Slow Cooker, Pumpkin Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal

By KitchenGnome

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy or non-dairy milk)
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats (gluten-free, if desired)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (may substitute other preferred sweetener)
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened,unflavored)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or one apple, peeled, cored, and grated)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1-2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon ground chia or flax seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces (optional)
• Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, brown sugar, additional milk or butter

Preparation

Step 1

Overnight, Slow Cooker, Pumpkin Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Directions

Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray. Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker, using 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice. Stir, cover, and cook on low for approx. 5 hours, or until oats are cooked & softened, but edges haven't browned. (Slow cooker times may vary.) Taste and stir in more pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well.