As a busy home cook who values both nutrition and efficiency, I’ve learned that weekend meal prep is a game-changer. This big batch apple cinnamon oatmeal has become my go-to breakfast solution – it’s healthier than instant packets, naturally sweetened with fresh apples, and makes mornings a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning breakfasts for the week, this multi-cooker recipe delivers comfort in every bowl.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Unlike instant oatmeal packets loaded with artificial ingredients and excess sugar, this recipe relies on fresh apples for natural sweetness and whole oats for lasting energy. The multi-cooker method ensures perfectly cooked oatmeal every time while making a large batch means breakfast is ready when you are.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or Multi-cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large spoon for stirring
- Storage containers for leftovers
Ingredients and Their Roles
For the Oatmeal:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – Provides hearty texture and sustained energy
- Apples, diced – Adds natural sweetness and fresh fruit flavor
- Ground cinnamon – Brings warm, comforting spice
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor
- Water – Creates perfect cooking consistency
- Milk (optional) – Adds creaminess and protein
- Honey or maple syrup (optional) – Provides additional sweetness if desired
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation:
- Core and dice apples into ¼-inch pieces
- Measure out the remaining ingredients
- Ensure the slow-cooker insert is clean and dry
Cooking Method:
- Add oats, apples, cinnamon, and salt to multi-cooker
- Pour in water and stir to combine
- Close lid and set valve to sealing position
- Select porridge setting (or manual/pressure cook)
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes
- Allow natural release for 10 minutes
- Quick release remaining pressure
- Stir in milk if using
Pro Tips for Perfect Oatmeal
Ingredient Selection
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or steel-cut)
- Choose firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala
- Fresh ground cinnamon provides the best flavor
- Filtered water prevents a metallic taste
Cooking Success
- Don’t overfill multi-cooker
- Stir well before cooking
- Allow full natural release time
- Adjust liquid for desired thickness
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Why is my oatmeal too thick/thin?
- Adjust the water ratio next time
- Add hot water or milk to thin
- Simmer to thicken if needed
Best Storage Methods:
- Cool completely before storing
- Portion into individual containers
- Store with minimal airspace
- Label with date
Dietary Modifications
- Dairy-free: Use almond or oat milk
- Sugar-free: Skip honey/maple syrup
- Gluten-free: Use certified GF oats
- Higher protein: Add Greek yogurt
Scaling the Recipe
- Half batch: Reduce all ingredients by half
- Double batch: Only if cooker size permits
- Per person: Plan on ½-¾ cup cooked oatmeal
Storage & Reheating
Storage Methods:
- Refrigerator: 5-7 days in airtight containers
- Freezer: Up to 3 months in freezer bags
- Individual portions: 1-cup containers
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave Method:
- Add a splash of milk or water
- Heat 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway
- Let stand 1 minute
- Stovetop Method:
- Add liquid as needed
- Heat over medium-low
- Stir frequently
Serving Suggestions for Oatmeal for a Crowd
Toppings Bar Ideas
- Fresh Fruits:
- Additional diced apples
- Berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries
- Sliced bananas
- Nuts & Seeds:
- Chopped walnuts
- Sliced almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Granola
- Chia seeds
- Sweet Additions
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Shredded sweetened coconut
- Raisins
- Cranberries or Craisins
- Extra Warmth:
- Additional cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Apple Pie Spice
- Dairy and Dairy Substitutes
- Cream or half-and-half
- Butter
- Almond milk or other non-diary milk
Looking for more great ways of using oats? Try these oatmeal recipes.
- How to Make Rolled Oats at Home
- Different Types of Oats
- Simple Overnight Oats
- Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
More Apple Recipes
- No Sugar Apple Pie Recipe
- Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
- Fresh Apple Muffins
- Red Delicious Apple Crisp
- Washington Apple Mixed Drink
- Homemade Fried Apples
- Apple Crumb Coffee Cake
- Apple Bread
Be sure to look at my easy breakfasts and favorite crock pot recipes.
Big Batch Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
How to make a large batch of oatmeal on the stovetop or in a multi-cooker. This is perfect for a big family or for when you want to make it ahead of time.
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Servings: 12
Calories: 172kcal
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk do not use skim or 2% milk, it may curdle
- 4 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chopped apple I prefer granny smith
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Multi Cooker Instructions
- Place the multicooker on boil. Add water and milk, (use whole milk, lower fat milk may curdle). When the milk and water begins to simmer, add the oatmeal, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.Â
- When the oatmeal begins to boil add the chopped apple. Cook on a full boil for 7 to 8 minutes. Stir frequently, the oatmeal will scorch if you do not stir.
- Add brown sugar, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Turn off the heat. Â
- Add the vanilla and stir in well.
Stovetop Instructions
- In a large pot, add water and milk, (use whole milk, lower fat milk may curdle). Cook on high. When the milk and water begin to simmer, add the oatmeal, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- When the oatmeal begins to boil add the chopped apple. Cook on a full boil for 7 to 8 minutes. Stir frequently, the oatmeal will scorch if you do not stir.
- Add brown sugar, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove from heat.Â
- Add the vanilla and stir in well.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the water, whole milk, oats, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped apples to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Do not add the brown sugar or vanilla yet.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible, though it's not required.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
- Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving – the oatmeal will continue to thicken.
Video
Notes
Notes for slow cooker method:
- The oatmeal will be creamier and softer when cooked in the slow cooker compared to the stovetop or multi-cooker methods
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- If the oatmeal seems too thick after cooking, stir in additional warm milk to reach desired consistency
Nutrition
Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1.3mg
Would this work in a slow cooker or pot. If yes, please share cooking temperature and cook time.
I have added the slow cooker instructions to the recipe card.
Thank you!
Hi can you please clarify for me do the apples get added when the oatmeal begins to boil or with the brown sugar the last 3-4minutes? This sounds delicious.
I like to add my apples earlier in the process so the flavor really soaks in!
I put the multi cooker on sauté. Sautéed the apples in butter. Then add cinnamon to apples. Otherwise just as recipe stated . Delicious. Thanks!
How many does this serve? I need to make enough for about 20 people. Can I double this?
yes, you could double it, the cooking time may take a little bit longer.
I think that’s what I might do — make a batch and I can eat it all week for breakfast. I did have a question about the apples. Do the apples get really mushy after sitting in the refrigerator for several days and do they turn brown? Thanks.
It is easy to understand, detailed and meticulous! I can’t wait to try this oatmeal.
I never thought about cooking a bunch of oatmeal at once, I have done that this week, and I think this tastes better than instant oatmeal.
You described it well.
very good. Thank you for sharing!