Can I use quick-cooking steel cut oats instead of regular?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 4-5 hours on low instead of 6-8. Quick-cooking steel cut oats will become too soft if cooked for the full time.

My slow cooker runs hot. Will this recipe work for me?

Absolutely! If your slow cooker tends to cook things quickly, aim for the shorter end of the cooking time (6 hours) or consider using a timer if you'll be away longer than that.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free when made with almond coconut milk. Just be sure any toppings you add are also dairy-free if that's important to you.

Why are my oats sticking to the sides of the slow cooker?

This is normal, especially around the edges. Make sure you've greased the slow cooker well with coconut oil before starting, and stir the finished oatmeal thoroughly to incorporate any bits that have stuck to the sides.

Fig Apple Cinnamon Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats Recipe

This Fig Apple Cinnamon Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats recipe transforms ordinary breakfast into something truly special. The combination of tender steel cut oats, sweet apples, and chewy dried figs creates a breakfast that’s both comforting and nourishing. Simply prep before bed, and wake up to a deliciously fragrant, ready-to-eat breakfast that will fuel your morning and keep you satisfied until lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just 5 minutes of prep before bed, and breakfast makes itself while you sleep! No morning rush or kitchen chaos.
Incredibly Nourishing: Steel cut oats provide lasting energy and keep you feeling full much longer than processed breakfast options.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness from apples and figs pairs beautifully with warm cinnamon, creating a breakfast that feels indulgent but is actually good for you.
Versatile: Easily customizable with different toppings, making it a breakfast that never gets boring, even when enjoyed regularly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Steel Cut Oats: The star of the show! These hearty, minimally processed oats maintain a wonderful chewy texture even after slow cooking. Don’t substitute with rolled oats as they’ll become too mushy.
Almond Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and subtle flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. Feel free to use any milk you prefer.
Apples: Provide natural sweetness and a tender bite. Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during cooking.
Dried Figs: These are the secret weapon in this recipe! They dissolve slightly during cooking, infusing the oatmeal with their honey-like sweetness and adding interesting texture with their tiny seeds.
Vanilla: Enhances all the other flavors and adds subtle aromatic sweetness.
Cinnamon: Warm, comforting, and perfect with apples and figs. Don’t skimp here – a full tablespoon might seem like a lot, but it’s just right.
Maple Syrup: Just a touch adds depth of flavor. The oatmeal gets most of its sweetness naturally from the fruits.
Coconut Oil: Prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the final dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations to try:

Pear and Fig: Replace apples with the same amount of diced pears for a different fruity note.
Berry Good: Add a cup of frozen berries along with the apples for a burst of color and antioxidants.
Nutty Delight: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans before cooking for added protein and crunch.
Chai Spiced: Add 1/2 teaspoon each of ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a chai-inspired flavor profile.

How to Make Fig Apple Cinnamon Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Thoroughly grease the inside of your slow cooker with coconut oil. Don’t skip this step or you’ll be scrubbing dried oats later!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the steel cut oats, almond coconut milk, diced apples, chopped dried figs, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Set and Forget

Cover the slow cooker, set it to low, and let it cook for 6-8 hours. This makes it perfect to start before bedtime and wake up to a ready breakfast.

Step 4: Final Mixing

Once cooking is complete, stir the oatmeal thoroughly. The mixture will thicken as you stir. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls and add your favorite toppings before enjoying!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Overnight Success: This recipe is designed for overnight cooking, but if you’re making it during the day, check it at the 6-hour mark as slow cookers can vary in temperature.
Fruit Prep: Cut apples into even, medium-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch). Too small and they’ll disappear, too large and they won’t cook properly.
Fig Tips: If your dried figs are very dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping and adding to the recipe.
Perfect Texture: For creamier oats, increase the milk by 1/2 cup. For thicker, more substantial oats, stick with the recipe as written.

How to Serve

This oatmeal is delicious straight from the slow cooker, but adding toppings takes it to another level:

Sweet Additions

Drizzle with extra maple syrup or honey, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for added sweetness.

Texture Boosters

Add sliced fresh apples, toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work beautifully), or a handful of granola for crunch.

Creamy Complements

A spoonful of almond butter, a splash of cream, or a dollop of coconut yogurt makes this breakfast extra satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled oatmeal to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and improve over time!

Freezing

Portion cooled oatmeal into freezer-safe containers or silicone muffin cups. Freeze for up to 3 months for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Reheating

Microwave individual portions with a splash of milk for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop with a bit of additional liquid until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use quick-cooking steel cut oats instead of regular?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 4-5 hours on low instead of 6-8. Quick-cooking steel cut oats will become too soft if cooked for the full time.
My slow cooker runs hot. Will this recipe work for me?

Absolutely! If your slow cooker tends to cook things quickly, aim for the shorter end of the cooking time (6 hours) or consider using a timer if you’ll be away longer than that.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free when made with almond coconut milk. Just be sure any toppings you add are also dairy-free if that’s important to you.
Why are my oats sticking to the sides of the slow cooker?

This is normal, especially around the edges. Make sure you’ve greased the slow cooker well with coconut oil before starting, and stir the finished oatmeal thoroughly to incorporate any bits that have stuck to the sides.

Final Thoughts

This Fig Apple Cinnamon Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings. It combines convenience with nutrition and incredible flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for yourself, these oats deliver a breakfast worth waking up for. Give your morning routine this delicious upgrade – your future self will thank you!