If you’re anything like me, you know how important a warm, comforting breakfast can be to start the day off right. That’s why I’m so excited to share this absolutely fan-freaking-tastic Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe with you. It’s packed with cozy flavors, like tart cranberries and sweet apples, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. Plus, it’s ready right when you wake up — how awesome is that? Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed oatmeal any other way.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless mornings: Toss everything in the slow cooker before bed and wake up to a warm, ready-made breakfast.
Perfect flavor combo: The sweet tartness of dried cranberries pairs beautifully with fresh apples and cinnamon.
Hearty and satisfying: This oatmeal keeps you full and energized, making it ideal for busy days.
Family favorite: My family can’t get enough of this cranberry apple twist on classic oatmeal.

A white bowl with a handle holds a creamy oatmeal mix filled with small chunks of light beige apples and red cranberries scattered on top and throughout. The bowl sits on a piece of rough tan fabric on a red and white checkered cloth. Next to the bowl on the right side is a silver spoon. In the background are blurred white ramekins filled with cranberries and brown sugar, and a red apple holder with apples. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create a comforting bowl of goodness. I love how the mix of fresh apples and tangy dried cranberries adds texture and flavor without fuss. When you shop, look for fresh, firm apples and good-quality dried cranberries like Craisins® for that perfect pop of tanginess.

Water: The base that cooks the oats perfectly tender without needing extra fats.
Old fashioned oats: Use these for the ideal balance of creaminess and texture.
Craisins® dried cranberries: They add just the right zing and chew — be sure to choose sweetened ones for best flavor.
Apples: Peeled and diced, they soften up beautifully in the slow cooker, releasing their sweetness.
Brown sugar: Gives a comforting caramel note that blends well with the fruit.
Butter: Melted butter adds a rich depth and silky finish to the oatmeal.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweet and tart notes.
Cinnamon: A warming spice that ties everything together for ultimate cozy vibes.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re feeling a little nutty, want to keep it vegan, or just want to switch things up with seasonal fruit, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Add nuts or seeds: I love sprinkling toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds on top for crunch and extra nutrition.
Go dairy-free: Swap melted butter for coconut oil and opt for almond milk when serving to make it vegan-friendly.
Fruit swaps: In fall, try substituting pears for apples or toss in some fresh or frozen blueberries instead of cranberries.
Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or cloves can elevate the warmth if you want to go full autumn-spice mode.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Ingredients

First things first: Give your slow cooker a quick spray with cooking oil or non-stick spray. This little step saves you from oatmeal sticking to the sides, which can be a pain later on. Then, grab a big bowl or the slow cooker insert and add in all your ingredients — water, oats, diced apples, dried cranberries, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is combined and evenly distributed. This helps the oatmeal cook uniformly with all those lovely fruit bits mixed throughout.

Step 2: Set and Forget

Pop the lid on your slow cooker, and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, high heat for 1½ hours works great, but if you’re prepping overnight, set it on low for about 3 hours — it’s perfect for waking up to a warm, ready-to-eat breakfast. Resist the urge to lift the lid while it cooks, as that lets heat escape and can affect how the oats cook.

Step 3: Fluff and Serve

Once the oatmeal is done, fluff it gently with a spoon to mix and loosen the texture. You’ll notice those tender apples and plump cranberries bursting with flavor. Serve it up straight away while it’s still warm, and if you like, add a splash of milk or a drizzle of honey to amp up the creaminess and sweetness. You’ll find that this step really personalizes your bowl.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

