These Hot Cocoa Steel Cut Oats made completely in the slow cooker are truly the most perfect winter breakfast! All the things you love about hot cocoa rolled up into a nutritious breakfast. Enjoy!
We love steel cut oats forever and ever, and you will too! From these hot cocoa oats to these creamy coconut steel cut oats and even these overnight steel cut oats, this nutritious breakfast option can’t be beat!
Oatmeal fans, this recipe is for you! Introducing our hot cocoa steel-cut oats –think if hot cocoa and oatmeal had a baby. This recipe features steel cut oats, cocoa powder, almond milk, and maple syrup. It’s also completely made in the crockpot for a hands-off approach to breakfast!
The rundown: simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-4 hours.
What do you need for hot cocoa steel cut oats?
- Steel cut oats
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Almond Milk
- Maple syrup
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Can I add protein powder?
Feel free to add a few scoops of your favorite chocolate protein powder. We recommend adding around 1/2 cup more almond milk if you choose to do this.
Can I use a different milk?
Any kind of milk will work for this recipe. Try oat or soy.
Can I use quick-cooking steel cut oats?
For this recipe method, we do not recommend quick-cooking steel cut oats as the liquid to oats ratio is different.
Stovetop Directions
We also tested this recipe on the stovetop in case you were hoping to speed the cooking time up!
- Add all of the ingredients into a medium pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and let your oats simmer. Be on standby because you’ll need to stir your oats every so often so that they don’t stick to the pot.
How to Serve these Oats
We loved serving these oats in a mug with a few marshmallows just like classic hot chocolate. I’ve personally eaten these oats topped with banana and peanut butter for another delicious option.
Storage
We recommend storing your steel-cut oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days — perfect for meal prep breakfasts for the week!
To reheat: transfer the oats back into a pot and add a splash of milk. Heat over medium heat until hot. Add as much milk as needed.
Instructions
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First, spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Then, place all ingredients in slow cooker and whisk until most of the cocoa powder has disolved.
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Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours, stirring every 30-60 minutes to prevent sticking. You know your steel cut oats are done cooking after the majority of the liquid has absorbed and the oats have become chewy.
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Top with mini marshmallows or chocolate chips, and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
- Maple syrup: option to add more maple syrup once the steel cut oatmeal is done cooking. 1/4 cup maple syrup will give you more of a dark chocolate flavor, so if you want it sweeter, feel free to add more!
- Due to the potential for sticking in slow cooker, we don’t recommend making this recipe overnight, or unattended when it cannot be stirred regularly.
Nutrition facts
Calories: 253kcal Carbohydrates: 43g Protein: 8g Fat: 6g Fiber: 9g Sugar: 8g
