Vegan Slow Cooker Oatmeal
When it comes to cozy breakfast ideas, I love whipping up a cinnamon roll baked oatmeal, breakfast cake, and this slow cooker oatmeal. As someone who eats PLENTY of oatmeal, I was surprised at how long it took me to prepare batches of it in advance. Actually, let me take that back. During the warmer months, I prep overnight oats for every single day of the week. However, in the cooler months, you’d need to pay me to eat cold oatmeal. Luckily, I’ve found a genius hack to have WARM oatmeal every morning, without preparing a new bowl each morning. While I wish I could prepare a fresh bowl of stovetop oats every day, I just don’t have the patience or time to do so. Luckily, utilizing my best friend, the slow cooker, has been a game changer. Every Sunday morning, like clockwork, I take a few minutes to prepare a big batch of slow cooker oatmeal to last me for the coming week. It takes seconds to do, and once it’s done, I simply portion it up and have it ready to go! With the holiday season around the corner, I wanted to give it a festive twist, and, inspired by Starbucks, flavored it with one of the popular holiday beverages!
Salted Caramel Slow Cooker Oatmeal
This Healthy Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Mocha Oatmeal is the perfect comforting breakfast or food to prep which takes no effort at all. While comforting, it is actually healthy, stick-to-your-ribs-filling, and secretly good for you! I used a base of dairy-free milk, but kept it completely sweetener free, as the salted caramel drizzle was sufficient. I also opted to add some protein to it in the form of protein powder. Made with or without actual coffee, I’ve found that making it this way ALSO replaces any need for caffeine in the morning!
Ingredients to make slow cooker oatmeal
For the oatmeal base
Rolled oats– Be sure to use certified gluten free rolled oats, if needed. Salt– Brings out the natural sweetness of the oats. Instant coffee– Optional, but add it if you’d like the authentic caramel mocha flavor. Vanilla extract– Gives a slight vanilla flavor. Milk of choice– Any plant based milk can be used. I use either unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened soy milk.
For the mix-ins and toppings
Caramel sauce– A must for a caramel mocha! I drizzle some vegan caramel sauce on top and throughout. It also provides the oatmeal some sweetness, without adding any sugar or syrups! Protein powder– Optional, but gives a protein boost and extra staying power. Toppings of choice- Nuts, seeds, fruit, peanut butter, or your favorite oatmeal toppings.
How do you make healthy slow cooker oatmeal?
Simply add all your oatmeal ingredients into a slow cooker and give it a good stir. Let it cook on low for 7-8 hours. Once cooked, add in protein powder, caramel sauce, and mix-ins of choice.
Can I make this in a crockpot or instant pot?
Yes, if you’d like to make instant pot oatmeal or crockpot oatmeal, simply prepare it the same way. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Tips to make the best oatmeal
Do not use other kinds of oats, like quick oats or steel cut oats. They would require different proportions and cooking times. If you’d like the oats cooked faster, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours. Omit the coffee if you want plain slow cooker oatmeal. Remember, you can dress it up once it is cooked! For even creamier oatmeal, use canned coconut milk or add non-dairy creamer to it. Do not add the protein powder or caramel to the slow cooker, or else it will affect the texture. Stir both through once cooked.
Storing and freezing tips
To store: Slow cooker oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week. As the oats will thicken, be sure to add extra milk, as needed. To freeze: Place oatmeal in a freezer friendly container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw it completely, before adding extra milk. To reheat: Either in the microwave or stovetop.
More delicious oatmeal recipes to try
Keto Oatmeal Chocolate Oatmeal Overnight Oat {8 flavors} Apple Pie Oatmeal Snickers Oatmeal
