Dessert

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Recipe

ByAiden Wells October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

Introduction

Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal. This cozy recipe brings together steel-cut oats and pumpkin puree, infused with classic fall spices for the perfect breakfast treat that’s both hearty and wholesome.

A white bowl filled with thick, creamy oatmeal that is light brown, showing soft, clumpy texture with visible small grains. On top and mixed in are several whole pecans with a rich reddish-brown color, giving a crunchy feel. Milk is slightly poured over the oatmeal, creating a shiny, wet look mostly around the edges. A gold spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a beige cloth over a white marbled surface, with some pecans scattered around. A white speckled mug of black coffee is in the background, slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Cooking spray (butter or coconut oil, for coating the slow cooker)
1 cup steel-cut oats
2 ½ cups water
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
1 cup canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Chopped pecans (for serving)
Additional maple syrup and almond milk (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Coat your slow cooker with cooking spray, butter, or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the steel-cut oats, water, almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If using a programmable slow cooker, set it to cook on low for 7 hours and then switch to the warm setting.
Step 4: In the morning, stir the oatmeal thoroughly as the oats may have settled at the bottom.
Step 5: Portion the oatmeal into bowls and top with chopped pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a splash of almond milk before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, substitute regular milk for almond milk, or use half-and-half.
Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the slow cooker before cooking for extra sweetness and texture.
Adjust the spice level by adding more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg according to your taste.
Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Allow the oatmeal to cool completely, then transfer it to a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm the oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra almond milk or water to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with orange-brown oatmeal mixed with milk, topped with whole pecans scattered evenly on the surface, with a gold spoon resting inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is placed on a light textured cloth, with additional pecans scattered around it. To the upper right of the bowl is a white speckled ceramic mug filled with black coffee. The scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?

Steel-cut oats have a chewier texture and require longer cooking times, which work well in slow cooking. Rolled oats cook faster and may become mushy if cooked for several hours. If using rolled oats, reduce the cooking time and check frequently.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, canned pumpkin is pure pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices. Pumpkin pie filling contains sweeteners and spices and is not suitable for this recipe.