Let’s be honest—mornings can be rough. But imagine waking up to the cozy aroma of warm strawberries, creamy oats, and just a whisper of vanilla floating through your kitchen. This Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal for Two is exactly the kind of breakfast that makes you want to get out of bed. It’s sweet, satisfying, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a weekday treat when you need a little extra comfort.
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This recipe is tailored for just two servings, which makes it ideal for a quiet breakfast with your partner, a best friend sleepover, or even a little solo self-care moment (because you deserve it). And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work while you sleep. Trust me, this one’s going to become a breakfast favorite.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal for Two
Versatile
Great for breakfast in bed, cozy brunches, or meal prep for the week ahead. You can even switch up the fruit depending on the season—blueberries, peaches, or apples would all be amazing.
Budget-Friendly
Uses pantry staples and fresh or frozen strawberries. No need to splurge on anything fancy, but the results taste like a breakfast you’d get at a café.
Quick and Easy
Okay, technically it’s slow-cooked, but it’s as easy as dumping everything in the crock pot and waking up to a dreamy breakfast. Zero morning effort required.
Customizable
Love it extra creamy? Add more milk. Want it sweeter? Drizzle with maple syrup or honey. You can even stir in protein powder or flaxseed for an extra health boost.
Crowd-Pleasing
Even the pickiest eaters will fall for the creamy, fruity, just-sweet-enough flavor. It’s like dessert for breakfast—but wholesome!
Ingredients in Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal
This breakfast may be simple, but the flavor is anything but. Here’s what goes into this cozy bowl of goodness:
Steel-Cut Oats: The perfect base—chewy, hearty, and made for slow cooking. They hold their texture beautifully overnight.
Strawberries: Juicy and slightly tart, they soften into the oats and infuse every bite with berry goodness. Fresh or frozen both work!
Milk: Adds richness and that creamy texture we all love. Use dairy or your favorite plant-based alternative.
Water: Helps cook the oats without making them overly rich—balances things out nicely.
Vanilla Extract: A tiny splash brings warmth and depth. It makes the whole thing smell like a bakery in the best way.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries. Adjust to taste.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Heavy Cream or Greek Yogurt (for serving): This is what takes it over the top. That final swirl of creaminess? Swoon.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: If your slow cooker has a warm-up feature, turn it on for a few minutes while you prep your ingredients.
Combine Ingredients: In the crock pot, add steel-cut oats, milk, water, chopped strawberries, vanilla extract, maple syrup (or honey), and a pinch of salt. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (perfect overnight) or high for 2.5–3 hours if you’re making it in the morning. No need to stir—just let the magic happen.
Finishing Touches: Once done, give it a gentle stir. Add a splash of milk if it’s thicker than you like. Then top with a drizzle of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls, add a few fresh strawberry slices on top, and enjoy while warm. Maybe even with a cup of coffee or tea on the side. Pure bliss.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 280 (not including toppings)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 2.5–3 hours on high
Total Time: Overnight or up to 3 hours
How to Serve Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal for Two
This oatmeal is delicious as-is, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it feel extra special:
Fresh Berries: Top with extra strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for freshness and texture.
Creamy Accompaniments: A swirl of heavy cream, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or even a splash of almond milk makes it silky and luscious.
Crunch Factor: Add a sprinkle of granola, chopped nuts, or toasted coconut for some crunch.
Sweet Drizzle: A little maple syrup or honey on top adds a gorgeous sheen and sweet finish.
On the Go: Pour into a thermos or mason jar for a portable breakfast you’ll actually look forward to.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can chop the strawberries and measure everything the night before. Just toss it in before bed and wake up to breakfast ready to go.
Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Make it dairy-free by using plant milk and skipping the cream. Want more protein? Stir in a scoop of protein powder or collagen peptides.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen things up.
Double the Batch: Feeding more people? Just double the ingredients and cook time stays about the same—your crock pot can handle it!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?
A1: Rolled oats cook much faster and may become too mushy in the slow cooker. Steel-cut oats are best for overnight cooking.
Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A2: Yes! No need to thaw—just toss them in frozen and let the slow cooker do its thing.
Q3: How do I make this sweeter?
A3: Add more maple syrup, honey, or even a bit of brown sugar to taste. You can also stir in mashed banana or applesauce.
Q4: What’s the best non-dairy milk to use?
A4: Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well. Just choose one you enjoy drinking on its own.
Q5: Can I add other fruits?
A5: Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, apples, or even peaches would be amazing in this recipe.
Q6: Will it burn if I leave it on too long?
A6: Some slow cookers run hotter than others. If yours tends to overcook, try using a timer or cook for the shorter end of the time range.
Q7: Can I prepare this on the stovetop?
A7: Yes, just use the same ingredients and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Q8: How can I make it extra creamy?
A8: Use more milk, add a splash of cream, or stir in Greek yogurt after cooking.
Q9: Is it freezer-friendly?
A9: Yes! Portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Q10: Can I add protein powder?
A10: Absolutely! Stir it in after cooking to maintain texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal for Two is your new breakfast BFF. It’s warm, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet—like a cozy weekend morning in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with someone special, this dish proves that a little planning (and a slow cooker) goes a long way in starting your day deliciously. So go ahead—set it and forget it. Breakfast will be waiting.
Print
Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal for Two
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal for Two is a comforting and creamy breakfast made with steel cut oats, fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and vanilla, all slow-cooked for a rich, satisfying meal to start your day.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb strawberries, washed and sliced, divided
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup steel cut oats (Do not use old fashioned oats or quick oats.)
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed (1/2 of an 8 oz block)
Instructions
- In a heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the steel cut oats, sugar, milk, water, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Add 1/2 of the sliced strawberries and the cubed cream cheese to the mixture and stir gently.
- Carefully transfer the mixture into a 4-quart round slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the oats are tender and the oatmeal has reached your desired consistency.
- Once the oatmeal is done, stir in the remaining fresh strawberries and serve warm, garnished with extra strawberries if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier oatmeal, add a little extra milk or a spoonful of yogurt when serving.
- Feel free to add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness if desired.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk alternative and the cream cheese with a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg