Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats – A Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats deliver all the warm, familiar flavors of apple pie without any fuss. You toss a few pantry ingredients together at night, and breakfast is ready when you wake up. It’s creamy, comforting, and gently spiced with cinnamon.
The apples add a fresh crunch and natural sweetness. If you’re trying to streamline your mornings or eat better without spending extra time, this recipe fits right in.
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the apple: Wash and core 1 medium apple. Dice it into small pieces so it mixes evenly. If you prefer softer apple bits, sauté them for 2–3 minutes with a dab of butter or coconut oil and a pinch of cinnamon, then cool.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a jar or container (12–16 ounces), add 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/2–1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt. Stir to distribute the cinnamon.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in 1/2 cup milk and 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, depending on how sweet you like it.
- Mix in the apple: Fold in the diced apple. If you like extra texture, hold back a few pieces for topping in the morning.
- Stir well and adjust: Mix until everything is fully combined. The mixture should look loose—it will thicken overnight. If it seems too thick already, add an extra splash of milk.
- Refrigerate: Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The oats and chia will absorb the liquid and set into a creamy consistency.
- Finish and serve: In the morning, give it a good stir. Add a splash of milk to loosen if needed. Top with more apple, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or a handful of nuts.
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Get Your Program TodayWhy This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on a simple combo: rolled oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds. Together, they create a thick, creamy texture overnight.
The cinnamon boosts flavor without extra sugar, and the apples add juicy bite and a touch of tartness. A small amount of honey or maple syrup keeps the sweetness balanced.
Because everything sits in the fridge, the oats absorb liquid and soften perfectly. There’s no cooking, no guesswork, and no morning rush.
It’s a reliable base that adapts easily to your tastes and dietary needs.
Shopping List
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned) – the best texture for overnight oats
- Milk of choice – dairy or unsweetened plant-based (almond, oat, soy)
- Plain Greek yogurt – for creaminess and protein (optional but recommended)
- Chia seeds – help thicken and add fiber and omega-3s
- Apple – any crisp variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala
- Ground cinnamon – the star spice
- Vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor
- Honey or maple syrup – to taste
- Pinch of salt – enhances flavor
- Optional add-ins: nut butter, chopped nuts, raisins, flaxseed, ground nutmeg, or a squeeze of lemon
How to Make It
- Prep the apple: Wash and core 1 medium apple. Dice it into small pieces so it mixes evenly. If you prefer softer apple bits, sauté them for 2–3 minutes with a dab of butter or coconut oil and a pinch of cinnamon, then cool.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a jar or container (12–16 ounces), add 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/2–1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt.
Stir to distribute the cinnamon.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in 1/2 cup milk and 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, depending on how sweet you like it.
- Mix in the apple: Fold in the diced apple. If you like extra texture, hold back a few pieces for topping in the morning.
- Stir well and adjust: Mix until everything is fully combined.
The mixture should look loose—it will thicken overnight. If it seems too thick already, add an extra splash of milk.
- Refrigerate: Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The oats and chia will absorb the liquid and set into a creamy consistency.
- Finish and serve: In the morning, give it a good stir.
Add a splash of milk to loosen if needed. Top with more apple, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or a handful of nuts.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For best texture, add fresh toppings (nuts, extra apple) right before serving.
If the oats thicken too much over time, stir in a little milk until creamy again.
If you’re making multiple servings, portion into individual jars. That way, you can grab one and go. Avoid freezing; it changes the texture and can make the apples watery.
Why This is Good for You
- Fiber-rich oats: Rolled oats provide soluble fiber, which supports heart health and helps keep you full.
- Balanced macros: Greek yogurt adds protein, while chia seeds contribute healthy fats and more fiber.
This combo helps steady energy throughout the morning.
- Natural sweetness: Apples and cinnamon create dessert-like flavor without relying on heavy sugar. You can control the sweetness with a light drizzle of honey or maple.
- Gut-friendly: Yogurt offers probiotics, and the fiber from oats and chia supports digestion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using quick oats or steel-cut oats: Quick oats can get mushy, and steel-cut oats don’t soften enough overnight. Stick with rolled oats for the right texture.
- Skipping the pinch of salt: A tiny bit of salt brightens flavor and keeps the cinnamon from tasting flat.
- Not adding enough liquid: If you go too light on milk or yogurt, the oats may end up dry.
Aim for a loose mixture before chilling.
- Adding nuts too early: If you stir nuts in before chilling, they soften. Add crunchy toppings right before eating.
- Over-sweetening: Remember the apples add natural sweetness. Start with a small amount of honey or maple and adjust at serving time.
Recipe Variations
- Apple Pie Style: Add a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of ground ginger.
Top with crushed graham crackers or granola right before serving.
- High-Protein: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder and increase the milk slightly to keep it creamy.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt. Coconut yogurt adds a nice tang and richness.
- No-Added-Sugar: Skip honey or maple and use extra diced apple or unsweetened applesauce for sweetness.
- Warm and Cozy: Heat the finished oats gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then top with warm sautéed apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter before chilling. Top with toasted walnuts or pecans in the morning.
- Raisin and Spice: Add a small handful of raisins and a pinch of cloves for a bakery-style twist.
FAQ
Can I make this without yogurt?
Yes.
Replace the yogurt with more milk, or use a dairy-free yogurt. Without yogurt, you may want to add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds to help thicken.
Do I have to peel the apple?
No. The peel adds color, texture, and nutrients.
If you prefer a softer bite, peel the apple or use sautéed apples instead of raw.
How long do overnight oats need to sit?
They need at least 4 hours to soften, but overnight (8–12 hours) gives the best texture. If you’re short on time, chop the apple smaller and use slightly more milk to speed up softening.
What kind of oats should I use?
Use old-fashioned rolled oats. They hold their texture and get creamy without turning mushy.
Avoid instant oats and steel-cut oats for this recipe.
Can I meal prep several jars at once?
Absolutely. Make 3–4 jars at a time and store in the fridge. Add fresh toppings the day you plan to eat them so they stay crisp.
How can I reduce the sugar?
Skip the honey or maple, use unsweetened milk and yogurt, and rely on the apple for sweetness.
Cinnamon also boosts the perception of sweetness without adding sugar.
What apples work best?
Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady hold up well and add good crunch. Use what you enjoy and what’s in season.
In Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are a simple way to wake up to something wholesome and satisfying. With a few basic ingredients and almost no effort, you get a creamy, cozy breakfast that tastes like a treat.
Customize it to fit your taste, prep a few jars for the week, and enjoy a calm, delicious start to your day.
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