I absolutely love cozy breakfasts, and this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to fall mornings. There’s something magical about mixing pumpkin and warm spices and letting it slow cook all morning while you wake up and sip your coffee. You’ll find that the pears add the perfect sweet, juicy pop, balancing the creamy oats beautifully.
This recipe works wonders on busy days when you want breakfast ready and waiting without standing over the stove. It’s so comforting, filling, and full of flavor — plus, it’s gently spiced without being overpowering. Once I discovered this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe, I never looked back to plain oatmeal again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Convenience: Just add ingredients and let your slow cooker handle the magic while you go about your morning.
- Seasonal Flavor Explosion: Pumpkin and warm spices create that perfect autumn vibe you crave when it’s chilly outside.
- Tender Pears Surprise: The natural sweetness and slight bite from the pears lift the texture and flavor to something really special.
- Family-Friendly Breakfast: My family goes crazy for it, which makes serving something nutritious and delicious so rewarding!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together in such a delicious way. I love using steel cut oats because they hold up well in slow cooking without getting mushy, and fresh pears add the juiciest sweetness that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- Steel Cut Oats: These give the oatmeal a hearty, chewy texture that’s way better than quick oats.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon: This is the star spice for that warm cozy vibe.
- Ground Ginger: A subtle zing that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds warmth and complements the cinnamon well.
- Ground Cloves: Just a pinch adds depth without overpowering the spices.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: Gives a sweet, aromatic note that ties everything together.
- Pears (Bosc or Bartlett): Firmer pears hold their shape when diced and slow-cooked.
- Water: Base liquid to cook the oats evenly.
- Milk: Makes the oatmeal creamy and comforting. I prefer whole milk, but any kind works.
Variations
I love making this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe my own by swapping up the fruits or spices based on what I have. Experimenting not only keeps it interesting but also helps match whatever mood or season I’m in.
- Try Apples Instead of Pears: My family loved swapping in diced apples for a slightly tart twist that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
- Use Almond Milk: For dairy-free options, almond or oat milk work great, just expect a slightly different creaminess.
- Add Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a crunchy texture I adore.
- Boost with Maple Syrup: If you want it sweeter, drizzle pure maple syrup just before serving to add a rich flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Add All Ingredients
First things first, get everything ready. Dice your pears into about ¼-inch pieces — I like to keep them uniform so they cook evenly without turning mushy. Next, toss the steel cut oats, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, kosher salt, vanilla extract, diced pears, water, and milk into your 6-quart slow cooker. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors well. It smells amazing already!
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. I usually do the low setting overnight so breakfast is ready when I wake up. You’ll know it’s done when the oats are tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Give it a stir before serving to redistribute the pears and spices.
Step 3: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings
Once it’s ready, scoop out a warm bowl and top with your favorites — some extra diced fruit, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter. This step really personalizes the oatmeal and makes it feel extra special.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe
- Choose Firm Pears: I learned that Bosc or Bartlett pears hold up best without turning to mush, so your oatmeal has little fruit bites, not applesauce.
- Don’t Skip Stirring Before Serving: After slow cooking, everything settles differently; give it a good stir so the spices and pears are evenly distributed.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Depending on your slow cooker and oat brand, you might need to add a splash of milk or water toward the end if it’s too thick for your liking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Steel cut oats can get gluey if left too long; I check close to 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low to catch that perfect tender texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
I usually add extra diced pears or apple slices on top for fresh fruit, plus a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey always makes my kids smile, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top amps up the aroma. Sometimes I toss on pumpkin seeds for crunch, which is a nice seasonal touch!
Side Dishes
This oatmeal stands tall on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of scrambled eggs or a slice of whole-grain toast if you want some extra protein. For a lighter touch, a small fruit salad or yogurt is a perfect companion too.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday mornings or when I want to impress guests, I serve this oatmeal in rustic mason jars layered with a layer of fresh fruit, a sprinkle of granola, and a dollop of whipped cream or coconut yogurt. It looks stunning and feels like a warm hug in a jar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It thickens as it sits, so just add a splash of milk or water when reheating to get the creamy texture back. This oatmeal actually tastes even better the next day, in my opinion!
Freezing
Freezing works well if you make a large batch. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it keeps up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove or microwave with a little liquid to loosen it up.
Reheating
I prefer reheating on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water and stirring frequently to avoid scorching. The microwave works too—just go in 30-second intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use rolled oats instead of steel cut oats in this recipe?
You can, but I recommend sticking with steel cut oats for this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe because they hold their texture better during the long cooking time. Rolled oats might become mushy or overcooked. If you must use rolled oats, reduce cooking time and check frequently.
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What’s the best type of pear to use?
Bosc and Bartlett pears are my favorites here because they stay firm and don’t break down too much in the slow cooker. Avoid very ripe pears as they can become too mushy and make the oatmeal watery.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Make sure your vanilla extract is vegan-friendly as well. It tastes just as delicious and creamy without dairy!
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How do I prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the slow cooker?
Using a slow cooker liner or giving the slow cooker a light spray with cooking oil before adding ingredients helps prevent sticking. Also, stirring once or twice during cooking (if you can) minimizes the risk of oatmeal clinging to the sides.
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Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double it as long as your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts). Be mindful that doubling may affect cooking time slightly, so start checking for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe really feels like a warm embrace on those crisp mornings. I love how easy it is to prep before bed or early in the morning and then come back to a kitchen filled with the scent of cozy spices. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some comforting, wholesome oats, this recipe always delivers. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s truly one of those breakfasts that makes the day feel a little brighter.
Print
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal with Pears and Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Oatmeal is a comforting and hearty breakfast dish perfect for fall mornings. Combining steel cut oats, creamy pumpkin puree, warm spices, and fresh pears, this recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious start to your day with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Oats and Liquid
- 2 cups (340 g) steel cut oats
- 6 cups (1.44 L) water
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
Flavorings and Spices
- 15 ounces (425 g) pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ teaspoons (3.75 g) cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon (1.25 g) ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
Fruit
- 3 cups (426 g) pears, ¼” dice, Bosc or Bartlett
Instructions
- Add the Ingredients: Add the steel cut oats, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, vanilla, diced pears, water, and milk to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 4 hours or on low heat for 8 hours. The oats will be ready when they have thickened and become tender, absorbing all the flavors from the pumpkin and spices.
- To Serve: Serve the oatmeal warm, and if desired, top with additional diced fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of sweetener such as maple syrup or honey for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use steel cut oats for the best texture and slow cooking compatibility. Rolled oats may become too soft.
- Steel cut oats absorb a lot of liquid, so do not reduce the water and milk quantities.
- Fresh pears add a natural sweetness and texture contrast; you can substitute with apples if pears are unavailable.
- If you prefer a thicker oatmeal, reduce the cooking liquid slightly or cook longer uncovered at the end.
- Slow cooker sizes may vary; adjust ingredient quantities and cooking times accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
