Start your morning with a comforting bowl of Overnight Breakfast Porridge — warm, creamy, and naturally satisfying. This make-ahead breakfast practically cooks itself while you sleep, leaving you with a cozy, ready-to-eat meal as soon as you wake up. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome start to your day, an easy weekend brunch idea, or a nourishing meal prep option, this recipe brings flavor, texture, and comfort together in one spoonful.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Morning Magic – The slow cooker does all the work while you rest — wake up to perfectly creamy oats every time.
- Customizable & Wholesome – Made with oat milk, fresh pear, and walnuts, it’s easy to adapt to your taste or dietary needs.
- Naturally Sweet & Comforting – Light brown sugar and honey add a gentle sweetness without overpowering the oats.
- Perfect for Busy Schedules – Prepped in minutes and ideal for meal planning or feeding a family.
- Restaurant-Worthy Texture – Steel-cut oats slowly cook into a rich, velvety porridge that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
Ingredients Needed
For the Oat Base
- 2 cups oat milk (or any preferred milk such as almond, soy, or whole milk)
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 1/4 cup (55 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
For the Toppings (per serving)
- 1 red pear, thinly sliced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 4 Tbsp toasted walnuts, chopped
- 4 Tbsp golden raisins
- 4 Tbsp heavy cream
- 4 tsp chia seeds
- 4 tsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
💡 Tip: Prepare the toppings in advance so you can quickly assemble in the morning.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Porridge
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In your slow cooker, mix together the milk, water, steel-cut oats, brown sugar, butter, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
🕐 Why this matters: Mixing first ensures the oats cook evenly and prevents clumping or scorching.
Step 2: Slow Cook Overnight
Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 7 to 8 hours, or until the oats are soft and the texture is thick and creamy.
🔍 Visual cue: The porridge should be smooth and rich, with the oats holding their shape but tender to the bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the warm porridge into four bowls. Top each with pear slices, 1 tablespoon each of walnuts, raisins, and cream, plus 1 teaspoon each of chia seeds, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
🍯 Mini tip: Drizzle the honey just before serving to enhance the aroma and sweetness.
Step 4: Make Ahead Option
Cooked porridge (without toppings) can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Let it cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until creamy again.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Ideas: Serve with a few extra pear slices, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a café-style finish.
- Add Some Color: Top with pomegranate seeds, sliced banana, or a handful of fresh berries.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tip: Stir in a bit of milk or oat milk when reheating to restore the silky texture.
Helpful Notes
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and swap the honey for maple syrup.
- Texture Tip: Prefer thicker porridge? Reduce the liquid slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace walnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Overnight Breakfast Porridge
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Combine Ingredients – Add oat milk, water, oats, brown sugar, butter, and salt to your slow cooker. Stir to combine evenly and prevent clumping.
- Step 2: Slow Cook Overnight – Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours, or until oats are creamy and tender. Stir before serving to ensure even texture.
- Step 3: Assemble the Bowls – Divide porridge among four bowls. Top each with pear slices, 1 Tbsp walnuts, raisins, cream, chia seeds, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Step 4: Make Ahead Option – Store cooked porridge (without toppings) in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk until creamy again.
Notes
Conclusion
This Overnight Breakfast Porridge transforms your mornings with minimal effort and maximum comfort. The creamy oats, sweet pears, and crunchy walnuts create a perfectly balanced breakfast you’ll look forward to every time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or treating yourself to a slow weekend morning, this recipe is a true breakfast hero.
If you try it, don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below — it helps others find and love this recipe too!
✨ What toppings do you like to add to your morning porridge? Share your favorites in the comments or tag us on Pinterest or Facebook!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats hold up better during overnight cooking, but you can use rolled oats for a softer, creamier texture. Reduce cooking time to about 2–3 hours on Low.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free and check your other ingredients for cross-contamination.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simmer all base ingredients on the stovetop over low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy.
Can I freeze Overnight Breakfast Porridge?
Yes. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat with extra milk to loosen the texture.
How can I make it more protein-rich?
Stir in a scoop of protein powder, Greek yogurt, or nut butter after cooking for an added boost.