Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear

Oat Milk: I love using oat milk for its creamy texture, but you can swap it out with any plant-based or whole milk you prefer.
Cold Water: Adds moisture and keeps the porridge from being overly thick before cooking.
Steel-Cut Oats: They provide that perfect chew and hold up amazingly well overnight.
Light Brown Sugar: For a subtle caramel-like sweetness that complements the fruit beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, but feel free to use a dairy-free spread if needed.
Kosher Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors.
Red Pear: Thinly sliced, this adds natural sweetness and freshness right on top.
Chopped Toasted Walnuts: Toasting gives those walnuts a deeper, nuttier flavor—don’t skip this!
Golden Raisins: For pops of natural sweetness and chewiness.
Heavy Cream: Optional, but I love a little cream stirred in for extra decadence.
Chia Seeds: They add a fun crunch and boost fiber and omega-3s.
Honey: A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and fruit.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth to every bite.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

This Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon recipe is so flexible! I often tweak it based on what I have in the kitchen or what my family prefers—feel free to customize it.

Use Different Fruits: I’ve swapped pears for apples or even diced peaches in the summer and loved the change in flavor.
Nut Substitutes: Try pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
Sweetener Swaps: Maple syrup works beautifully instead of brown sugar or honey if you want a deeper sweetness.
Dietary Modifications: To keep it vegan, skip the heavy cream or use a coconut cream alternative—still delicious!

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon Recipe

Step 1: Get the Slow Cooker Ready and Combine Your Base

Start by adding the oat milk, cold water, steel-cut oats, brown sugar, butter, and kosher salt into your slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir just to combine everything. I’ve learned that avoiding vigorous stirring at this point helps prevent the oats from clumping during the slow cooking process.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow for Creamy Goodness

Set your slow cooker to low and let everything cook for 7 to 8 hours. I usually start it just before bedtime and wake up to incredible porridge. If your slow cooker allows, give it a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to keep the oats extra creamy—but don’t worry if you can’t.

Step 3: Portion and Top Like a Pro

When morning comes, divide the porridge into four bowls. Then top each serving with pear slices, walnuts, raisins, a drizzle of heavy cream, chia seeds, a touch of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This combination not only tastes amazing but also adds layers of texture and flavor that everyone will love.

Step 4: Optional Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re prepping ahead for a busy week, you can make the porridge (without toppings) up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and just reheat before adding your fresh toppings.

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Pro Tips for Making Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon Recipe

Slow Cooker Timing: I found that cooking on low for 7-8 hours yields the creamiest texture without drying out the oats.
Toast Your Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch, making the topping extra special.
Fresh Fruit Last: Add fresh pear slices just before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.
Avoid Over-Stirring: Stir gently during cooking, or not at all, to prevent the oats from becoming gummy.

How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon Recipe

A light blue bowl holds a creamy oatmeal base with visible soft texture. On top, from left to right, there are dark golden raisins, crushed walnuts with rich warm brown tones, a large patch of tiny black chia seeds, and thinly sliced red pear arranged in a neat fan shape. The oatmeal is drizzled with a light brown syrup and sprinkled with a fine dusting of cinnamon powder. A silver spoon is partly submerged in the oatmeal, resting at the bottom right edge of the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic toppings from the recipe—fresh pear slices for juiciness, toasted walnuts for crunch, and a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top for a warm aroma that fills the kitchen and invites everyone to the table.

Side Dishes

This porridge is quite filling on its own, but I like pairing it with a side of Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg if I want some extra protein. On weekends, sometimes my family enjoys it alongside freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a cozy breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I love serving this porridge in pretty glass jars layered with extra sliced pears, walnut halves, and a dusting of cinnamon. Adding edible flowers or a sprig of fresh mint on top really elevates the look and makes breakfast feel like a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover porridge (without toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to three days. Before reheating, give it a good stir to restore creaminess — sometimes the oats settle during storage.

