When the temperature starts to dip, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a slow cooker meal or treat simmering away all day. Here’s one of our favorite ways to turn an everyday staple into something extra special: Creamy Coconut Chai Latte Slow Cooker Oats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 4 cups unsweetened coconut milk (from a carton or can, shaken)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
- 2 chai tea bags — or 1 teaspoon loose chai tea blend, tied in cheesecloth
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: extra cinnamon, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions
Begin by preparing your slow cooker with a light coating of cooking spray or a gentle swirl of coconut oil. Combine the oats, coconut milk, brown sugar, chai tea bags, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt right in the pot. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute spices evenly.
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for about 3 hours, or until the oats are thick and creamy. If you notice the mixture getting too thick, stir in a little extra coconut milk or water to keep things silky. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the chai tea bags (or cheesecloth bundle) to avoid an overpowering flavor.
Once the cooking time is up, spoon the warm oats into bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a handful of shredded coconut, your favorite nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Enjoy while steamy hot!
These Creamy Coconut Chai Latte Slow Cooker Oats are the perfect way to start a frosty morning—rich, aromatic, and brimming with comforting spices. Anyone looking for a simple, nourishing breakfast will appreciate this recipe, and it’s easily adaptable with nondairy milks or sweeteners to suit different dietary needs.
Swap out the chai tea bags for a pinch of nutmeg or ginger if you like, or stir in fresh fruit before serving for even more flavor. Above all, these oats embody the cozy, satisfying spirit of cold-weather slow cooker meals—just one taste, and you’ll understand why they deserve a spot on your breakfast table.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
