Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it takes just minutes to prep yet gives you a nourishing, delicious breakfast waiting for you in the morning. The apples bring natural sweetness and texture, while cinnamon adds cozy warmth. It’s easy to customize with nuts, seeds, or different milks, and it’s perfect whether you eat it straight from the fridge or warmed up.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- Milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Yogurt (plain or flavored, optional)
- Apple (peeled or unpeeled, diced or grated)
- Ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener
- Chia seeds (optional, for thickening)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds), nut butter, raisins or dried fruit, extra apple slices
Directions
- Combine the base ingredients
In a jar or container with a lid, stir together rolled oats, milk, yogurt (if using), sweetener, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. - Add the apple and optional thickener
Fold in the diced or grated apple and sprinkle in chia seeds (if using). Stir to combine so the apple is distributed evenly. - Seal and refrigerate
Cover the jar or container with a lid or airtight cover. Refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6–8 hours). During this time, the oats will absorb the liquid and soften. - Check consistency and adjust
In the morning, stir the oats. If too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. If you prefer a warmer version, you may gently microwave it for a minute or two (stirring halfway) or heat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little extra milk if needed. - Add toppings and serve
Top with additional apple slices, nuts, nut butter, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon just before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1 to 2 jars (depending on container size)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Soaking time: 6–8 hours or overnight
Total time: ~6–8 hours (mostly passive)
Variations
- Apple compote version: Instead of raw apple, cook apple pieces with a little butter, cinnamon, and sweetener until soft. Let cool and stir into the oats before refrigerating.
- Caramel apple twist: Mix in a teaspoon of apple butter or a drizzle of caramel sauce before or after soaking.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of protein powder or stir in Greek yogurt.
- Nutty version: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almond slices for crunch.
- Dried fruit: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates for extra chew and sweetness.
- Spice blend: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon.
- Overnight porridge style: Use steel-cut oats rather than rolled oats (requires more liquid and longer soaking) or gently heat them before serving to soften further.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) and skip or use non-dairy yogurt and sweetener.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Keep the overnight oats covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. If left longer, the texture may become overly soft or soggy.
Reheating:
If you like them warm, gently heat in a microwave-safe bowl or jar (covered loosely) in 30-second intervals, stirring and adding a splash of milk if needed. Or warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring and adding liquid to reach your preferred consistency.
When serving cold, give the oats a stir to redistribute moisture and break up any settled bits, then add your favorite fresh toppings.
FAQs
What type of oats should I use?
Rolled (old-fashioned) oats work best—they absorb liquid well without becoming too mushy. Quick oats can make a softer texture; steel-cut oats require more liquid/time or gentle pre-cooking.
Do I have to peel the apple?
No—you can leave the skin on for extra fiber and texture. Just wash thoroughly and dice or grate finely so it softens during soaking.
Can I use frozen apple chunks?
Yes. Thaw or partially thaw them before mixing in so they release some juice and soften during soaking.
Can I make multiple jars ahead?
Yes—prepare several jars at once, and store them in the fridge. Use within 2–3 days for best texture.
Will the oats get soggy?
They’ll soften, but not become overly mushy if ratios are balanced. The use of chia seeds can help maintain thickness. If they become too thick, add more liquid before serving.
Can I skip the yogurt?
Yes. Yogurt adds creaminess and tang, but you can omit it and increase milk proportion accordingly.
Is this breakfast suitable for weight control or healthy diets?
Yes. It’s fiber-rich, customizable, and usually lower in added sugars. You can control portions, sweetener, and toppings to suit your dietary needs.
Can I use this as a snack or dessert?
Absolutely. Adjust sweetness, toppings, or add a drizzle of nut butter or fruit compote to make it more dessert-like.
How do I prevent separation or puddles at the top?
Stir well before serving to incorporate any liquid that separated overnight. If it seems too loose, drain off excess liquid or add extra oats or chia to absorb it.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes—just mix in a scoop with your wet ingredients, and possibly reduce some of the liquid to maintain texture.
Conclusion
Apple cinnamon overnight oats are convenient, nourishing, and delicious. With minimal effort the night before, you wake to a satisfying, flavorful breakfast that can adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you enjoy them cold or warm, with crunchy toppings or smooth and creamy, they’re an easy way to start your day right.
PrintApple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are a make-ahead breakfast featuring rolled oats soaked with diced apples, cinnamon, and milk or yogurt. They develop a creamy, pudding-like texture overnight and are perfect for busy mornings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6–8 hours (soaking time)
- Yield: 1–2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup yogurt (optional, plain or flavored)
- 1 small apple, diced or grated
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 1 tsp chia seeds (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, nut butter, raisins or dried fruit, extra apple slices
Instructions
- In a jar or container, combine oats, milk, yogurt (if using), sweetener, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Stir well.
- Add diced or grated apple and chia seeds (if using). Mix until evenly distributed.
- Seal the jar or cover the container and refrigerate overnight (6–8 hours) to allow oats to absorb the liquid.
- In the morning, stir the oats. Add a splash of milk if too thick. Warm gently if preferred.
- Top with extra apple slices, nuts, or other toppings before serving.
Notes
- Rolled oats work best for texture; avoid instant oats if possible.
- For a softer apple flavor, use grated apple or cooked apple compote.
- Add chia seeds for extra thickness and omega-3 boost.
- Store up to 2–3 days in the fridge; stir before serving.
- Vegan-friendly if made with plant-based milk and yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
