How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
American · Easy · 485 min · 4 servings
This overnight slow cooker pumpkin oatmeal is ready and waiting for you every morning with the warm spiced flavors of autumn in every bowl. It is a wholesome and filling breakfast that requires zero morning effort when you prepare it the night before.
Why this recipe works
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 485 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups steel cut oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup plus more for serving
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Add the steel cut oats pumpkin puree water almond milk pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook Overnight
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. This is ideal for overnight cooking so breakfast is ready in the morning. Do not use quick-cook oats as they will turn to mush during this long cooking time.
Step 3: Stir and Check Consistency
When you wake up give the oatmeal a good stir from the bottom to recombine any separated liquid. If it is thicker than you prefer stir in a splash of warm milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve with Toppings
Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with a drizzle of maple syrup a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice and your choice of chopped pecans dried cranberries or a dollop of almond butter for extra protein.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- steel cut oats → rolled oats cooked on low for only 4 hours instead of 8
- almond milk → regular whole milk for a creamier richer texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree which makes the oatmeal far too sweet
- Using quick-cook or instant oats which completely disintegrate during overnight cooking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 8g protein, 52g carbs, 5g fat, 6g fiber.
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