Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Name: Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 6 cups water; 1-1/2 cups steel-cut oats; 1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 large apple, chopped; Sliced apples, toasted pecans and additional maple syrup, optional

I absolutely love this slow cooker oatmeal. The steel cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family loves to sprinkle toasted pecans on top. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Ingredients

6 cups water
1-1/2 cups steel-cut oats
1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large apple, chopped
Sliced apples, toasted pecans and additional maple syrup, optional

Directions

In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first seven ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in apples. If desired, top servings with apples, pecans and syrup.

Health tip: Boost protein with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt (it will help you stay full longer).
Test Kitchen tips

Keep an eye on this as it nears the end of cooking to prevent overcooking at the edges, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.

It's important in this recipe to use steel-cut oats, which need to cook longer than rolled oats. You might find them labeled as Irish oats.