When it’s cold outside, it can be hard to leave the comfort and warmth of those blankets. But with a big bowl of gingerbread oatmeal waiting for you, you won’t be able to wait until morning.

This slow cooker oatmeal is an easy make-ahead option for mornings because you can set it the night before and have it ready by morning. The smell alone will have you leaping out of bed. Oatmeal keeps well too, so individually portion out the leftovers, and microwave it all week long for a practical, healthy and fun breakfast Monday through Friday.

Whether you make this gingerbread oatmeal for Christmas morning or make a big batch for a snowy winter Sunday brunch, it’s sure to be a hit. Oatmeal is naturally heart-healthy so it’s a nutritious way to start any day — just choose your toppings wisely. Walnuts and a touch of whipped cream is way better than loads of butter. But this recipe honestly doesn’t need much more than a splash of milk to top it off. It’s perfectly seasonally spiced with all the wintertime favorite like ginger, molasses and nutmeg. I’d recommend a few raisins or walnuts, and maybe a dollop of Greek yogurt. If you’re serving it on Christmas morning, the kids might enjoy a few marshmallows or star sprinkles. Even with a few sweets on top, it will still be healthier than it’s cookie cousin.

Overnight gingerbread oatmeal

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 cups steel cut oats (must be steel cut oats)
• 8 cups filtered water
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp cloves
• Toppings of your choice: whipped cream, walnuts, raisins, chopped dates, apricots, marshmallows, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup etc.

Directions

1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker fully with cooking spray. (Butter is okay, but cooking spray is best.)
2. Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir. Cover and set to cook on low for 8 hours. Stir occasionally if desired, but cooking spray will allow ingredients not to stick if you decide to cook overnight.
3. Add toppings of your choice.
4. Enjoy!
5. Portion out and store the rest in the fridge. Reheat the rest of the week by adding a bit of milk or water and popping in the microwave.

Adapted from The Seasoned Mom

Also see, learn how to build a charcuterie board like a pro. 

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