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Mocha Slow Cooker Oats

October 21, 2013


If you don’t count my sweetpotato quesadilla, this will be my first Recipe Redux  challenge.  This month, t he challenge was a non-casserole dish made in a slow cooker.  If you scroll through my archives, you’ll see that I don’t really use a slow cooker very often, despite loving the convenience more than anything.

Mocha Slow Cooker Oats

Normally, what I want most in the morning is a big cup of coffee.  I generally prefer to drink it black with no frills.  However, coffee doesn’t love me as much as I love it.  If I start my day with a cup of coffee and no solid breakfast base, I have a fantastic heart burn/stomach ache combo all day.  I’m usually pretty short on time (as I imagine most people are in the mornings!) so I really wanted to be able to combine my coffee with my breakfast and get out the door.

Mocha Slow Cooker Oats

One of my most popular recipes is my banana’s foster oatmeal which is made in a slow cooker, so I decided to use that as a jumping off point.  That recipe also inspired my strawberry malt oatmeal, which I think is a little under appreciated.  Both of those recipes sneak some fruit into your breakfast, but I think having a swap for a fatty, extra sugary designer coffee in your arsenal is just as important.  Enter: Mocha slow cooker oats.  This slow cooked breakfast will satisfy all of your mocha cravings.  I dare say you could even eat this for dessert (Josh definitely did!).

Feeling a white mocha or a pumpkin spice latte?  Come back later this week, I’ve got you covered!

Mocha Slow Cooker Oats
Author: 
Serves: 4
 

Ingredients
  • 1 c steel cut oats
  • 2 c coffee, room temperature (see note)
  • 1 c unsweetened almond milk or any low fat milk
  • 1 c water
  • ¼ c preferred sweetener, to taste (see note)
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • Optional toppings: light whipped cream, chocolate shavings, strawberries, milk, peanut butter

Instructions
  1. If food tends to stick in your slow cooker, spritz with nonstick spray.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and stir until well mixed.
  3. Cook on low for approximately 8 hours.
  4. Remove lid and stir. If you prefer a thicker oatmeal, turn to high and let cook, stirring occasionally, until desired thickness is reached.
  5. Serve topped with light whipped cream, chocolate shavings, strawberries, or whatever delicious flavors you can think of.

Notes
Allow coffee to cool to room temperature or your oats will not cook evenly. In a pinch, place your coffee in the freezer for 10 minutes or make an extra strong pot and dilute with ice cubes.
Decaffinated coffee will work just as well. Can sub out for water if you just want chocolate oatmeal.
Any sweetener that dissolves will work here, keeping in mind that any strong flavors wont be covered 100% by the cocoa powder. If using a liquid sweetener, reduce water volume accordingly. (Nutritional estimate uses agave nectar).

Nutrition Information
Calories: 155 Fat: 3g Carbohydrates: 32g Fiber: 4g Protein: 4g

 

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16 Comments
    Serena Ball Oct 26, 2013

    Yum! What a brilliant idea… Pumpkin latte is right up my alley too. I’ve done boring apple…but these combos…incl strawberry sound great!

    dianeboy Oct 23, 2013

    Great way to combine coffee and chocolate! YUM!

    anecdotesandapples Oct 22, 2013

    Amazing! I love the thought of chocolate for breakfast…and I love that you used your slow cooker here too!

    Amanda - RunToTheFinish Oct 22, 2013

    wow did I stumble upon you the right day!! I have been searching for more slow cooker recipes and not only is that great, but what a link up. wohoo, time to pin like crazy!

      Kelly Oct 22, 2013

      Sounds like you definitely picked the best day!

    Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl Oct 21, 2013

    I love a slow cooker recipe.. but with oats, I absolutely love it! This is perfect! I gotta try this out with a nice cup of tea. 🙂

    Shundara@SavyNaturalista Oct 21, 2013

    I can get coffee and oats in one serving I am all for it! This is a lovely recipe 🙂

    Marcie Oct 21, 2013

    These oats look so delicious, Kelly, and I love that there’s coffee in them! I must have food with my morning cup also, or my stomach will feel the same as you described. This would be a great way to wake up!

    Christine @ 24 Carrot Kitchen Oct 21, 2013

    I have been looking for a healthy way to snazz up my oats in the morning. I can envision this on a cool autumn or cold snowy morning. Yum!

      Kelly Oct 21, 2013

      It definitely beats standing over a pot and stirring for 20 minutes! Ain’t no body got time for that 🙂

    Em @ Love A Latte Oct 21, 2013

    This looks like the most amazing thing!!! Coffee plus oats = heaven! I’m saving this recipe to make soon! Can’t wait 🙂

    Julia Oct 21, 2013

    I love yooooooooouuuuu…..I honestly love you…..I <3 you + this oatmeal! I've never made slow cooker oatmeal but have been meaning to for about a gazillion years. The mocha version sounds amazing and I'm all up on it this winter. I want to get snowed in and eat a crock pot full of this deliciousness!