1-First, coat the slow cooker with butter, coconut oil, or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures your oatmeal doesn’t turn into a mess at the bottom.

2-Next, add 1 cup steel-cut oats, 2 ½ cups water, 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt into the slow cooker and mix well.

3-Set your slow cooker to low heat for 6-8 hours, with 7 hours being ideal if you have a programmable model that can switch to warm. This timing lets the flavors meld perfectly overnight.

4-In the morning, stir the oatmeal thoroughly as it might have settled, then serve it in bowls topped with extra maple syrup, chopped nuts, and almond milk for a personalized touch.

5-After enjoying your meal, cool any leftovers and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you need to reheat, do so on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of milk or water to keep it creamy.

6-For more ideas on slow cooking, check out our guide to slow cooker basics to enhance your kitchen skills!