Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal on a chilly morning. I remember the first time I made this dish; the kitchen was filled with the aroma of sweet strawberries and creamy goodness wafting through the air. It was a lazy Sunday, and I had a craving for something indulgent yet wholesome. As I stirred together the ingredients in my slow cooker, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me, as if I were revisiting my childhood breakfasts. My family always loved when I cooked, and this recipe quickly became one of our favorites.

The beauty of Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal lies not just in its delightful flavor but also in its simplicity. Each bite is a perfect blend of creamy oats, fresh strawberries, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. It’s versatile too; you can customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet morning or serving it at a brunch gathering, this oatmeal is sure to impress. I often find myself making a big batch and savoring the leftovers throughout the week. It’s like having a little bit of joy waiting for you every morning!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal

Creating a delightful bowl of Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a significant role in achieving a well-balanced flavor profile and texture. Here’s a quick overview of the key players that come together to make this comforting dish.

• 2 cups steel-cut oats: The base of our dish, these oats offer a hearty texture that holds up well during cooking.
• 4 cups water: This is used to cook the oats, ensuring they have the right consistency.
• 3 cups milk: Any variety will do; it adds creaminess and richness to the oats.
• 1 ½ cups strawberries: Fresh and sliced, they provide sweetness and a burst of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Dash of sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• ¼ cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives the oatmeal a delightful taste.
• 1 cup plain Greek or regular yogurt: This is stirred in before serving for creaminess.

How to Cook Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal

Making Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal in your slow cooker is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to ensure your oatmeal turns out creamy and delicious.

1. Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker with melted butter, coconut oil, or a non-stick spray. This will help with clean-up later, making it a breeze.

2. In the slow cooker, combine the steel-cut oats, water, milk, strawberries, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a dash of sea salt. Stir everything together gently to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

3. Next, place the lid on the slow cooker. You have two options for cooking: for a firmer texture, cook on low for 6 hours; for a creamier, softer texture, set it to low for 8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time.

4. When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid. The oatmeal should be thick and creamy, and the strawberries will have broken down into a luscious mixture.

5. Before serving, stir in the plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt. This adds a delightful creaminess that makes each bite heavenly.

6. Lastly, scoop the oatmeal into bowls and top with additional strawberries if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish warm!

Tips and Variations

Making the perfect Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal can be a delightful experience if you keep these tips in mind. Here’s a collection of helpful suggestions to elevate your dish.

• Storage: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: You can freeze your oatmeal for later use. Just portion it out in freezer-safe containers and thaw before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve your oatmeal with a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste—some might prefer it sweeter, while others might like it less so.
• Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as blueberries, peaches, or raspberries instead of strawberries.

What to Serve With Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal

Pairing your Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal with the right accompaniments can enhance your breakfast experience. Here are some delightful options:

• Yogurt Parfait: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt topped with granola and more fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad complements the oatmeal beautifully and adds a refreshing touch.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: For an extra protein boost, serve alongside hard-boiled eggs.
• Nut Butter: Drizzle almond or peanut butter over the oatmeal for added flavor and healthy fats.
• Tea or Coffee: Enjoy with a warm cup of herbal tea or your favorite coffee to complete the meal.
• Brunch Spread: This oatmeal would be a fantastic centerpiece for a brunch spread, surrounded by various pastries and muffins.

FAQ

Conclusion

The delightful blend of flavors and textures in Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal makes it a memorable breakfast option. It’s not just about satisfying your hunger but creating a warm and comforting experience that can brighten your day. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you might find it becomes a staple in your morning routine. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing this dish with your loved ones!

Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal

The ultimate comfort food for chilly mornings, Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal combines creamy oats and fresh strawberries into a delicious dish that will make your mornings brighter. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, it’s a delightful way to start your day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups steel-cut oats no substitution
• 4 cups water
• 3 cups milk any variety
• 1.5 cups strawberries + more for serving
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 dash sea salt
• 0.25 cups maple syrup or honey
• 1 cup plain Greek or regular yogurt

Instructions

 

• Grease the inside of your slow cooker with melted butter, coconut oil, or a non-stick spray to make clean-up easier.
• In the slow cooker, combine 2 cups steel-cut oats, 4 cups water, 3 cups milk, 1 ½ cups strawberries, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a dash of sea salt. Stir everything together gently to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
• Place the lid on the slow cooker. You can either cook on low for 6 hours for a firm texture or 8 hours for a softer texture. Alternatively, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
• When the time is up, carefully remove the lid. The oatmeal should be thick and creamy, and the strawberries will have broken down into a luscious mixture.
• Before serving, stir in 1 cup plain Greek or regular yogurt to add creaminess and flavor.
• Serve warm, scooping the oatmeal into bowls and topping with additional strawberries if desired.

Notes

• Milk: Use any milk you like for this oatmeal recipe.
• Note on Burning: I have never had an issue with the steel-cut oats burning in my slow cooker. However, each slow cooker is different. If your slow cooker burns the bottom of the oats, just don't stir the burnt bottom into the remaining oatmeal and you can eat the rest of the strawberry oatmeal. In the future, cut back cooking time by 2 hours.
• Strawberries: Feel free to use ANY fruit you like for this slow cooker steel-cut oats recipe. Blueberries, peaches, and raspberries have all been huge successes at my house.
• Thicker or Thinner Oatmeal: If you would like your oatmeal thinner, use 8 cups of liquid (5 cups water, 3 cups milk). If you would like thicker oatmeal, use 6 cups of liquid (4 cups of water, 2 cups of milk).
• For Stovetop Prep: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, add in 2 cups milk, the oats, strawberries, and a dash of salt. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, or until thickened and oats are tender. Remove from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and yogurt. Serve immediately.
• Storage: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings as desired.

Keyword healthy oatmeal, Oatmeal Recipes, slow cooker oatmeal, strawberry breakfast

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!