If you’re craving a breakfast that feels cozy, nutritious, and effortlessly delicious, you can’t go wrong with Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats. This charming recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with creamy oats soaked overnight, resulting in a luscious, ready-to-eat meal that greets your morning with sweetness and a touch of comfort. Whether you’re always on the go or simply love a wholesome start to the day, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats is a simple, flavorful way to make mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be humble, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the tender oats that soak up all the goodness to the fresh apples that offer a crisp bite, every component works in harmony.

½ cup rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the ideal soak and texture, avoiding quick or steel-cut oats.
½ cup unsweetened almond milk: A dairy-free option that keeps the dish light and creamy while adding subtle nutty notes.
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a protein boost, making your breakfast filling and smooth.
1 tsp chia seeds: These little powerhouses thicken the oats and provide extra fiber and nutrients.
½ apple, diced small: Fresh apple chunks lend natural sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
½ tsp cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the apples.
1 tsp maple syrup or honey: A touch of natural sweetness to brighten the flavors.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall taste by balancing sweetness and bringing out the spices.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Step 1: Dice the Apple

Start by dicing half an apple into small cubes, about the size of blueberries. This ensures they soften beautifully overnight and distribute evenly in your oats.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl or directly into your jar, combine ½ cup rolled oats, 1 tsp chia seeds, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps the flavors blend evenly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp maple syrup or honey. These add creaminess and natural sweetness that soak right into the oats.

Step 4: Add the Diced Apple

Scatter the diced apple pieces over your mixture. Their sweetness and texture will become more pronounced as they soak.

Step 5: Stir It All Together

Use a spoon to stir the ingredients well, ensuring everything is combined and there are no dry clumps hiding at the bottom.

Step 6: Cover and Refrigerate Overnight

Seal your container tightly and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, letting the oats absorb all the flavors and soften perfectly.

Step 7: Add Toppings Before Serving

The next morning, give your Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats a quick stir to freshen it up. Top it off with extra diced apple, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a final drizzle of honey or maple syrup for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Garnishes

Toppings are where you can get creative and add texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Try chopped nuts for crunchiness, a handful of fresh berries for tart contrast, or even a dollop of nut butter for richness. The garnishes bring your Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats to life, offering a delightful mouthfeel with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your overnight oats with a boiled or scrambled egg to introduce some savory protein, perfectly balancing the sweet and spiced notes of the oats. A warm cup of coffee or tea alongside elevates the entire breakfast experience to a comforting ritual worth looking forward to.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats layered in a clear jar or glass to showcase the inviting blend of oats, apples, and cinnamon. You could also spoon it into a bowl and top with edible flowers or a cinnamon stick for an Instagram-worthy breakfast presentation. Making it visually stunning only adds to the pleasure of enjoying it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days when sealed tightly. It’s a perfect recipe to prepare multiple servings in advance, saving you precious morning minutes.

Freezing

While you can freeze overnight oats, the texture might slightly change due to the yogurt and fruit content. If you do freeze, thaw them overnight in the fridge and stir well before eating to restore creaminess.

Reheating

If you prefer warm oats, simply microwave your chilled Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats for 30 to 45 seconds in a microwave-safe container. Give it a stir and adjust the consistency with a splash of milk if needed.

FAQs

Can I microwave Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats in the morning?

Yes! Warming your overnight oats in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, hot breakfast without slippery porridge consistency.

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats without yogurt?

Absolutely. Just increase the amount of milk slightly to keep the texture creamy, or try a dairy-free yogurt if you want to keep this vegan-friendly.

Is it possible to double or triple the recipe?

Definitely. Preparing multiple jars in one go is convenient and helps you have ready-to-eat breakfasts for the entire workweek. Just be sure to portion them separately.

Can I substitute quick oats or steel-cut oats?

Quick oats tend to become mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften much overnight. Rolled oats remain the best option for the ideal balance of texture and ease.

What can I add to change up the flavor?

Feel free to swap apples for pears or bananas, add pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a fall twist, or toss in chopped nuts for added crunch and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about waking up to a jar of creamy, flavorful Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats prepared the night before. It’s truly breakfast made simple yet satisfying. If you want a nourishing start to your day that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, give this recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats is a delicious and nutritious make-ahead breakfast featuring rolled oats soaked overnight in almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and spiced with cinnamon. Combined with fresh diced apples and sweetened naturally with maple syrup, this creamy and wholesome dish offers a perfect balance of fiber, protein, and flavor to start your day right.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: No-Cook / Soaking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats
1 tsp chia seeds
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp maple syrup or honey

Fruit

½ apple, diced small

Instructions

Dice the Apple: Dice ½ an apple into small cubes, about the size of blueberries, so they soften evenly overnight.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl or jar, combine ½ cup rolled oats, 1 tsp chia seeds, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create the dry base.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add ½ cup unsweetened almond milk, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp maple syrup to the dry ingredients.
Add the Diced Apple: Gently drop the small diced apple pieces on top of all the ingredients in the jar or bowl.
Stir It All Together: Use a spoon to thoroughly stir all ingredients together to ensure even mixing and prevent clumps.
Cover and Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow oats to soften and flavors to meld.
Add Toppings Before Serving: In the morning, stir the oats again, then add extra diced apple, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

Dice apples small so they soften overnight and distribute evenly.
Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick or steel-cut oats, for best texture.
Shake or stir the jar after a few hours to avoid clumping.
Add an extra spoonful of yogurt for richer creaminess.
Add toppings such as nuts, extra fruit, or spices right before eating for fresh texture.
Make 2–3 jars ahead and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.