Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are always on my meal prep list when I know the week ahead will be busy. It only takes a few minutes to prep the night before, and breakfast is ready in the fridge the next morning. It's an easy breakfast idea that makes getting out the door just a little easier.
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Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
There are mornings when cooking breakfast simply isn't realistic. That's when I'm especially happy to find a jar of these oats waiting in the fridge. If you've been searching for an apple overnight oatmeal recipe that's filling and made with everyday ingredients, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Fresh apples add natural sweetness, the oats soften as they chill, and the cinnamon gives every spoonful a classic apple-cinnamon flavor. It's a breakfast that's just as enjoyable on a busy weekday as it is with a slow cup of coffee on the weekend.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
A few minutes of prep is all it takes. Add the ingredients to a jar, cover it, and let the refrigerator do the work overnight.
Everyone can make it their own. Leave the apples diced for more texture, grate them for a smoother consistency, or finish each serving with your favorite toppings.
It makes meal prep simple. Prepare several jars at once and you'll have breakfast ready for the next few days.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients for this recipe.
Apples add natural sweetness and a little texture. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are all great choices, but any apple you enjoy eating will work.
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice because they soften overnight while still keeping a little bite. Quick oats become much softer, while steel-cut oats need a different amount of liquid and a longer soaking time.
Apple pie spice combines cinnamon and other baking spices in one convenient ingredient. If you don't have any, use cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg instead.
Unsweetened almond milk keeps the oats creamy, though dairy milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well.
How to Make Apple Overnight Oatmeal
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- Add the oats, chia seeds, apple pie spice, almond milk, and maple syrup to a large bowl or airtight container.
- Stir in the diced apples until everything is well combined. From here, you're ready to divide the mixture between jars or cover the bowl and refrigerate.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight. As the oats chill, they'll absorb the milk while the chia seeds naturally thicken the mixture.
- Give everything one final stir before serving. If the oats have thickened more than you'd like, simply add a splash of milk until the consistency is just right.
Madison's Tips for Success:
I've tested this recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use these tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you, too!
- Cut the apples into small pieces. They'll mix more evenly throughout the oats and make every spoonful balanced.
- If you like softer apples, microwave the diced pieces for a couple of minutes, then let them cool completely before combining them with the remaining ingredients.
- Stir well before refrigerating. This helps distribute the chia seeds and spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- Adjust the consistency before serving. Overnight oats naturally thicken as they chill, so stir in a little extra milk if you'd like a looser texture.
Storing and Freezing
Store these overnight oats in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give the oats a quick stir before serving, and add a splash of milk if you want a thinner consistency.
I don't recommend freezing overnight oatmeal because the texture changes once it's thawed.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats FAQs
No. I usually leave the peel on because it adds both color and texture. If you prefer a smoother bite, feel free to peel the apple first.
Yes, although they'll be much softer after soaking overnight. For the best texture, I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats.
The oats and chia seeds continue absorbing liquid while they chill. Simply stir in a little more milk before serving until the texture is exactly how you like it.
Serving Ideas
Top each serving with chopped pecans or walnuts, sliced apples, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a spoonful of almond butter.
For a bigger breakfast, serve these overnight oats with Instant Pot hard boiled eggs and a caramel apple smoothie or easy fruit smoothie. It also pairs well with blueberry oatmeal muffins.
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Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced apple choose a snacking apple like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Core the apple and peel if desired. Use a sharp knife to dice the apple or a box grater to grate it into small pieces. Use about 1 cup diced apple and save the rest or eat right away.
- Optional: If you prefer softened apples, microwave the diced apples in a dish with 1 tablespoon water for 2 minutes, then allow them to cool and drain the water completely.
- Divide the 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, diced apples, 2 teaspoons chia seeds, 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice, 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup between two pint-sized mason jars or a large bowl or container.
- Mix the contents well with a spoon.
- Cover and refrigerate the overnight oats for 6-8 hours.
- Stir the oats well before serving. You can eat them chilled directly from the fridge or warm them in the microwave.
Notes
Notes
- Make it faster: To skip the overnight wait, microwave one serving of oats at a time, uncovered, for 2 minutes on High. Allow the oats to sit for another 2 minutes. Stir and eat right away!
- If you don't have apple pie spice already made, you can use roughly ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg, ground allspice and ground ginger, plus a pinch of cloves.
- Storing leftovers: Overnight oats should be tightly covered or in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
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