Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oatmeal Recipe

Hearty oatmeal takes on a bright, tangy twist with Craisins® dried cranberries and fresh apples. Even better: this cranberry apple oatmeal is made in the slow cooker so you can have a warm, comforting breakfast ready when you are.

I recently started a health challenge and, like many people adjusting to smaller portions and fewer sweets, I want breakfasts that are filling, flavorful, and satisfying. This cranberry apple slow cooker oatmeal checks all those boxes. It’s thick and lightly sweet, and the Craisins® add a pleasant zing and chew that keeps oats from feeling bland and mushy. A pinch of cinnamon rounds out the flavor.

I often buy Craisins® in the large 48 oz club pack because they store well and are a great pantry staple. My kids snack on them, and I like adding them to oatmeal, salads, and grain bowls for a burst of tart-sweet flavor. A quarter cup of Craisins® counts toward half a cup of fruit, making it an easy way to boost fruit intake.

There’s something about a hot breakfast in cold weather that makes mornings easier. This slow cooker oatmeal can be ready in as little as 1 1/2 hours on high, which often lines up with our morning routine, or it can cook on low for a longer, porridge-like texture. The recipe is simple and uses everyday ingredients: old-fashioned oats, water, diced apples, Craisins® dried cranberries, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Put all the ingredients into a greased slow cooker.

Stir to combine, then cook on high for 1 1/2 hours or on low for 3 hours.

Fluff the oatmeal with a spoon and serve. Add a splash of milk if you like.

You can prep ingredients the night before if mornings are rushed, or let the oatmeal cook overnight on low for a softer, porridge-like texture. Leftovers reheat well with a little milk or water and make a convenient, nourishing breakfast later in the week.

The bright red Craisins® add visual appeal and a tart pop that complements the sweet apple and warm cinnamon. This is an easy, cozy recipe to try when you want a comforting, fruit-forward breakfast. Make a batch and enjoy the simple pleasure of a warm, flavorful start to the day.