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Strawberry Malt Slow Cooker Oatmeal

April 15, 2013


If you couldn’t tell from my bananas foster oatmeal or any of my decadent pancakes, I’m a big fan of dessert for breakfast.  If I have leftover cake or any cookies laying around, I will devour them before I’m even fully awake.  This is triply true on a Monday!

malt-oatmeal-plain

One of my absolute favorite desserts is a strawberry malt, with several extra scoops of malt powder.  I noticed I had a large bag of frozen strawberries in the freezer that were on their last leg and knew I had to do something with them to prevent me from making a million milk shakes.  My favorite thing about the weekend is seeing just how lazy I can be, so I immediately reached for my slow cooker.  Throw everything in, go to sleep, wake up and eat – nice and lazy!

malt-oatmeal-whipped-cream

If you’re gluten free or vegan, I haven’t been able to find a good malted milk substitute for you.  I ate a few bites without the malt powder, and it wasn’t quite at milkshake status.  I’d suggest adding a little creamer (vegan or otherwise) and maybe some extra vanilla, and of course topping with whipped cream.  If you can/do use malt powder, this gets super-decadent-breakfast status.  This tasted exactly like I had mixed a real strawberry malt into my oatmeal, in the best possible way.

malt-oatmeal-spoon

Strawberry Malt Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Author: 
 

Ingredients
  • 1 c steel cut oats
  • 2 ½ c water
  • 1 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or other milk with a splash of vanilla)
  • 2 c frozen whole unsweetened strawberries (could use fresh)
  • 2 – 3 tbsp agave nectar
  • 5 tbsp malt powder
  • whipped cream (or chocolate chips, fresh strawberries, nuts)

Instructions
  1. Spritz your slow cooker with nonstick spray to avoid sticking.
  2. Add the oats, water, milk, and strawberries. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 7 – 10 hours. You may get some sticking to the sides, but this oatmeal is still good (actually, it’s VERY good). If you’re awake, stir occasionally – but it’s okay if you don’t.
  3. When ready to eat, remove the cover. If it’s not thick enough, switch to high and let cook uncovered for 10 – 15 minutes. If it’s too thick, stir in additional water or milk.
  4. Add agave nectar, adjusting to personal tastes, and stir in malt powder.
  5. Serve and top with whipped cream.

Notes
I like soupy oatmeal, so I made mine with 3 c water. The 2 ½ cups listed will give you a more traditional oatmeal consistency.

Nutrition Information
Calories: 195 Fat: 3g Carbohydrates: 39g Fiber: 5g Protein: 4g

 

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19 Comments
    Tina @ Tina's Chic Apr 19, 2013

    I’m lovin’ this recipe! Easy, healthy and tasty…hard to go wrong. I need to use my slow cooker more often so this is the perfect excuse. 🙂

    Joanne Apr 18, 2013

    Turning breakfast into dessert is definitely a fun way to start the day! Love the sound of this!

    Sally Apr 17, 2013

    Healthy, heart, sweet, and comforting. I love slow cooker oatmeal! And what a wonderful change from regular oatmeal. Loving the flavor!

      Kelly Apr 17, 2013

      I thought this desserty flavor would be your style 🙂 Thanks!

    Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes Apr 17, 2013

    Mmm this sound so healthy and delicious! Oatmeal is my favorite breakfast of all time. This would be a nice change to just plain oatmeal!

      Kelly Apr 17, 2013

      Thanks, Ashley

    Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ Apr 17, 2013

    Love this recipe! I’ve never thought of freezing strawberries but I guess It can be useful to keep them on hand anytime we need them. I’m a huge fan of oatmeal and looking for new recipes. I’ll try yours soon!

      Kelly Apr 17, 2013

      If I go berry picking in the summer, I’ll cut off the stems and freeze the strawberries to use later (especially because I “accidentally” get wayyyy too many)– great way to keep local produce available year round. Most grocery stores also sell frozen strawberries (sweetened and unsweetened) that I like to turn to in the winter when available strawberries around here are in pretty bad shape.

      Kelly Apr 16, 2013

      it’s pretty amazing. i forsee this being a breakfast i make almost always.

    Natalie Apr 16, 2013

    Looks super yummy, I have never used malt powder before though!

      Kelly Apr 16, 2013

      Malt powder isn’t any fancy, it’s usually found near chocolate syrup or Ovaltine. It’s usually only a dollar or two. If you like malts, it’s great to have around. Mixing some into chocolate milk is usually enough to squash a malted milkshake craving (plus I’ve used it to make an amazing chocolate malt b-day cake before.. hmm. might need to dig that recipe up to share!)

    Aimee @ ShugarySweets Apr 16, 2013

    What a perfect breakfast!!

    moderngirlnutrition Apr 15, 2013

    So creative! I have those same Pyrex glass containers- love them!

    angela@ anotherbiteplease Apr 15, 2013

    i am guilty…i love sneaking sweets for breakfast. and i mean that literally if my boys catch me grabbing cookies they want in on that. i haven’t bought strawberry malt before…make in a slow cooker great combo.

    girlversusdough Apr 15, 2013

    Ummm, this is GENIUS. Dessert for breakfast, just waiting for me in the morning already made? Sounds like heaven. 🙂

    Em @ Love A Latte Apr 15, 2013

    I’m all about the slow cooker too! Especially on the weekends… I did a chili this weekend. I haven’t tried any breakfast stuff in the slow cooker, but now I really think I should!

      Kelly Apr 15, 2013

      it’s SO nice to wake up to breakfast already made. Starts your day off a little quicker (and for lazy people like me, the smell of delicious oatmeal helps you wake up in the morning!)