Overnight Apple Oatmeal in the Crockpot (Whole Apples)

Coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the steel-cut oats, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir briefly to combine.
1 cup regular steel-cut oats, 4 cups water, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt
Nestle the peeled, cored apples into the oatmeal mixture, leaving them whole. Divide the butter among the apple centers or place it over the tops.
3-4 medium apples, 2 Tbsp butter
Cover and cook on low for approximately 7 hours, until the oats are cooked and the apples are very soft and easy to mash.
Mash the apples directly into the oatmeal with a spoon or potato masher, leaving some soft pieces if desired.
Stir in the vanilla. Add milk or cream as needed to reach your desired consistency.
1 tsp vanilla extract, Milk or cream
Serve warm with maple syrup, chopped pecans, extra cinnamon or an additional splash of milk or cream.
Chopped pecans and maple syrup