Imagine waking up to the aroma of juicy peaches and warm spices wrapped in creamy, dreamy oats—all ready for you with almost zero hassle. This Peaches and Cream Oatmeal is a true delight, both for the palette and for the time-crunched mornings (or even cozy evenings!). It only takes a few minutes to prep, simmers away in the slow cooker while you go about your busy life, and creates a breakfast so comforting you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it. Sweet, mellow peaches pair perfectly with the cinnamon-kissed oats, all bound together by a rich and creamy finish. Whether you’re fueling up for the day ahead or enjoying a slow weekend, this is the ultimate set-and-forget recipe for oatmeal lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Toss everything into your crock pot, walk away, and return to pure breakfast bliss. Perfect when your schedule is packed or you just want to take it easy.
- Irresistibly Creamy: The combination of steel cut oats, peaches, and a splash of milk or cream at the end creates a rich, luxurious texture you don’t get with ordinary oatmeal.
- Naturally Sweet & Wholesome: No overwhelming sugar here—just ripe peaches and a touch of brown sugar to bring out the fruit’s natural flavor.
- Customizable for Any Taste: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your additions and toppings—this recipe loves a little flair!
- Family-Friendly: Even kids will be asking for seconds. It’s sweet, filling, and fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to see just how simple this is? Gather these ingredients to start:
- Steel Cut Oats: The star of the show! These oats hold up overnight and deliver a hearty, chewy texture that gives this oatmeal its signature bite. Don’t substitute old-fashioned oats—steel cut is best for the slow cooker.
- Milk: The base for soaking and cooking the oats. Regular or plant-based milk both work, and it gives that luscious creaminess.
- Cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth that brightens both the oats and peaches.
- Salt: It might sound odd, but just a little brings out the sweetness in the peaches and balances the flavors.
- Peaches: Fresh, ripe, and chopped for maximum juiciness in every bite. No need for perfect slices—just get them in there!
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dish and adds a subtle caramel note. Adjust to your preferred sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the peaches.
- Milk, Half-and-Half, or Cream (for drizzling): A generous drizzle before serving is a must—don’t skip this for that classic “peaches and cream” finish.
Tip: Spray your crock pot well to prevent sticking (and make cleanup a breeze!).
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
Mix things up and keep your oatmeal routine fresh:
- Berry Beautiful: Swap peaches for mixed berries or just add a handful along with the peaches for a bright twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or almonds near the end of cooking for extra texture.
- Spice It Up: Try nutmeg or cardamom in addition to (or instead of) cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Friendly: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and skip the cream or use a plant-based version.
- Sweetener Switch: Maple syrup or honey makes a lovely alternative to brown sugar, adding its own character.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by generously spraying the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. This is absolutely essential—no one wants to scrape stuck-on oats after a lovely breakfast.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In the crock pot, add the steel cut oats, milk, cinnamon, salt, and those gorgeous chopped peaches. Give everything a quick stir so the ingredients are nicely mixed and the peaches are evenly scattered.
Step 3: Let It Cook
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let it work its magic for 4 to 6 hours. The timing is forgiving—if you leave it for the full 6 hours, the oats will be extra tender, and the peaches will almost melt into the mix.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the oats are creamy and cooked, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. This is where the flavors come alive and the aromas will truly start tempting everyone in the house.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and, just before serving, drizzle with your choice of milk, half-and-half, or cream. That creamy finish is what makes “peaches and cream” a classic for a reason.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Vary the Liquid: Regular milk yields creamy oatmeal, but using half milk and half water works well too and makes it a little lighter.
- Don’t Skip the Spray: Coating your slow cooker with cooking spray makes cleanup infinitely easier.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with less brown sugar—you can always add more later after tasting.
- Prep Ahead: Chop the peaches and measure the dry ingredients the night before, so morning setup is even faster.
- Control the Texture: For softer, creamier oats, cook a bit longer. For extra chewiness, go towards the shorter end of the cooking time.
How to Serve
This oatmeal really shines on its own, but you can absolutely get creative with garnishes and pairings:
Garnish Ideas:
- Extra peach slices or fresh berries right on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- A sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch.
- A light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a fragrant finish.
Pairing Suggestions:
- A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai is a perfect match.
- Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for added protein.
- This oatmeal even works as a cozy dessert after dinner—just add an extra swirl of cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers:
Store extra oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making the next bowl just as delicious.
Freezing:
Portion your oatmeal into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy breakfasts.
Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen it up and bring back that creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen or canned peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen peaches work beautifully and don’t need to be thawed first—just toss them in. Canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) are a great option too—drain well, and chop as needed.
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Can I cook this overnight?
Yes, if your slow cooker has a timer or a keep-warm function. Set it for the minimum time and let it switch to “warm” so it doesn’t overcook. Otherwise, for best results, start it in the evening and refrigerate, then gently reheat in the morning.
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What can I do if the oatmeal seems too thick or too thin?
No worries! If it’s too thick after cooking, simply stir in a little more milk before serving. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up.
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Is steel cut oatmeal gluten-free?
While oats are naturally gluten-free, always check the packaging to ensure they’re processed in a gluten-free facility, as cross-contamination can be an issue.
Final Thoughts
Peaches and Cream Oatmeal brings comfort and convenience together in a bowl—perfect for making busy mornings feel just a little bit special. Whether you’re serving family on a school day or treating yourself to a weekend breakfast, this recipe encourages relaxation, experimentation, and savoring every creamy, fruity spoonful. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite flavors, and start your day with a dish that truly feels home-cooked and heartfelt!
Print
Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Peaches and Cream Oatmeal is a delicious, wholesome breakfast made with steel cut oats, fresh peaches, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. Slow-cooked in a crock pot for a warm, comforting bowl every time, it’s perfect for busy mornings and offers a naturally sweet, nutritious start to your day.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Base
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fruit
- 2 peaches, skinned and chopped
Sweeteners & Flavor
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Milk, half-and-half, or cream (to drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup after cooking.
- Combine Core Ingredients: In the prepared crock pot, add steel cut oats, milk, cinnamon, salt, and the chopped peaches. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Slow Cook Oatmeal: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook the oatmeal mixture on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, until the oats are tender and the texture is creamy. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and ideal texture.
- Add Sweetener & Flavor: Once the oats have finished cooking, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and everything is thoroughly combined.
- Serve: Dish the warm oatmeal into bowls and drizzle with additional milk, half-and-half, or cream just before serving, according to your preference.
Notes
- For even richer flavor, use half milk and half cream in the base mixture.
- Frozen peaches can be used if fresh are not available; simply thaw before adding.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by increasing or decreasing the brown sugar.
- Stir oatmeal well before serving to fully incorporate the fruit and flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 255
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