Use old fashioned oats, not quick oats: They hold up better during slow cooking and won’t turn to mush.
Peel your apples: It helps avoid any unexpected chunks of tough skin, giving you a smoother texture.
Don’t lift the lid early: Keeping the slow cooker closed ensures perfect oatmeal without drying out.
Adjust sweetness after cooking: Taste first—sometimes I like to add a bit more brown sugar or maple syrup once it’s ready.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a mix of creamy oatmeal and small, light brown chunks, topped with bright red cranberry pieces scattered evenly throughout. The bowl is placed on a small square piece of brown burlap fabric, which sits on a red and white checkered cloth. Next to the bowl on the right side is a silver spoon resting directly on the cloth. In the background, there are two small white ramekins, one filled with dried cranberries and the other with light brown sugar, both slightly blurred. Also seen slightly blurred is an open packet of oatmeal, with its yellow and blue colors visible. All items are set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this oatmeal with a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for some satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg on top also enhances that warm, homey flavor. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of Greek yogurt makes the bowl extra creamy and tangy.

Side Dishes

When I want to make breakfast feel extra special, I pair this oatmeal with crispy turkey sausage or lightly sautéed spinach for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit on the side, like orange slices or banana halves, also rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches or cozy holiday mornings, I serve the cranberry apple oatmeal in pretty glass jars layered with granola and dollops of whipped cream. It not only looks gorgeous but gets guests chatting about how deliciously comforting the oatmeal is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover cranberry apple oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for 3-4 days. The texture thickens as it cools, so you might want to loosen it up with a splash of milk when you reheat.

Freezing

While I don’t freeze this oatmeal often, I’ve found it’s totally doable. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. The fruit holds up well, and it’s a great meal prep trick if you want quick breakfasts ready to go.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze. Just microwave your portion for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Adding a little milk or water before heating keeps the oats creamy and prevents them from drying out. If you’re reheating on the stovetop, warm gently over low heat with a splash of liquid, stirring frequently.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old fashioned oats?

You can, but steel-cut oats need much longer to cook and can become chewy in a slow cooker. If you want to use steel-cut oats, I recommend increasing the cooking time to about 6-7 hours on low and adding a bit more water to avoid dryness.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely! To make this cranberry apple slow cooker oatmeal vegan, simply replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine and serve with your favorite non-dairy milk.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

This recipe is designed to cook in the slow cooker overnight or while you’re busy in the morning. You can prep the ingredients the night before, refrigerate them in the slow cooker insert, and then start cooking in the morning, but I find cooking overnight gives the best texture and convenience.
What if I don’t have dried cranberries?

No problem — you can substitute raisins, dried cherries, or even chopped dried apricots. Just keep in mind the tartness level will change slightly depending on what dried fruit you use.
How do I prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the slow cooker?

Greasing the slow cooker with cooking spray is key. Also, avoid lifting the lid until cooking is complete to maintain an even temperature, which helps prevent sticking and uneven cooking.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s that rare kind of recipe that’s both easy and delicious, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. What I’ve learned is that having a breakfast like this ready to go can seriously change your day — it’s comforting, nourishing, and a little bit special. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a family favorite for you, too!

Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

4.5 from 64 reviews

Author: Megane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (high) or 3 hours (low)
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (high) or 3 hours 10 minutes (low)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Start your day with a warm and hearty Cranberry Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal, perfectly combining old fashioned oats, tart dried cranberries, and fresh diced apples. This easy, comforting breakfast is slow-cooked to creamy perfection and can be made ahead for a hassle-free morning meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 cups water
2 cups old fashioned oats
½ cup Craisins® dried cranberries
2 apples, peeled and diced
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp butter, melted
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease a large (4-6 quart) slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Combine Ingredients: Add water, old fashioned oats, dried cranberries, peeled and diced apples, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon directly into the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Cook Oatmeal: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 1 ½ hours, or alternatively set it to low for 3 hours. This slow cooking method allows the oats to absorb flavors fully and results in creamy texture.
Finish and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the oatmeal gently with a spoon to break up any clumps and serve immediately. Optionally, add milk for creaminess if desired.

Notes

This recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the tartness of dried cranberries, and fresh apples for a flavorful, nutritious breakfast.
Cooks in a slow cooker, so you can prepare it the night before and wake up to a hot breakfast.
Can be served with additional milk or your favorite nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk.