Creamy, naturally sweet, and full of warm spice, these apple cinnamon overnight oats are the perfect make-ahead breakfast. Made with rolled oats, crisp apples, and a swirl of cinnamon, they offer all the cozy flavor of apple pie with none of the morning prep.
Why You’ll Love These Overnight Oats
Mornings are busy, but breakfast doesn’t have to suffer. These apple cinnamon overnight oats are a quick, wholesome, and satisfying option that you can prepare the night before in just five minutes. By the time you wake up, they’re ready to go — no cooking, no fuss.
What makes them special is the balance of texture and flavor. The oats soak up the liquid overnight, softening into a creamy pudding-like consistency. Fresh diced apple adds crunch and brightness, while cinnamon and maple syrup bring warmth and subtle sweetness.
These oats are healthy, portable, customizable, and endlessly comforting. Whether you eat them cold straight from the fridge or warm them up for a cozy start, they taste like a spoonful of fall in every bite.
Best Oats to Use and Why It Matters
Not all oats work equally well in overnight recipes. Here is what you need to know:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid and soften while still holding some texture
- Steel-cut oats: Too firm for traditional overnight oats unless par-cooked first
- Quick oats: Will become very soft or mushy, though they work if you prefer a thinner consistency
Avoid instant oatmeal packets with added sugar or flavorings, as they can throw off the taste and texture of the final dish.
Choosing the Right Apples
Fresh apple is the star ingredient here, so choose a variety that adds both texture and flavor. Ideally, you want apples that are crisp and not overly juicy so they hold up overnight.
Great options include:
- Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and juicy without becoming mushy
- Fuji: Mildly sweet and firm
- Pink Lady: Sweet-tart and crunchy
- Granny Smith: Tart and sturdy for a tangier flavor
You can dice the apples small and mix them in, or add them in layers for a more visual presentation. A quick sauté in butter and cinnamon is also an option for a softer, more dessert-like topping.
Optional Add-ins and Variations
One of the best things about overnight oats is how customizable they are. This recipe is a great base, but you can make it your own with a few tweaks:
- Nut butter: Stir in a spoonful of almond or peanut butter for richness
- Yogurt: Add Greek yogurt to make it extra creamy and boost protein
- Chia seeds: A tablespoon will thicken the oats and add healthy fats
- Maple syrup or honey: Sweeten to taste, or leave it out for a more subtle flavor
- Spices: Cinnamon is essential, but you can also add nutmeg, ginger, or allspice
- Toppings: Try walnuts, pecans, toasted coconut, raisins, or granola for crunch
For a dessert-inspired twist, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
These oats are designed to be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Chill time: Minimum 4 hours, ideally overnight
- Storage: Store in the fridge in a sealed container or jar for up to 5 days
- To serve warm: Heat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds with a splash of milk
For grab-and-go mornings, portion the oats into individual jars or containers so you can simply open and enjoy.
Ingredients
Serves 2
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc)
- 1/2 cup diced apple (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for texture and thickness)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: dash of nutmeg or allspice
Topping suggestions: additional diced apple, chopped nuts, nut butter, granola, extra cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl or mason jar, stir together the oats, milk, yogurt (if using), chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until fully combined.
2. Add the Apples
Fold in the diced apples. For a more layered presentation, add half the oat mixture to a jar, then a layer of apple, and repeat.
3. Cover and Refrigerate
Seal with a lid or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the oats have softened and absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Serve
In the morning, stir well. Top with additional apple, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or your favorite nuts or toppings. Enjoy cold or warm in the microwave.
These apple cinnamon overnight oats are cozy, convenient, and filled with the flavors of fall. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want a comforting, no-cook breakfast, this recipe makes mornings feel a little easier and a lot more delicious.
