Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of gingerbread filling your kitchen - without spending hours in the morning cooking! This Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal is your ticket to a hassle-free, deliciously spiced breakfast that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly mornings or when you want to treat yourself to a gourmet breakfast with minimal effort, this recipe transforms ordinary oats into a festive, mouthwatering morning delight that will make you feel like a breakfast champion!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk or milk alternative (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of steel-cut oats, 4 cups of water, 1/2 cup of molasses, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of milk or a milk alternative for serving.
- In a slow cooker, combine the steel-cut oats and water. Stir gently to ensure the oats are evenly distributed in the water.
- Add the molasses to the slow cooker, ensuring that it is well mixed with the oats and water. This will give the oatmeal a rich, sweet flavor.
- Sprinkle in the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir the mixture well to combine all the spices evenly throughout the oats.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the oats to absorb the flavors of the spices and molasses.
- After 6 hours, check the oatmeal for consistency. It should be creamy and thick. If it appears too thick, you can add a little more water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Once cooked, serve the gingerbread oatmeal warm in bowls. Drizzle with additional milk or milk alternative if desired, and top with extra spices or a sprinkle of brown sugar for added sweetness.
- Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal as a hearty breakfast or a cozy snack!
Tips
- Use steel-cut oats for the best texture - they hold up beautifully during the long, slow cooking process and provide a delightful, hearty consistency.
- Don't skip the molasses! It's the secret ingredient that gives this oatmeal its authentic gingerbread flavor and rich, deep sweetness.
- For extra creaminess, consider stirring in a splash of milk or cream just before serving.
- Prep your ingredients the night before to make morning even easier - simply dump everything in the slow cooker and wake up to a delicious breakfast.
- Customize your toppings: Try adding chopped nuts, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of crystallized ginger for extra flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the molasses or substitute with maple syrup.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat with a little extra milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
