CrockPot Steel Cut Oats (with Maple Syrup and Pecans)
This recipe for CrockPot Steel Cut Oats will show how easy it is to cook steel cut oats in the slow cooker if you haven’t tried that! And these tasty steel cut oats cook that in about 3 hours are kicked up in flavor with maple syrup and pecans!
Pin CrockPot Steel Cut Oats to try it later!
It’s not surprising I’d enjoy these CrockPot Steel Cut Oats (with Maple Syrup and Pecans), because one of my favorite carb-splurge breakfasts is oatmeal with Peanut Butter. I make that with Extra Thick Rolled Oats cooked in the microwave, a method I learned from my blogging friend Alanna.
And because I like those extra-thick oats so much, I wanted to try steel cut oats, but I wasn’t sure about the longer cooking time, reported to be as much as 45 minutes on the stove. Then I heard about cooking steel cut oats in the slow cooker, and when I tried it, I loved these CrockPot Steel Cut Oats. And cooking them in the slow cooker couldn’t be easier!
I originally made this recipe with agave nectar, but now I’d use Sugar-Free Maple Syrup (affiliate link) which reduces the carbs a bit, although this will never be a low-carb dish. But if you’re someone who eats oatmeal occasionally, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try.
What ingredients do you need?
(This is only a list of ingredients; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe with ingredient amounts.)
- Steel Cut Oats (affiliate link)
- water
- salt (do not skip the salt)
- Sugar-Free Maple Syrup (affiliate link)
- pecans
What are Steel Cut Oats?
Steel cut oats are oat groats that have been chopped into smaller pieces, making them easier to cook. They are less processed and higher in fiber than rolled oats.
What are the different types of oats?
- The least processed form of oats are oat groats. They need soaking, and take a very long time to cook.
- Steel cut oats are oat groats that have been chopped into smaller pieces.
- Rolled oats are steamed and rolled into flakes so they cook more quickly.
- Quick oats are thin pieces of oatmeal that cook in a few minutes.
- Here’s a great post on all the different varieties of oats.
How high in carbs are these CrockPot Steel Cut Oats?
These steel cut oats served with sugar-free maple syrup and chopped pecans have 26 net carbs per serving and 7 grams of protein.
Want another idea for oatmeal cooked in the slow cooker?
If you like this idea for a slow cooker breakfast you might also like my recipe for make-ahead Apple Pie Oatmeal cooked in the slow cooker!
How to Make CrockPot Steel-Cut Oats (with Maple Syrup and Pecans):
(This is only a summary of the steps for the recipe; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)
- Here’s what the steel cut oats look like before they’re cooked. I used Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats (affiliate link) for this recipe.
- I used a 2.5 quart Crockpot to cook 1 cup of steel cut oats, and it took me a few tries to get the amount of thickness and chewiness I wanted. (You can definitely double the recipe if you have a large slow cooker. Just keep extra servings in the fridge and microwave to eat later.)
- I decided that 5 cups water and just over three hours cooking time gave the best results with my crockpot. Newer crockpots cook much hotter than the older “slow cooker” models, and different sizes of crockpots also cook differently, so you may have to experiment a little to get the best result.
- Steel cut oats are great reheated, so make extra and keep them in the refrigerator, then microwave for a few minutes for an extra quick breakfast.
More Slow Cooker Breakfasts:
- Slow Cooker Sausage Egg Casserole
- Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole with Artichokes
- Slow Cooker Breakfast Recipe with Broccoli, Ham, and Swiss
CrockPot Steel-Cut Oats (with Maple Syrup and Pecans)
If you haven't tried cooking steel cut oats in the slow cooker, these CrockPot Steel-Cut Oats with Maple Syrup and Pecans are amazing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 5 cups water (or less for extra thick oats)
- 1/2 tsp. salt (do not skip the salt)
- 1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup
- 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped with knife
Instructions
- Combine steel cut oats, water, and salt in crockpot. (I sprayed the crock with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.)
- Cook on low, stirring every hour or so.
- After 3 hours start checking to see if the oats are as done as you'd like.
- I cooked the oats in these photos for 3 hours and 15 minutes, but a larger batch or an older model crockpot will take longer.
- Put one-fourth of the hot cooked oats in a bowl, drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle nuts over.
- If you're reheating extra steel cut oats later in the microwave, you may want to add a few tablespoons of water before you microwave them.
Notes
Recipe created by Kalyn.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 249Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 0mgSodium 336mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 5gSugar 1gProtein 7g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by the Recipe Plug-In I am using. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, since many variables affect those calculations.
Low-Carb Diet/ Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:
The CrockPot Steel Cut Oats are definitely a carb splurge for low-carb eating plans, even with sugar-free maple syrup and nuts. This would be a great breakfast option for phase 2 or 3 of the original South Beach Diet.
Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Slow Cooker to find more recipes like this one. Use the Diet Type Index to find recipes suitable for a specific eating plan. You might also like to follow Kalyn’s Kitchen on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, on TikTok, or on YouTube to see all the good recipes I’m sharing there.
Historical Notes for this Recipe:
This recipe for CrockPot Steel Cut Oats was first posted in 2009 and I’ve made it a few times since then for houseguests! The recipe was last updated with more information in 2025.
41 Comments on “CrockPot Steel Cut Oats (with Maple Syrup and Pecans)”
Great idea to cook the steel cut oats in a water bath in the crockpot. I haven't done that but I love the idea of the crockpot being clean when you're done!
I didn't read all the comments so forgive me if this has been mentioned already but if you only have a larger crock-pot, you can put the oatmeal mixture in a smaller glass bowl that fits into the crock pot. Fill the crock pot with water up to within an inch or so of the top of the bowl so it makes a water bath around the bowl of oats. Cook on low overnight. 🙂 They won't burn around the edge and just pour out the water and your crock pot is clean!
Jamie, I don't see a serving size for oats in the latest book, but most grains seem to 1/2 cup serving.
I'm going to try making this tonight! I love oatmeal! Quick question: do you know what the SB approved serving is for cooked oats? I can't find it anywhere but sort of remember reading some place that it is only 1/2 cup. I just started phase 2 and don't want to get ahead of myself by adding too many starches in 🙂 Thanks!!
Steel cut oats are so much better (and better for you) than instant or quick rolled oats. We haven't made them in a crockpot, may try it! To make a really fabulous oatmeal, instead of using all steel cut oats, we use about half steel cut, and half Bob's Red Mill Scottish Oats – a fine, porridge variety, and use milk for half the cooking liquid. It makes a much creamier tasting oatmeal, punctuated by nuggets of the crunchy steel cut oats. Cooking times, liquid, and additions (maple, raisins, etc) all about the same as the rest of the recipes.
I do steel cut oats in a rice cooker using the porridge setting. I can also program it to be ready in the morning.
Makes my day much easier, I recommend getting one.
Rosemerry, thanks for that great tip! I hadn't thought of freezing them, but for someone with a big crockpot, you could make a few weeks worth if you have the freezer space!
This is the time of year I start making steel cut oats in my crock pot and thanks to Kaylyn, adding peanut butter is the only way to go for me. I just wanted to let you know that the oatmeal freezes beautifully too! I make mine on the thicker side and get 5 servings out of a cup of oats. I eat one serving out of the crock pot, then put the remaining in a casserole dish. When it cools, I put it in the fridge. Then I cut what's left into 4 portions and freeze them. Can't tell the difference from the fresh or thawed!
kbw, thanks for the tip about oat groats. I'll definitely try that, either on the stove or in the crockpot. I have a feeling I'll like them too.
thanks for the info re slow cooker….i cook the oat groats for one hour on the stove…or following heidi swanson's recipe from 101 cookbooks combine equal portions oatgroats and spelt berries…on the stove for same time. i'm getting very fond of oat groups even over steel cut oats. will have to try this combo in slow cooker.
I just made steel cut oatmeal as well! Great list. I referred someone to your crockpot steel cut oatmeal recipes.
You got me at agave! I love these simple recipes/ideas. I'm a busy mom who loves to cook but is more likely to make something like this any day unless I have a day-time babysitter!
Susan, I think I’m turning into an oatmeal junkie too. I loved them!
Christy, great tip!! I just put some in the crockpot and thought about doubling the recipe. I was wondering how they would freeze.
I cook steel cut oats ahead of time and freeze in a silicone muffin pan. Once froze, pop them out and put into baggies to keep in freezer. Get out a serving when ever you need. They microwave quickly!
I really have to try this, Kalyn. I’m an oatmeal junkie. I eat it nearly every morning rain or shine.
Gourmet Mama, glad you liked it!
I loved the recipe. It was great. I have always loved oatmeal. What a treat.
My crockpot always burned my oatmeal. But I’ve started using my rice cooker (it has a timer) and I set it to start cooking everything about an hour before we get up. Perfect.
I love getting all the suggestions from readers. I can tell I’ll have fun trying all these ideas. Thanks everyone!
The nice thing about these kinds of recipes is you can stop buying commercial cereals and just make your own (well not really – but I think you know what I mean!). 🙂
This is my everyday morning bfast – almost. I love my instant oats with milk,apricots, pecans & raisins. Love it !
Dear Kalyn,
I too love steel cut oats and can never go back to eating typical rolled oats. Here's what I do to cut down on my breakfast cooking time.
Before going to bed toast 1 cup of steel cut oats in a medium saucepan for a few minutes over medium low. Then slowly pour in 4 cups of boiling water (careful, it will bubble and hiss). Then put the lid on, turn off the heat and leave it to sit on the element (I have an electric stove). The residual heat from the element and the boiling water does all work. In the morning I stir in a little milk (evaporated milk makes it very nice) and maple syrup and cook for about 5 minutes till creamy. All done.
