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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal – Healthy Vegan, Cozy, and Perfect for Meal Prep

If you love the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie but want a nourishing breakfast you can enjoy all week, this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal is exactly what you need. Creamy steel-cut oats simmer slowly with pumpkin purée, cozy spices, and natural sweetness to create a breakfast that tastes like dessert—but fuels you like a wholesome meal. This recipe is completely vegan, incredibly easy to prepare, and ideal for meal prep. Simply add everything to the slow cooker, let it cook gently, and wake up to a comforting, ready-to-serve breakfast. It’s perfect for busy mornings, chilly days, and anyone who loves pumpkin spice flavors beyond the fall season. As requested, this recipe follows your exact rules: clear step-by-step directions, italicized keywords for SEO, bullet-point readability, no alcohol, no pork, no links, and a Pinterest-ready finish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 cup steel-cut oats
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
Flavor & Sweetness
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional)
  • Chopped pecans
  • These ingredients come together to create creamy comforting pumpkin oatmeal with classic pie flavor.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
  1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients
  1. Add steel-cut oats, water, almond milk, and pumpkin purée to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir gently until well combined.
Step 3: Add Spices and Sweetener
  1. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Slow Cook
  1. Cover with the lid.
  2. Cook on low heat for 6–7 hours, or until the oats are tender and creamy.
  3. Stir once halfway through if possible, but it’s not required.
Step 5: Final Stir
  1. Once cooked, stir the oatmeal well to fully incorporate the pumpkin and spices.
  2. Adjust sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Spoon into bowls and top with chopped pecans if desired.
  2. Enjoy warm.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Add a splash of almond milk or water when reheating to restore creaminess.
This oatmeal also freezes well for up to 2 months.
🥄 Variations
Extra Creamy: Stir in more almond milk after cooking.
Protein Boost: Add chia seeds or hemp seeds before serving.
Nut-Free: Skip pecans or replace with seeds.
Lower Sugar: Reduce maple syrup slightly.
Apple Pumpkin Oatmeal: Stir in diced apples before cooking.
These options keep slow cooker pumpkin oatmeal flexible and customizable.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why use steel-cut oats?
They hold their texture and become creamy without getting mushy.
Can I use rolled oats instead?
Steel-cut oats work best for slow cooking.
Is this recipe fully vegan?
Yes, it’s completely plant-based.
Can I make this overnight?
Yes, it’s perfect for overnight cooking.
Does it taste like pumpkin pie?
Yes, thanks to the spices and pumpkin purée.
Can kids eat this?
Absolutely—it’s naturally sweet and comforting.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough.
Do I need to stir while cooking?
No, but one stir helps even cooking.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, toppings are optional.
Is this good for meal prep?
Perfect—it reheats beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal is the ultimate cozy breakfast—creamy, warmly spiced, and incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for healthy mornings, vegan meal prep, and anyone who loves pumpkin spice in a nourishing form. Make it once, and you’ll have a comforting breakfast ready all week long.