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Vegan Slow Cooker Oatmeal Crockpot Recipe

Vegan Slow Cooker Oatmeal Crockpot Recipe

Want silky, hands-off oatmeal that smells like cinnamon dreams and actually keeps you full? Vegan Slow Cooker Oatmeal Crockpot is the lazy-morning hero you didn’t know you needed. It makes life easier, tastes great, and yes — it’s 100% plant-based.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: crockpot
Cuisine: American
Calories: 172
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the steel cut oats:
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or any plant milk
  • 1 cup mashed banana from one small banana or ½ cup applesauce
  • Pinch salt
  • Optional toppings:
  • 1 cup seasonal fruit chopped
  • Nuts or nut butters almond butter, peanut butter
  • Maple syrup cinnamon, chia seeds, toasted coconut, or seeds
  • Bold note: This recipe stays fully vegan — no dairy no sneaky butter. Just wholesome oats and plant-based milk.

Equipment

  • 6–7 quart slow cooker / Crockpot (my notes use a 6½-quart model)
  • Heat-resistant bowl or small casserole dish that fits inside the slow cooker (for water bath method) or four mason jars (¼ cup oats + 1 cup liquid per jar)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing spoon and spatula
  • Optional: slow cooker liner or cooking spray for direct method
  • Want no-fuss cleanup? Use a slow cooker liner or mason jars. IMO, jars feel special and store beautifully.

Method
 

  1. A — Water bath method (my preferred foolproof way)
  2. Mix steel cut oats, water, almond milk, mashed banana (or applesauce), and pinch of salt in a heat-resistant bowl or small casserole dish. Stir well.
  3. Place the bowl (or mason jars) into the slow cooker. Fill the slow cooker halfway with hot water so the dish sits in a water bath.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours for creamy oats. For thicker oats, cook up to 5 hours on low.
  5. Serve: Divide into 4 bowls and decorate with fruit, nuts, or nut butter. If you used jars, serve them right in the jars.
  6. B — Direct slow cooker method (no water bath)
  7. Spray the slow cooker bowl with cooking spray or line with a slow cooker liner.
  8. Combine oats, water, plant milk, mashed banana, and salt directly in the slow cooker. Stir.
  9. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, checking at 4 hours for creaminess.
  10. Stir before serving and add toppings.
  11. Pro tip: If you cook overnight, switch the slow cooker to warm after 4 hours to keep the texture perfect until breakfast.

Notes

Nutrition (approximate, per serving)

  • Calories: ~172 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: ~0.1 g (without toppings)
  • Note: Toppings (nuts, nut butter, maple syrup, fruit) add calories and nutrients.
These numbers give a solid starting point. If you pile on nut butter or granola, expect the calories to climb — but also the deliciousness.