Welcome to the ultimate solution for hectic mornings: delicious Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats. If you’re searching for a breakfast that tastes like apple pie but is secretly healthy, you’ve found it. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare the night before, ensuring you wake up to a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Forget skipping breakfast; this grab-and-go option will revolutionize your morning routine.
This simple recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warm spice of cinnamon, all soaked in a creamy oat base. It’s a fantastic way to get a balanced start with fiber, protein, and complex carbs. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful breakfast.
Why This is the Best Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
There are many overnight oats recipes out there, but this one stands out for its perfect texture and flavor. We use a specific ratio of oats, liquid, and chia seeds to create a pudding-like consistency that is never watery or stiff. The addition of Greek yogurt provides an extra boost of protein and creaminess that keeps you full and energized until lunch. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect jar of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: For the best texture, rolled oats are essential. They absorb the liquid perfectly without turning to mush like instant oats can.
- Milk: Use your favorite milk—dairy, almond, oat, or soy all work wonderfully.
- Greek Yogurt: This is the secret to ultra-creamy oats. It also adds a significant protein punch.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses that help thicken the oats and add healthy fats and fiber.
- Apple: A crisp, sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith is perfect. We’ll be grating it to ensure apple flavor in every bite.
- Maple Syrup: For a touch of natural sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
- Cinnamon: This warm spice is the heart of the recipe, providing that classic apple pie flavor.
- Vanilla Extract & Salt: These two flavor enhancers bring all the other ingredients together.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (Step-by-Step)
Making this recipe is as simple as 1-2-3. Just mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mason jar or a bowl with a lid, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Grate half of your apple directly into the jar. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated and there are no clumps.
- Chill Overnight: Secure the lid on your jar or container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This gives the oats and chia seeds time to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Serve and Garnish: The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If they seem too thick, you can add another splash of milk. Top your Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats with finely diced fresh apple and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
For those who love a warm breakfast, you can gently heat your oats in the microwave. It’s just as delicious! And if you enjoy this, you should try our cozy baked apple oatmeal recipe for another fantastic apple-forward breakfast.
Tips for the Creamiest, Most Delicious Oats
To ensure your overnight oats are perfect every time, follow these simple tips.
- Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: They are crucial for creating that thick, creamy texture.
- Use Rolled Oats: Avoid steel-cut oats, which won’t soften enough, and instant oats, which can become too mushy.
- Stir Well: Make sure to stir all the ingredients thoroughly before chilling to avoid dry clumps at the bottom.
- Let It Rest: Giving the oats a full night in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Customizations and Variations
This recipe is a wonderful base for your creativity. Here are a few ideas to change things up:
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For extra crunch and healthy fats, stir in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds before serving.
- Increase the Protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or plain protein powder with the dry ingredients. You might also enjoy our easy protein balls recipe for another high-protein snack.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), a dairy-free yogurt, and stick with maple syrup for a completely vegan version.
- Add Other Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add another layer of warm spice flavor.
If you’re looking for another simple grab-and-go breakfast, our Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats offer a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
How to Store and Meal Prep
These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a batch for 3-4 days at the start of the week. Simply portion the mixture into individual airtight containers or mason jars. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The oats will continue to soften over time, so you may find you like the texture on day 3 the best! Just be sure to add the fresh apple topping right before serving to prevent it from browning.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats FAQs
It is not recommended. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Steel-cut oats will not soften enough and will remain chewy, while quick or instant oats will break down too much and become mushy.
Absolutely! While they are delicious cold, you can warm them in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through, for a cozy, warm breakfast that tastes like baked apple oatmeal.
To make vegan apple cinnamon overnight oats, simply use your favorite plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk) and substitute the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
They will last for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The texture will continue to soften over time, which many people enjoy. For the best results, add fresh apple toppings just before serving.
A firm, crisp apple works best as it won’t get mushy. We recommend varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji for a great balance of sweetness and tartness that holds up well in the oats.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
If you loved this easy breakfast, be sure to explore some of our other morning favorites. From savory to sweet, we have something to make every morning delicious.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (Easy & Healthy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a mason jar or a bowl with a lid, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Grate half of the apple. Add the grated apple, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the jar.
- Stir everything together vigorously until well-combined and no dry spots remain.
- Secure the lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- The next morning, stir the oats. Finely dice the remaining half of the apple. Serve the oats cold, topped with the fresh diced apple and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
For Warmer Oats: Microwave for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through, until warmed to your liking.
Vegan Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this simple and healthy Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe! It’s the perfect way to make your mornings easier and more delicious. If you try it, let us know what you think in the comments below. We’d love to see your creations, so be sure to share a photo on Pinterest!
