Overnight Oatmeal Bake
Set it before bed. Breakfast is already done.
Oats and canned fruit turn soft and custardy after a long, slow cook — closer to a baked pudding than stovetop oatmeal. Stir it together before bed, and it's hot and ready in the morning, no decisions required.
Steps
- 1
Oil, butter, or cooking spray, for greasing
Grease the Crock-Pot with oil, butter, or cooking spray — whatever you have.
- 2
4 cups rolled oats
4 tablespoons peanut butter
1 cup drained canned fruit, or ½ cup applesauce
2 cups water
Bonus, if you have it:
Milk or plant-based milk, 2 cups, in place of water
2 eggs, beaten, stirred in for a richer texture
Combine the oats, peanut butter, and fruit with the water in the Crock-Pot. Stir to combine.
- 3
—
Set to low before bed. Cook 6 hours, unattended.
- 4
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Bonus, if you have it:
Cinnamon
Wake up to breakfast, already done. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if you like, and serve.
Make it yours
What I love about this recipe is that breakfast is one of the hardest meals to prepare — everyone's rushing to get ready for school or work, and it's easy to skip or grab something quick and not so healthy. This one makes sure you're eating something warm and balanced before you leave the house. Every ingredient is easy to come by and inexpensive, and it's packed with protein and fiber. The apples or applesauce can be swapped for whatever fruit you have on hand, so it never has to get boring.