This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe is a simple, comforting breakfast that tastes like autumn in a jar. I make it when I want something filling, portable, and ready the moment I wake up. If you love warm-spiced mornings, you’ll appreciate its cozy flavors and easy prep—similar to an apple crisp with oats but far quicker.
Why Make This Recipe
- Ready in minutes: assemble in 5–10 minutes the night before and refrigerate.
- Balanced and satisfying: oats, chia, and Greek yogurt provide fiber and protein to keep you full.
- Great for meal prep and mornings on the go—perfect for busy weekdays or light weekend brunches.
- Versatile flavor base: add nuts, dried fruit, or warm sautéed apples for variety; it’s as flexible as an apple pie overnight oats.
Personal note: I love this recipe because grated apple integrates texture and flavor without needing to cook anything.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes (optional stovetop for warm topping)
- Total time: 6–12 hours (chill time)
- Servings: 1 jar (multiply by number of eaters)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: No-cook soak (stovetop optional for warm add-ins); make in a mason jar or airtight container for refrigeration.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe several times to get the oat-to-liquid ratio right for both creaminess and texture. The main discovery was that grating the apple creates a softer, more integrated bite, while diced apples add contrast—both are winners depending on mood.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Start with rolled (old-fashioned) oats—they absorb liquid and keep a pleasant chew. Combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant), 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup grated or diced apple in a 12-16 oz mason jar. Stir, seal, and refrigerate at least 6–8 hours or overnight. In the morning stir again, add any toppings, and enjoy chilled or warmed briefly.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use rolled oats, not steel-cut (too firm) or instant (too mushy) for the best texture. Check for certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Grate one apple for a more uniform texture; dice if you want apple chunks. Toss diced apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Adjust thickness by eye: add 1–2 tbsp extra milk if too thick, or 1 tsp more chia seeds if too thin. Let oats sit at least 6 hours—chia needs time to gel.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt or a thick dairy-free yogurt for creaminess; low-fat yogurt can make the mixture thin.
- Prep in 12–16 oz wide-mouth mason jars for easy stirring and transport; they’re dishwasher-safe and stackable—great if you’re prepping several jars to go with items like apple cinnamon oatmeal recipes.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Top with toasted pecans or walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup for crunch and depth.
- Spoon over warmed, cinnamon-sautéed apple slices (1 tbsp butter + 1 tsp brown sugar, sauté 3–4 minutes) for a warm contrast.
- Serve alongside buttered toast or an apple cinnamon bread for a brunch spread.
- Present in a glass jar with layered toppings (yogurt, oats, apples, nuts) for an attractive grab-and-go breakfast.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store overnight oats in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container—thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before eating. To warm, microwave a jar-safe bowl for 30–60 seconds, stir, and add a splash of milk to loosen the texture; avoid microwaving sealed jars. Refrigerate promptly after serving.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-free/Vegan: swap milk for almond, oat, or soy milk and use coconut or almond yogurt; sweeten with maple syrup.
- Higher-protein: stir in 1 scoop (≈20–25 g) protein powder or increase Greek yogurt to 1/2 cup.
- Apple-cinnamon loaf inspired: fold in 1–2 tbsp nut butter and 1 tbsp raisins, echoing flavors of an apple cinnamon loaf.
- Baked twist: pour the prepared mixture into a small ovenproof dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes for warm baked oats (texture will change).
Nutritional Highlights
- Good source of fiber from oats and apple—supports satiety and digestion.
- Protein-rich when made with Greek yogurt or added protein powder—helps balance blood sugar through the morning.
- Allergens: contains dairy if using milk/yogurt; add nuts as toppings cautiously for tree-nut allergens. For gluten concerns, use certified gluten-free oats. Portion: this recipe is a single serving (about 350–450 kcal depending on add-ins).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too watery after refrigerating: the oats didn’t absorb enough liquid—stir in 1–2 tbsp oats or chia seeds and chill another hour.
- Too thick or gummy: you used too much chia or left it overnight in a small liquid ratio—stir in 2–4 tbsp milk and mix to loosen.
- Apples go soggy or brown: grate the apple for even distribution or toss diced apple with 1 tsp lemon juice; add crunchy toppings at the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use steel-cut or instant oats for overnight oats?
A: Use rolled (old-fashioned) oats for best texture. Steel-cut oats require longer soaking or pre-cooking and stay very chewy; instant oats become overly soft and can turn mushy. If using steel-cut, cook them first or soak 24 hours with extra liquid.
Q: How long will overnight oats keep in the fridge?
A: Stored airtight, they keep 3–4 days. Flavor and texture are best within 48 hours. If you add fresh fruit toppings, add those right before eating to preserve texture.
Q: Can I prep multiple jars for the week?
A: Yes—prepare up to 4 jars ahead. Use wide-mouth 12–16 oz mason jars and place in the fridge in a single layer. Add crunchy toppings like nuts or granola just before serving.
Q: Can I make this nut-free and still get good texture?
A: Absolutely. Omit nut toppings and use seed options (pumpkin or sunflower seeds) if safe. Use a thicker yogurt or add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds for creaminess without nut butter.
Conclusion
For more inspiration on apple-forward overnight oats and recipe ideas, see this helpful guide: Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats {Easy Breakfast!} – WellPlated.com.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 360 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting overnight oats recipe that combines apple and cinnamon for a cozy breakfast. Ready in minutes and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup grated or diced apple
Instructions
- Combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and grated or diced apple in a 12-16 oz mason jar.
- Stir well to combine.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.
- In the morning, stir again, add any toppings you desire, and enjoy chilled or warmed briefly.
Notes
For added variety, you can top with toasted nuts, sautéed apples, or use different types of yogurt. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook soak
- Cuisine: American