10 Overnight and Slow Cooker Oatmeal Ideas

Oatmeal is one of the most adaptable breakfasts you can make. It’s quick when it needs to be, or slow-cooked for deeper flavor. It can be baked into a hearty square or whipped into a creamy, smooth mixture. Depending on how you flavor it, oatmeal can lean fruity, spiced, nutty, or even chocolatey, without ever tasting the same twice. This list brings together a wide range of options, from comfort-food favorites like apple cinnamon and banana to bold takes like turmeric, gingerbread, and matcha green. Some are simple stovetop recipes; others are baked or slow-cooked, but all are filling, flexible, and easy to customize. Whether you’re prepping breakfast ahead of time or making a warm bowl in the moment, these recipes show just how much you can do with oats.

Green Oatmeal

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Spinach or matcha gives this oatmeal its vibrant green color. It’s blended smooth or stirred into cooked oats, depending on the texture you prefer. The flavor stays mild and pairs well with banana or nut butter. A creative way to sneak in greens.
Get the Recipe: Green Oatmeal

Carrot Cake Slow Cooker Oatmeal

A bowl of carrot cake oatmeal topped with shredded coconut, raisins, grated carrots, and chopped walnuts sits on a wooden surface. — Carrot Cake Slow Cooker Oatmeal. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grated carrots, raisins, and warm spices slow-cook with oats until tender. It tastes like dessert but serves as breakfast. The texture is creamy with just enough chew. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or chopped nuts to finish.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Peach Baked Oatmeal

A piece of peach oatmeal bake topped with whipped cream on a white plate, with whole peaches in the background. — Peach Baked Oatmeal. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Peach slices bake into soft oats, releasing juice and adding sweetness. The top crisps up while the middle stays tender. It’s great warm with a splash of milk or chilled for later. A solid choice when peaches are in season.
Get the Recipe: Peach Baked Oatmeal

Spiced Pear Oatmeal

Two bowls of oatmeal topped with diced caramelized pears, placed on a dark cloth with a fresh pear, spoon, and oats nearby. — Spiced Pear Oatmeal. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Soft pears meet cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little ginger for a mellow, warm bowl. The fruit softens as it cooks and blends into the oats. The result is subtly sweet and gently spiced. Add chopped nuts for texture.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Oatmeal

Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

A serving of baked oatmeal topped with apple slices, nuts, and dried cranberries, drizzled with syrup, on a white plate with a fork. — Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This baked version combines apples and cranberries for a dish that’s tart, sweet, and filling. The top browns nicely while the fruit softens inside. It can be sliced and stored for the week. Easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

Instant Pot Peanut Butter Oatmeal

A red bowl filled with rice pudding, topped with grated chocolate, placed on a blue and white checkered cloth. — Instant Pot Peanut Butter Oatmeal. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Quick and hands-off, this version uses pressure cooking to get creamy oats fast. Peanut butter adds richness and protein. Top with banana slices, jam, or chopped nuts. A go-to for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Gingerbread Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal topped with whole pecans and a swirl of syrup, with a gold spoon resting inside the bowl. — Gingerbread Oatmeal. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves turn plain oats into something that tastes like the holidays. It’s warm, rich, and full of spice. Top with a bit of whipped cream or crushed graham crackers. A cold-weather favorite.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Oatmeal

Banana Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal topped with sliced bananas, drizzled chocolate, and shredded coconut, with a spoon inside. — Banana Oatmeal. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mashed banana cooks directly into the oats, giving a creamy texture and mellow sweetness. Add cinnamon, peanut butter, or sliced banana on top. It’s filling and comes together fast. One of the most flexible base recipes.
Get the Recipe: Banana Oatmeal

Strawberry Oatmeal

Fresh or frozen strawberries melt into the oats during cooking, adding bright flavor and a soft pink hue. Vanilla or almond extract gives extra depth. Great with a swirl of yogurt or sliced almonds on top. Naturally sweet and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Oatmeal

Baked Chocolate Oatmeal

Cocoa powder and chocolate chips bake into a fudgy, cake-like breakfast. The edges crisp while the center stays soft. It’s sweet but not overly so, making it good for brunch or dessert. Serve warm with berries or whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chocolate Oatmeal