Description

Have you ever wished for a warm, hearty breakfast that’s ready the moment you wake up? Overnight Peach Oatmeal is your dream come true! This cozy dish combines creamy steel-cut oats with sweet, juicy peaches and a hint of vanilla for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl

Ingredients

To make Overnight Peach Oatmeal, you’ll need a few ingredients that create a creamy, flavorful breakfast. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

Water (4 cups, or 3 cups for pressure cooker): The base for cooking the oats, helping them absorb liquid for a creamy texture.
Steel-Cut Oats (1 cup): Heartier and chewier than rolled oats, steel-cut oats hold up well during long cooking, perfect for overnight oatmeal.
Vanilla Soy Milk or Vanilla Almond Milk (¾ cup): Adds creaminess and a sweet, vanilla flavor. Non-dairy milk makes it vegan-friendly.
Brown Sugar (3 tbsp): Provides a light, caramel-like sweetness that complements the peaches.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract (¼ tsp): Boosts the vanilla flavor, adding warmth and depth. Almond extract can be used for a nuttier taste.
Peaches (2 medium, sliced, or 2 cups frozen unsweetened sliced peaches, thawed): Add juicy, sweet flavor and natural fruitiness. Fresh or frozen both work great.
Optional Toppings: Sliced almonds, extra brown sugar, cinnamon, and additional peach slices for texture and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Oats: Avoid rolled or quick oats, as they can become mushy. Use gluten-free steel-cut oats for a gluten-free version.
Milk: Swap with regular milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for different flavors or dietary needs.
Brown Sugar: Replace with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option.
Peaches: Substitute with nectarines, mango, berries, or apples.
Extract: Use almond extract for a nutty twist, or omit it and increase vanilla milk to 1 cup.
Toppings: Try chopped pecans, chia seeds, or dried fruit like raisins or apricots.

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Instructions

Slow Cooker Method

Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Grease a 9-quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Tip: Greasing ensures easy cleanup and keeps the oatmeal from forming a crust.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a slow cooker, combine 4 cups water, 1 cup steel-cut oats, ¾ cup vanilla soy or almond milk, 3 tbsp brown sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp vanilla extract.
- Stir well to mix evenly.
- Tip: Stir gently to avoid splashing, and ensure the sugar and salt are dissolved.
Cook Overnight:
- Cover and cook on low for 7–9 hours, until the oats are tender and creamy.
- Tip: Check at 7 hours to avoid overcooking; slow cookers vary. Set it up before bed for morning readiness.
Add Peaches:
- Just before serving, stir in 2 sliced medium peaches or 2 cups thawed frozen peaches.
- Tip: If using fresh peaches, slice them thinly for even distribution.
Serve:
- Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and add optional toppings like sliced almonds, a sprinkle of brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, or extra peach slices.
- Tip: Serve hot for the coziest experience, and stir before serving to blend flavors.

Pressure Cooker Option

Prepare the Pressure Cooker:
- Coat a 6-quart electric pressure cooker insert with cooking spray.
- Tip: Use a non-stick insert if available to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add 3 cups water, 1 cup steel-cut oats, ¾ cup vanilla soy or almond milk, 3 tbsp brown sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp vanilla extract to the pressure cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Tip: Use less water than the slow cooker method to account for pressure cooking’s efficiency.
Cook:
- Lock the lid and close the pressure-release valve.
- Set to pressure-cook on high for 4 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally (about 10–15 minutes).
- Tip: Don’t rush the natural release to ensure the oats cook evenly.
Add Peaches:
- Open the lid and stir in 2 sliced medium peaches or 2 cups thawed frozen peaches.
- Tip: The oatmeal will thicken as it stands, so stir well to incorporate the peaches.
Serve:
- Spoon into bowls and top with optional sliced almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, or extra peaches.
- Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture, as it thickens upon standing.