Apple Pie Overnight Oats

I love this recipe because I can prepare breakfast the night before and have it waiting for me in the morning. There is no cooking required for the basic version, and mixing everything together takes only a few minutes.

The combination of apple and cinnamon gives me the comforting flavor of apple pie without requiring me to bake anything. I can also adjust the sweetness and spices depending on my preferences.

I especially like how easy these overnight oats are to customize. I can add chia seeds for a thicker texture, nuts for crunch, extra fruit, or a spoonful of nut butter for a richer breakfast.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Old-fashioned rolled oats
• Apple
• Milk
• Greek yogurt
• Maple syrup or honey
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Chia seeds, optional
• Ground nutmeg, optional
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

I prefer old-fashioned rolled oats because they soften nicely overnight while keeping some texture. I avoid quick oats when I want a thicker consistency, and I do not use steel-cut oats as a direct substitute because they require a different amount of liquid and soaking time.

Directions

I start by washing and finely chopping or grating the apple. I can peel it first, but I usually leave the peel on for extra texture.

Next, I add the rolled oats, chopped apple, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, chia seeds, nutmeg, and a small pinch of salt to a jar or airtight container.

I stir everything thoroughly, making sure all of the oats are coated with the milk and yogurt mixture.

I cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, although I usually leave it overnight. During this time, the oats absorb the liquid and become soft and creamy.

In the morning, I stir the oats again. If the mixture is thicker than I want, I add a small splash of milk until it reaches my preferred consistency.

I finish my Apple Pie Overnight Oats with extra chopped apple, cinnamon, and pecans or walnuts. I can enjoy them cold directly from the refrigerator or warm them gently before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe is ideal for meal prep because I can easily prepare one serving or make several jars at the same time.

• Prep time: 5–10 minutes
• Chill time: At least 6 hours or overnight
• Total time: About 6 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Cooking time: None

When I prepare several servings, I divide the mixture among individual jars or containers so I can grab one whenever I need a quick breakfast.

Variations

For extra apple pie flavor, I cook the chopped apples briefly with cinnamon and a small amount of maple syrup before adding them to the oats. I let the apples cool before assembling the jars.

When I want more crunch, I add chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving. I wait until the morning to add them because this keeps the nuts from becoming soft overnight.

For a creamier version, I add a little extra Greek yogurt. I can also use vanilla yogurt, although I reduce the maple syrup because flavored yogurt is usually sweeter.

For dairy-free Apple Pie Overnight Oats, I use my favorite plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurt.

When I want a richer breakfast, I swirl in almond butter, peanut butter, or another nut butter before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store my Apple Pie Overnight Oats in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, I usually eat them within 3 to 4 days.

If I am preparing several jars for meal prep, I keep crunchy toppings such as nuts and granola separate and add them immediately before eating.

I usually enjoy overnight oats cold, but I can also serve them warm. I transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl or jar and heat them in short intervals, stirring between each one, until they reach my preferred temperature.

If the oats become too thick after refrigeration or reheating, I stir in a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats for Apple Pie Overnight Oats?

Yes, but I find that quick oats become much softer than old-fashioned rolled oats. I prefer rolled oats because they give me a creamy breakfast while still maintaining some texture.

Do I have to cook the apples first?

No. I can add finely chopped or grated raw apple directly to my overnight oats. When I want a softer texture and a flavor closer to traditional apple pie filling, I cook the apples with cinnamon before adding them.

Can I make Apple Pie Overnight Oats without yogurt?

Yes. I can leave out the yogurt and add a little extra milk instead. The finished oats will be slightly less creamy, so I sometimes add chia seeds or nut butter to create a thicker texture.

Can I warm up overnight oats?

Yes. Although I can eat them cold, I often warm them when I want a cozy breakfast. I microwave the oats in short intervals, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of milk if they become too thick.

What kind of apple is best for overnight oats?

I like using crisp apples with plenty of flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady give me a naturally sweet result, while Granny Smith works well when I want a more tart apple flavor.

Conclusion

These Apple Pie Overnight Oats give me the warm, comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon in an easy make-ahead breakfast. I can prepare them in just a few minutes before bed and have a creamy, satisfying meal waiting in the refrigerator the next morning.