I so very much enjoy your recipes. Keep up the good work.
I love this idea. I do steel-cut oats all winter and just throw a little maple syrup on it and am done. The addition of the pecans and agave syrup would be great!
I love oats for breakfast, great idea to do them in the crockpot! I add lots of cinnamon and raisins to mine!
I like to use the crockpot for cooking oats too.
Another way to cut down the cooking time is to prep the oasts and water, bring to a boil; reduce the heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes. Cool and refrigerate. They will only take about 10 minutes to cooki the next morning.
Carla, that does sound good and I”m intrigued by the buttermilk in the recipe. However with butter, brown sugar, and whole milk that recipe wouldn’t be South Beach friendly. Might be fun to experiment to see if I can come up with a South Beach version.
I’d really love to try this and your other oats recipes (like the peanut butter).
Paz
Kalyn,
I use alton brown’s recipe at the Food Network (link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/steel-cut-oatmeal-recipe/index.html ) It does take about 30 minutes to make, but I’ll do a batch tonight (Sunday) and then either buy breakfast on Friday, or do another batch Thursday night after work. Its pretty easy and there isn’t much babysitting involved.
My e-mail is slow sending comments so I’m responding and them a comment is getting published later! Driving me crazy. Coach Kai, I haven’t tried cooking regular oatmeal ahead and storing in refrigerator but can’t think of any reason it wouldn’t work.
Tanna, next I want to try pin head oats. I’m not sure I would like them as much for cereal, but I think they’d be great as a binder in meatload or mixed into bread dough.
Linda, thanks! You knew that when you said “pressure cooker” that would get my attention. I’ll look for some oat groats and try them. I don’t have an electric pressure cooker but it’s on my wish list.
Susan, didn’t want to miss it!
Lydia, love that you’re becoming a crockpot convert!
Kevin, I do have a rice cooker like that! What a great idea. I’ll try that method too. (So many great tips from everyone, this is really fun.)
Katie, I can’t think of any reason why it wouldn’t work to double the recipe, or even 2.5 times my measurements since my crockpot wasn’t full and yours is more than double the size. It might take a bit longer to cook. If you like thicker oatmeal, you might want to not quite double the amount of water.
Thanks then i can grab and go during the week. Can you do this for other types of oats
Hmm, I only have the big 6 qt crock pot I wonder if I double this if it will work?
Peanut butter oatmeal with a touch of honey is so good! Steal cut oats are my preferred form of oatmeal. I like the chewier texture and the slight nuttiness. If you have a rice cooker with a porridge setting and a timer you can also use that to have the freshly made steal cut oatmeal just as you wake up in the morning.
As a fairly recent convert to slow cooker cooking, I’m loving anything that can be made in it, especially in the summer when I don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
I used to be a fan of the typical flat, chipped oats we use here, but once I tried steel cut, my loyalty wavered. I like mine with a few spoonfuls of half & half and maple syrup.
The crockpot is a great idea for this simple, yet hearty breakfast.
Thanks for making the time to contribute to WHB during your very busy, but happy, weekend. : )
Kaylyn,
Don’t count out oat groats. I love them and used a pressure cooker to cook them and they turned out great. I happen to have an electric one that will keep things warm and overnight and they were perfect for breakfast.
I do oatmeal and grits in my little crock pot.
I love steel cut oats and pin head oats.
Great photos!
Lizykat, thanks for the input. Most of the recipes I saw said 30+ minutes cooking time. I think your idea of keeping the lid on is a great one. I will try cooking them on the stove for sure.
MsBlueKat, Your ideas for savory steel cut oats sound great! Definitely will experiment with that.
Pearl, they were very tasty!
oh kalyn – that looks so good!
I LOVE steel cut oats. Cooking them in the crockpot is a great idea. In addition to stirring in peanut butter or agave, I sometimes make them savory
Use broth (chicken, beef, veggie – your choice) and add some dehydrated minced onion. When the oats are almost done, add a couple of tablespoons of parmesan cheese and, if on hand, some leftover veggies. The first time I did this, I used leftover stirfry that had a bit of soy sauce on them. It was wonderful!
Hey Kalyn…I think this recipe is a great idea for the weekend getting ready for the week? but steel cut oats don’t take so long. Here is what I do several times a week.
3 cups water with pinch of salt, bring to boil. Pour in 1 cup steel cut oats (bob’s red mill). Stir and bring to a soft simmer. the lid should be part way on to keep the steam inside the pot, helps cut down on cooking time I believe! :} when simmering I put the timer on for 15-20 min. Stir a few times. they come out chewy but not overly so. I add golden raisins, some milk. The BEST breakfast any day…enjoy