Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe

Apple cinnamon overnight oats are the most delicious, most wholesome way to start your day. Is there anything better than thick and creamy rolled oats full of fresh, crisp apples then drizzled with maple syrup? I don’t think so. This fall-inspired grab-and-go breakfast is comforting, filling, and mind-blowingly good.

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I love overnight oats because they help make busy mornings a breeze. They’re so easy to prep at night and you’ll have a hearty breakfast waiting for you in the morning. Apple and cinnamon overnight oats are the easiest way to get me out of bed – I’m always excited to have them because they taste just like my favorite fall treat – apple pie!

And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. You won’t even feel the long chill time because you’ll be asleep! They’re great for breakfast, as a mid-afternoon snack, post-workout meal, or as a light dessert. Believe me, there’s no better way to fuel your day than a jar of filling and flavorful apple cinnamon overnight oats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy breakfast: Prep the night before in just 5 minutes, and wake up to a ready-made, delicious breakfast. No cooking required- just mix, chill, and enjoy.
• Grab-and-go: Perfect for busy mornings or when you need a convenient breakfast on the go. Eat straight out of the jar or transfer to a bowl and add additional, optional toppings of choice.
• Delicious fall flavors: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup is reminiscent of apple pie, an iconic fall favorite.
• Easily adaptable: Add your favorite toppings and customize the ingredients to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead: Make multiple servings in advance for a hassle-free breakfast throughout the week.
• Family-friendly: These oats feel like you’re eating an indulgent dessert rather than a healthy, wholesome meal, making them an ideal breakfast option for the whole family. 

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

If you’ve never made overnight oats before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. You only need a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you will layer in a mason jar and chill in the refrigerator overnight as you sleep. That’s pretty much it! Did I mention that the flavors are incredible?

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients You Need

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: I use 100% whole grain old-fashioned oats because they give the perfect smooth and creamy texture I love in overnight oats, with just the right amount of chew. I don’t recommend using steel-cut oats because they don’t soften up enough, or instant oats because they end up almost dissolving in the liquid.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, comforting fall flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Salt: Many overnight oats recipes leave out salt but it’s amazing for rounding out the flavors – it helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the oats. 
• Apple: Adds natural sweetness and a delightful contrast of texture to the creamy oats. I use gala apples for this recipe, but feel free to use any kind of red apple.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and softens the oats overnight. Use your milk of choice, whether dairy, nut, or coconut milk. 
• Greek yogurt: Thickens the oats and provides that delicious creamy mouthfeel.
• Maple syrup:  Gives the oats a pop of natural sweetness. Honey works great, too.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Apple cinnamon overnight oats are one of the easiest breakfasts you can make. In 2 simple steps, you’ll have a filling breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunchtime. 

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

First, divide the oats, cinnamon, and salt evenly between two jars. Toss to combine. Next, add the milk and yogurt. Stir well to combine. Finally, add the apples and top with maple syrup.

Step 2: Chill overnight

Tighten the lid and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 8 hours or overnight. Give your overnight oats a good stir after taking them out of the fridge to make sure that the ingredients are well-combined. Add your toppings of choice right before serving. I love adding chopped raw or toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts, or dried fruit like cranberries and raisins.

Substitutions

You only need a few simple, everyday ingredients for this apple and cinnamon overnight oats recipe. In case you’re missing some or prefer to use something else, try these substitutions:

• Ground cinnamon: Substitute cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for the best fall flavor.
• Greek yogurt: Out of Greek yogurt? Plain, vanilla, or full-fat, fat-free, or dairy free yogurt will all work great.
• Maple syrup: Use plain, vanilla, or hazelnut simple syrup if you don’t have maple syrup or honey on hand.

Variations

Apple cinnamon overnight oats are amazing as is, but you can keep them exciting with a few tweaks and additions. Try these fun and flavorful twists to the classic:

• Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for extra creaminess and a tasty nutty flavor. 
• Slice half a banana into the oats for extra natural sweetness and creaminess. It pairs well with the apple and cinnamon.
• Mix in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries to give a fruity contrast to the apples and cinnamon.
• Crazy about pumpkin spice? Add a spoonful of pumpkin purée and a dash of pumpkin spice mix for the ultimate fall overnight oats.
• Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and add shredded coconut for a tropical spin. Top with toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor.
• If you like overnight oats with plenty of texture, add chopped dried figs to the mix. Their sweetness and chewy texture pairs wonderfully with apples and cinnamon.

Expert Tips

• Grate the apples: I personally love the chunk of apples in every bite, but if you prefer a smoother consistency, grate the apples instead of dicing them.
• Enjoy them warm: I prefer my oats cold, but they’re equally delicious warm. Just heat them in the microwave until warmed through, about 10 to 20 seconds. Give them a stir and enjoy!
• Adjust the consistency: Before serving, add more Greek yogurt to thicken the mixture or milk to thin it out.
• Adjust the sweetness: Customize the sweetness level based on your taste. Start with a small amount of maple syrup or honey and add more after the oats have soaked if needed. 
• Add toppings right before serving: Add crunchy toppings like nuts, seeds, or granola just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy. 

How to Store This Recipe

Store overnight oats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and enjoy chilled the next day.

What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Overnight oats, especially with added toppings, are already filling. I enjoy them as is or occasionally with a warm cup of my favorite coffee or tea. When I’m in the mood for a big breakfast, I pair them with fresh fruits, some toast, cheese and crackers, or a boiled or poached egg.

If you make this apple cinnamon overnight oats, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!