Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for a Crowd

This apple cinnamon oatmeal for a crowd is the breakfast I turn to when I need to feed a houseful without standing over the stove. The slow cooker does the work, and the whole milk keeps the oats creamy while the apples soften into tender bites. It's a big batch that also works for meal prep, since it reheats beautifully all week.

Three reasons to love this big batch apple cinnamon oatmeal

• Three cooking methods: slow cooker oatmeal for hands-off mornings, multi-cooker oatmeal for a faster batch, or stovetop when you want to watch it come together.
• Whole milk keeps the oats creamy and prevents curdling, which is a common issue with lower-fat milks.
• It's a healthy oatmeal recipe that uses brown sugar and fresh apples, so it's filling without being overly sweet.

Key ingredients for this apple cinnamon oatmeal

• Whole milk: The fat content prevents curdling and gives the oatmeal a creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, use full-fat oat or coconut milk. Look for whole milk with at least 3.25% fat.
• Old-fashioned oats: These hold their shape better than quick oats and give a chewy texture. Rolled oats are best for slow cooking. Avoid steel-cut unless you adjust the cooking time.
• Apples: Use a firm, sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji. They soften during cooking but keep some texture. You can leave the peel on for extra fiber, or peel if you prefer a smoother texture.

Kitchen tools for making apple cinnamon oatmeal

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger) for the slow cooker method
• Multi-cooker (like an Instant Pot) for the multi-cooker method
• Large heavy-bottomed pot for the stovetop method
• Cooking spray to prevent sticking in the slow cooker
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring

Tips for making the best apple cinnamon oatmeal for a crowd

• Stir frequently during the stovetop and multi-cooker methods to prevent scorching on the bottom.
• Add the brown sugar in the last few minutes of cooking so it dissolves without making the oatmeal too sticky.
• Let the oatmeal stand for 5-10 minutes after cooking; it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Expert tips for perfect slow cooker oatmeal

• Use the sauté function on a multi-cooker to bring the milk to a simmer before adding the oats; this helps prevent scorching and gives you better control over the heat.
• The apples release moisture as they cook, so the oatmeal may seem thin at first, but it thickens as it stands.
• If you prefer a thicker oatmeal, reduce the water by half a cup or cook for a few extra minutes.

Apple cinnamon oatmeal variations to try

• Dairy-free: swap the whole milk for full-fat oat milk or coconut milk. Lower-fat plant milks may curdle, so choose a barista blend or add a splash of cream.
• Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries with the apples for extra sweetness and texture.
• For a chewier texture, use steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned. Increase the slow cooker time to 8-9 hours on low.
• Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder after cooking for a higher-protein breakfast.

Toppings and sides for apple cinnamon oatmeal

Toppings for apple cinnamon oatmeal

• Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• A drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness
• A pat of butter or a splash of heavy cream for richness

Side dishes to serve with oatmeal

• Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola
• Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries
• A glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee

How to store leftover apple cinnamon oatmeal

For breakfast meal prep, store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oatmeal will thicken as it cools; add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen it.

Can you freeze apple cinnamon oatmeal?

To freeze, portion the cooled oatmeal into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best ways to reheat apple cinnamon oatmeal

Reheat a portion in the microwave with a splash of milk, stirring every 30 seconds, until hot. Or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little milk to restore the creamy texture.

Source recipe: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for a Crowd (SnapChef ID 0d558e30-6627-49a6-9b0f-3853ce1d411a). Nutrition is estimated per serving.

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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for a Crowd

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Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

20 min

Total Time

25 min

Servings

12 servings

Calories

172 kcal

Scale: 1x2x3x · − 12 servings +

US Metric

Cook Mode

Ingredients

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• 6 cups water
• 2 cups whole milk (do not use skim or 2% milk, it may curdle)
• 4 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups chopped apple (I prefer granny smith)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. 1
   Multi Cooker Instructions: Place the multicooker on boil. Add water and milk, (use whole milk, lower fat milk may curdle). When the milk and water begins to simmer, add the oatmeal, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. 2
   When the oatmeal begins to boil add the chopped apple. Cook on a full boil for 7 to 8 minutes. Stir frequently, the oatmeal will scorch if you do not stir.
3. 3
   Add brown sugar, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Turn off the heat.
4. 4
   Add the vanilla and stir in well.
5. 5
   Stovetop Instructions: In a large pot, add water and milk, (use whole milk, lower fat milk may curdle). Cook on high. When the milk and water begin to simmer, add the oatmeal, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. 6
   When the oatmeal begins to boil add the chopped apple. Cook on a full boil for 7 to 8 minutes. Stir frequently, the oatmeal will scorch if you do not stir.
7. 7
   Add brown sugar, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove from heat.
8. 8
   Add the vanilla and stir in well.
9. 9
   Slow Cooker Instructions: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
10. 10
    Add the water, whole milk, oats, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped apples to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Do not add the brown sugar or vanilla yet.
11. 11
    Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible, though it's not required.
12. 12
    In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
13. 13
    Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and stir in the vanilla extract.
14. 14
    Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving - the oatmeal will continue to thicken.

Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.

Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated

Amount per serving

Calories 172 kcal 9% DV

Protein 4 g 8% DV

Total Fat 3 g 4% DV

Total Carb. 31 g 11% DV

Fiber 3 g 11% DV

Sugars 12 g

Sodium 221 mg 10% DV

% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).