Are you an “oatmeal person”? Some people absolutely swear by it, finding comfort and nourishment in every spoonful, while others might prefer a different start to their day. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either a devoted fan of oatmeal or you’re looking for an incredible recipe to convert someone in your family. Well, get ready to discover a game-changer: this Slow Cooker Crock Pot Cherry Oatmeal Recipe is not just good – it’s truly exceptional, transforming simple oats into a decadent breakfast experience with minimal effort.
Effortless Slow Cooker Cherry Oatmeal: Your Go-To Cozy Breakfast Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about waking up to a warm, delicious breakfast that practically made itself overnight. This slow cooker cherry oatmeal epitomizes that convenience, offering a hands-off approach to morning meals that frees up your precious time. Imagine the vibrant burst of cherries infused into creamy, wholesome oats, ready to greet you with a comforting aroma as you start your day. It’s a perfect recipe for busy weekdays, leisurely weekends, or even special holiday mornings when you want a festive touch without the added stress.
I often find myself thinking about making this recipe around the holidays. Its beautiful rich red color and comforting warmth make it feel incredibly festive and inviting. Plus, who can resist anything that features the delightful sweetness and slight tartness of cherries? This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, especially on a chilly morning.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Oatmeal for Your Mornings?
The slow cooker isn’t just for dinner! It’s an underappreciated kitchen hero for breakfast, especially when it comes to oatmeal. The benefits are numerous:
- Unbeatable Convenience: Simply combine your ingredients the night before, set it, and forget it. Wake up to a perfectly cooked breakfast without any morning rush.
- Hands-Off Cooking: No standing over the stove, stirring and worrying about oats sticking or boiling over. The slow cooker handles all the work while you sleep.
- Perfect Texture: Long, slow cooking allows the oats to fully absorb the liquids and flavors, resulting in a wonderfully creamy and tender consistency that’s hard to achieve on the stovetop.
- Batch Cooking & Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous portion, perfect for feeding a family or preparing healthy breakfasts for several days. Store leftovers in individual containers for quick grabs throughout the week.
- Warm & Nourishing: There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty breakfast to kickstart your metabolism and keep you feeling full and energized until lunchtime.
Did you know we have a ton of Crock Pot Oatmeal Recipes on the site? I absolutely adore how versatile oatmeal is and the sheer number of flavors you can effortlessly pair with it. From classic apple cinnamon to more adventurous combinations, the possibilities are endless. We’re always experimenting, and I’m even working on some millet recipes for a fresh twist on the wholesome grains we love to share. If there’s a particular flavor combination you’d love to see, please let me know! Your ideas inspire our next delicious creations.
Speaking of holiday preparations, if you’re getting ready for all things Christmas and festive celebrations, you absolutely must check out this super easy Crock Pot White Hot Chocolate. While it’s certainly not a breakfast food, it tastes unbelievably good and is perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings. It’s an amazing treat that complements any festive occasion!
The Magic of Cherries in Your Breakfast
Cherries are more than just a pretty fruit; they bring a host of benefits and an incredible flavor profile to this oatmeal. Their vibrant red hue makes this dish incredibly appealing, especially for holiday breakfasts or brunches. Beyond aesthetics, cherries offer:
- Sweet & Tart Balance: The natural sweetness of cherries, often with a hint of tartness, perfectly complements the creamy oats, preventing the dish from being overly sweet.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Cherries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can contribute to overall well-being.
- Festive Appeal: The deep red color of cherries makes this oatmeal a festive choice for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion where you want to add a touch of color and elegance to your breakfast spread.
- Wonderful Texture: Whether using pie filling or fresh/frozen cherries, they add a delightful textural element to the smooth oatmeal.
This recipe specifically calls for cherry pie filling, which offers convenient, pre-sweetened cherries in a thick, rich sauce that perfectly infuses into the oats. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality. For those looking to explore other cherry-centric delights, remember to check out all of our fantastic cherry pie filling recipes!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Cherry Oatmeal
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and minimal ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that comforting, flavorful bowl of cherry oatmeal.
- Long Cooking Oats: For slow cooker oatmeal, “long cooking oats” typically refers to old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats. Steel-cut oats are often preferred for their chewier texture and ability to hold up well during extended cooking times without becoming mushy. Old-fashioned rolled oats also work wonderfully, providing a creamier consistency. Avoid instant or quick-cooking oats, as they will turn to mush in the slow cooker over several hours.
