This slow cooker carrot cake oatmeal recipe is a game-changer for breakfast enthusiasts. By incorporating the warm spices and sweetness of carrot cake into a hearty oatmeal dish, you’ll have a nutritious and delicious start to your day. The best part? This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to easily make it vegan-friendly and tailor the flavor to your liking. While flavored instant oatmeal may be convenient, this Crockpot creation far surpasses it in terms of flavor and nutritional value, making it an ideal breakfast or brunch option. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of oatmeal or a sweet treat, this slow cooker carrot cake oatmeal is sure to hit the spot.
With its satisfying and energizing effects, this recipe will have you rising and shining in no time. If you’re also looking for other tasty breakfast ideas, consider trying sheet pan eggs, an overnight breakfast casserole, or a shrimp and spinach omelet. For a breakfast that’s both fun and indulgent, look to chocolate pancake spaghetti.
Why You’ll Love This
The beauty of this slow cooker recipe lies in its hands-off approach. Simply combine all the ingredients and let it cook for eight hours on low while you sleep or tend to your daily routine. The result is a perfectly cooked oatmeal that’s neither dry nor lacking in flavor. What’s more, the addition of carrots, raisins, nuts, cinnamon, brown sugar, coconut, and other spices gives this dish a rich, carrot cake-inspired flavor profile. And if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to customize it further by tweaking the spices, switching up the type of milk, or adding your own favorite garnishes before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Combine the oats, milk, carrots, raisins, nuts, coconut, sugar, butter, and spices in a lightly greased 5-quart (or larger) crockpot. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, allowing the oats to tenderize. Don’t worry about precise timing – it’s more important that the oats reach your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, adjust the consistency and sweetness to taste by adding more milk or sugar as needed. Serve hot with a splash of milk or cream and top with your preferred oatmeal accompaniments.
Substitutions and Variations
Elevate the creaminess by substituting half of the milk with heavy cream for a richer flavor profile. Experiment with various sweeteners like coconut sugar, stevia, dark brown sugar, molasses, and more. A personal favorite is to replace sugar with a quarter cup of maple syrup, accompanied by a few drops of vanilla extract for added depth. To introduce fruity notes, try incorporating dried fruits such as golden raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apple rings, apricots, or even pineapple into this delectable oatmeal recipe.
How to Store Oatmeal with Carrots and Spices
To extend the shelf life of your leftovers, store them in an airtight container, such as a glass bowl or plastic dish, in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the meal by placing it in a pan on the stovetop or microwaving until hot and steaming.
Top Tips
Embrace creativity and make this recipe your own by adding your favorite mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, spices, or milk. The possibilities are endless! To ensure easy removal of the oatmeal, generously spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray before adding the ingredients. Finally, take it to the next level by garnishing with an assortment of toppings that will make this dish visually appealing. Think yogurt dollops, chopped nuts, cinnamon sprinkles, extra carrot shreds, orange zest, mini chocolate chips, or freeze-dried fruit slivers – the more creative you are, the better!
Carrot Slow Cooker Oatmeal FAQs
When it comes to breakfast, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why overnight oats are so versatile – they can be tailored to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. This particular recipe is a great example of a healthy breakfast option, packed with heart-healthy ingredients, fiber, dairy, and even carrots! While you can always make adjustments to suit your preferences, this base recipe provides a solid foundation for a nutritious morning meal.
When it comes to grating those carrots, there are a few options to choose from. For the finest grate, try using a box grater or the fine grate attachment on your food processor. Alternatively, you can simply pick up pre-shredded carrots at the store and save some time.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s naturally gluten-free, thanks to the use of steel cut oats. This makes it an excellent option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Carrot Cake Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Carrot Cake Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Wake up to a delightful breakfast with this carrot cake slow cooker oatmeal, guaranteed to energize you for the day ahead. With only 10 minutes of prep time and 8 hours of cooking time, you can effortlessly prepare a serving for four that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything.
Equipment
Instructions
Combine cooking spray and the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker by lightly misting it. Next, add all ingredients to the cooker in the following order: oats, milk, carrots, raisins, nuts, coconut, brown sugar, butter, and seasonings. Blend everything together until well combined. Place the lid on top and set your slow cooker to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, depending on your desired level of doneness for the oats. Once cooked, check the consistency by adding more milk if needed. You may also want to adjust the sweetness to taste. Serve the oatmeal warm with a dollop of milk or cream and your preferred toppings.