Freezing

While I rarely freeze this particular porridge, I have tried freezing in small portions. It thaws well in the fridge overnight, but the texture is a bit softer, so I prefer to eat it fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the porridge in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until warm and creamy. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk or water helps loosen the texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats for this recipe?

You can, but rolled oats cook faster and tend to become mushier, so I recommend reducing the cooking time significantly if you try this with rolled oats. For the best texture and slow cooker timing, steel-cut oats are ideal.
Is it necessary to use a slow cooker for overnight porridge?

The slow cooker makes this especially easy and ensures a creamy texture without much attention, but you can prepare a similar porridge on the stove overnight using a very low heat if you prefer—just watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and swap the butter and heavy cream with vegan alternatives like coconut oil and coconut cream. The flavor remains rich and comforting.
How do I prevent the pears from browning?

Slice the pears just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. If you need to prep early, toss them lightly in lemon juice to slow down browning.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon recipe has become such a breakfast staple for me—it’s the perfect blend of cozy, nourishing, and easy. I hope you’ll find as much joy in waking up to this creamy, flavorful porridge as I do. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to way to start the day right, filled with simple ingredients and a whole lot of love.

If you’re anything like me, busy mornings sometimes leave little room for a hearty breakfast. That’s why I absolutely love this Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon recipe — it’s a game changer. You can prepare it the night before, and in the morning, it’s all ready to enjoy: creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors that just sing together.

What I adore most about this recipe is how the warm cinnamon and toasted walnuts pair beautifully with fresh pear slices, making each bite feel both cozy and refreshing. Whether you need a nourishing start to a hectic day or something wholesome to fuel a relaxed weekend morning, this Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon recipe fits the bill perfectly.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Convenience: You set it up before bed and wake to a warm, ready-made breakfast.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet pear, crunchy walnuts, and cozy cinnamon make every bite satisfying.
Versatile Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
Family-Friendly: My kids absolutely go crazy for this porridge, and I bet yours will too.

A white bowl filled with a creamy oatmeal base, covered with four main toppings in separate sections: golden raisins on the left, dark chia seeds in the middle, light brown walnut pieces below the raisins, and six thin slices of red apple arranged fan-like on the right. The apple slices are sprinkled with a fine dusting of cinnamon and drizzled lightly with honey. A spoon is partially submerged in the oatmeal on the bottom right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon recipe are a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. When shopping, look for a ripe but firm red pear and fresh walnuts for the best texture and flavor.

Oat Milk: I love using oat milk for its creamy texture, but you can swap it out with any plant-based or whole milk you prefer.
Cold Water: Adds moisture and keeps the porridge from being overly thick before cooking.
Steel-Cut Oats: They provide that perfect chew and hold up amazingly well overnight.
Light Brown Sugar: For a subtle caramel-like sweetness that complements the fruit beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, but feel free to use a dairy-free spread if needed.
Kosher Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors.
Red Pear: Thinly sliced, this adds natural sweetness and freshness right on top.
Chopped Toasted Walnuts: Toasting gives those walnuts a deeper, nuttier flavor—don’t skip this!
Golden Raisins: For pops of natural sweetness and chewiness.
Heavy Cream: Optional, but I love a little cream stirred in for extra decadence.
Chia Seeds: They add a fun crunch and boost fiber and omega-3s.
Honey: A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and fruit.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth to every bite.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

This Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon recipe is so flexible! I often tweak it based on what I have in the kitchen or what my family prefers—feel free to customize it.

Use Different Fruits: I’ve swapped pears for apples or even diced peaches in the summer and loved the change in flavor.
Nut Substitutes: Try pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
Sweetener Swaps: Maple syrup works beautifully instead of brown sugar or honey if you want a deeper sweetness.
Dietary Modifications: To keep it vegan, skip the heavy cream or use a coconut cream alternative—still delicious!

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Porridge with Pear, Walnuts, and Cinnamon Recipe

Step 1: Get the Slow Cooker Ready and Combine Your Base