Indulge in a delightful breakfast experience with this creamy slow cooker oatmeal filled with sweet bananas, juicy berries, and a hint of brown sugar and spices. This Crockpot oatmeal is a favorite among my family members, proving to be a breakfast that everyone enjoys. The best part? This deliciously comforting dish can be prepared in just one hour without any stirring required!

Delicious Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Recipe

Unlike traditional oatmeal, crockpot oatmeal resembles a warm and inviting muesli cereal, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast. We often prepare various iterations of strawberry or banana oatmeal, and each one is equally delightful.

My children frequently debate which oatmeal flavor they enjoy the most. In our household, we consume a diverse range of oatmeal dishes, including traditional oatmeal, baked oatmeal, and of course, the beloved crockpot oatmeal, which is a staple at our breakfast table.

Nutty Oatmeal Variations for Extra Flavor

My husband particularly enjoys the addition of nuts to his oatmeal, and he often finds satisfaction in a bowl of stovetop oatmeal loaded with chewy raisins, crunchy nuts, brown sugar, and butter. This nutty raisin oatmeal makes at least a couple of appearances on our breakfast table each month, if not more frequently.

While I appreciate that style of oatmeal, I also adore the unique flavor and texture that results from slow cooking oatmeal in the crockpot. The slow cooking process transforms the ingredients beautifully, creating a rich and hearty meal.

Effortless Slow Cooker Oatmeal for Busy Mornings

While it may seem like a lengthy wait for breakfast when using a slow cooker on a weekday morning, the process is surprisingly simple and efficient. Preparing the oatmeal takes minimal time, allowing you to go about your morning routine.

Just mix the ingredients together and step away, giving you the freedom to prepare for your day. An hour later, breakfast will be ready, satisfying everyone’s hunger with minimal effort on your part.

The combination of flavors in this oatmeal is simply delightful. The softened crunch of pecans, the sweetness of bananas, the tart berries, the tender oats, and the brown sugar all blend harmoniously, creating a breakfast treat that the entire family can savor together.

Having a couple of slow cookers at home is a game-changer for meal preparation. As an enthusiastic user of these handy kitchen devices, I appreciate the convenience they bring. Let’s delve into my personal favorites:

First on the list is my 6-quart slow cooker equipped with a reliable locking lid. These crockpots are perfect for transporting meals, making them ideal for events ranging from church potlucks to summer barbecues and even Thanksgiving dinners. However, a word of caution: these slow cookers can run extremely hot. The low setting tends to be closer to a boil than a gentle simmer, while the warm setting simmers effectively. So, when I say HIGH is high, I mean it!

My everyday slow cooker is an 8-quart model. This trusty appliance is my go-to for cooking large roasts and hearty batches of chili. Fun fact: did you know that a full 4-quart slow cooker cooks food more slowly than a half-full 8-quart one?

If you need to cook just a few pounds of chicken for shredding into enchiladas or for other smaller recipes, my 3-quart model is perfect for that purpose.

Thanksgiving has become a breeze since I’ve learned how to keep all the side dishes warm using medium-sized round slow cookers. They are invaluable during holiday meal preparations!

If you aren’t keen on having multiple slow cookers in your kitchen, consider investing in CrockPockets. These ingenious accessories slide into a standard 6-quart crockpot, effectively dividing it into two sections, which is perfect for serving different side dishes or keeping taco fillings warm during parties.

Easy Crockpot Oatmeal Recipe Instructions

1. Begin by mixing together the milk, oats, bananas, strawberries, pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in the crockpot.
2. Cook on HIGH for 45-60 minutes or on LOW for 1-2 hours.
3. Stir occasionally during cooking. Continue cooking until the oatmeal reaches your desired thickness.

Cook’s Note: I often forget to stir mine, and it turns out perfectly every time. The longer you cook it, the thicker the oatmeal will become.

Quick and Easy Crockpot Oatmeal for Busy Families

Making Crock-Pot oatmeal is an incredibly convenient option for busy weekday breakfasts. I love the fact that I can simply toss all the ingredients into the crock-pot while I start the coffee in the morning, and by the time we are ready to eat, breakfast is waiting for us.

Next on my list to try are overnight oats, particularly these Strawberry Overnight Oats, which offer two different preparation methods, both of which sound absolutely delicious.

If you’re looking for even more breakfast inspiration, be sure to explore all of our other oatmeal recipes. There’s a world of flavors waiting for you!

Baked oatmeal is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd, as the recipe can easily be multiplied to accommodate as many guests as you need.

This stovetop nutty raisin oatmeal has been Sean’s favorite for as long as I can remember. Meanwhile, this blueberries and cream oatmeal is my weakness whenever berries are in season.

{Originally published 5/18/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 4/21/25}