- Powdered Sugar: Confectioners’ powdered sugar dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth sweetness throughout the oatmeal. You can adjust the amount to your preference or even substitute with brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey for different flavor notes.
- Cherry Pie Filling: This is the star ingredient! It provides intense cherry flavor, sweetness, and a lovely red color. Using canned cherry pie filling is incredibly convenient. If you prefer, you can use frozen pitted cherries (thawed or unthawed) and add a bit more sugar and perhaps a dash of almond extract to enhance the flavor.
- Water: The primary liquid for cooking the oats. For an even creamier and richer oatmeal, you can substitute a portion of the water with milk (dairy or non-dairy). Keep in mind that dairy milk can sometimes curdle or scorch on the sides of the slow cooker if cooked on high for too long, so monitor closely if you choose this option.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors in the oatmeal. Don’t skip it!
Crockpot: For the best results with this recipe and many others, we highly suggest using a slow cooker that features a digital timer. This type of slow cooker automatically switches to a “warm” setting after your set cooking time has elapsed. This feature is a true lifesaver, ensuring your food cooks perfectly without overcooking, and you don’t have to stress about being home right when it’s done. It’s especially useful for overnight recipes like this cherry oatmeal!
Slow Cooker Crock Pot Cherry Oatmeal Recipe
Delicious Slow Cooker Crock Pot Cherry Pie Oatmeal Recipe, perfect for a cozy and effortless breakfast.
10 minutes
8 hours
8 hours 10 minutes
8
244 kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 3 cups long cooking oats
- ¾ cup Confectioners Powdered Sugar
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
- 6 cups Water
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the prepared crock pot, add the long cooking oats, confectioners powdered sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine these ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the cherry pie filling and the water. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Make sure the oats are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Overnight: Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on the “low” setting for 8 hours. This is perfect for setting up before bed and waking up to a ready-to-eat breakfast.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once cooked, give the oatmeal a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 18
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Customizing Your Cherry Oatmeal Creation
One of the best things about oatmeal is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. While this cherry oatmeal is fantastic as is, here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract can deepen the flavor profile beautifully. Almond extract also pairs exceptionally well with cherries.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds during the last hour of cooking, or sprinkle them on top just before serving for added texture and healthy fats.
- Extra Fruit: For more fruitiness, add a handful of fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries or blueberries) during the last hour, or serve with sliced bananas.
- Boost Protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder (unflavored or vanilla works best) after cooking, or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute if you prefer. Adjust to taste.
- Creamier Texture: For a richer, creamier oatmeal, use part milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk) instead of some of the water.
- Toppings Galore: The fun part! Consider a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a handful of mini chocolate chips, or extra fresh cherries.
Serving and Storage Tips
This slow cooker cherry oatmeal is best served warm, straight from the crock pot. For leftovers, allow the oatmeal to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might find it has thickened considerably. Simply add a splash of milk or water and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches your desired consistency.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Brighten Your Morning
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious breakfasts, we have plenty more ideas to inspire you. Here are some of our tried-and-true favorites that are sure to become staples in your kitchen:
- Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: A savory, hearty option perfect for feeding a crowd or for make-ahead breakfasts.
- Cracker Barrel Pancakes: Recreate the classic restaurant experience at home with these fluffy, delicious pancakes.
- Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: A cheesy, comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any breakfast spread.
- Lemon Dutch Baby: An elegant and surprisingly simple baked pancake that’s impressive for brunch.
- Apple Raisin French Toast: Another fantastic slow cooker breakfast that fills your home with incredible aromas and tastes divine.
We’re passionate about making cooking enjoyable and accessible. Beyond breakfast, we offer a wide array of recipes to suit every palate and occasion. Check out all of our vegetarian crockpot recipes for plant-based meal ideas that are both wholesome and flavorful. For those who love discovering new culinary adventures, dive into our diverse categories:
- Explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes to recreate your restaurant favorites at home.
- Indulge your sweet tooth with our delightful dessert recipes.
- And, of course, discover even more incredible dishes with our dedicated Crock Pot Recipes section.
We love connecting with our readers and sharing our culinary journey! Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest recipe posts, cooking tips, and much more. Don’t miss out on delicious inspiration!
Recipe originally shared on November 20, 2017. Updated and expanded in October 2020.