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.

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.

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.

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.

Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Recipe

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

Units Scale

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)

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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