Oatmeal with Dates (Crockpot Overnight Recipe)

Generously coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Use this size for one batch; doubling the recipe or using a mini slow cooker is not recommended for this method.
Nonstick cooking spray
Add the steel-cut oats, water and salt. Stir to combine.
1 cup traditional steel-cut oats, 4 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt
Check that all date pits have been removed, then scatter the whole dates over the oat mixture. No chopping or tearing needed.
1 cup soft pitted Medjool dates
Sprinkle with cinnamon and place the butter on top.
1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 Tbsp salted butter
Cover and cook on Low for approximately 7 hours, until the oats are tender and the dates are very soft.
Add the vanilla. Gently mash with a potato masher to break up the dates, leaving some small pieces for texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Stir thoroughly. Stir in milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until creamy. A few tablespoons were enough in my tests.
2 Tbsp Milk or cream
Turn off the heat and let stand for 5–10 minutes. Add another splash of milk or cream if needed, then spoon into bowls and add toppings.
chopped toasted pecans, additional milk or cream, ground cinnamon