned oats hold their texture best; quick oats may become mushy.
- Lightly grease the slow cooker to reduce sticking.
- Substitute sweeteners to taste and add spices like nutmeg if desired.
- Add mix-ins (nuts, dried fruit, berries) about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more milk or less water.
Video
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 34 g
| Protein: 5 g
| Fat: 3 g
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in March 2016 and was updated with tips, photos, and recipe changes in July 2023.
Thanks for reading! Happy cooking!
