Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Apple cinnamon overnight oats are easy, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free! This delicious fall breakfast tastes like apple pie in a jar. The convenient make-ahead recipe is perfect for busy mornings and back-to-school season. It’s made with pantry staples like oats, apples, chia seeds, yogurt, and cinnamon. There are endless ways to customize the recipe with toppings and mix-ins. Try it with protein powder, almond butter, and more!

Now that the fall season is on its way, it’s the perfect time to share apple cinnamon overnight oats! I’m so excited for a season of apple-filled breakfasts. Between this recipe, my refreshing Apple Pie Smoothie Bowl, and creamy Caramel Apple Oatmeal, we’re all ready for autumn.

With back-to-school shenanigans, sports, and extracurriculars starting up again, it’s also the time of year where our schedules get busier. Overnight oatmeal will be a lifesaver during your busiest days. With just 5 minutes the night before, this meal prep breakfast is ready instantly in the morning. Enjoy it at home alongside coffee or grab it on-the-go as you head out the door!

Don’t be fooled by the delicious dessert-for-breakfast flavor. Although it tastes like you’re eating apple pie for breakfast, this recipe is totally healthy and guilt-free. It’s made with nutritious ingredients including oats, apples, chia seeds, yogurt, and cinnamon. Each serving contains 10 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. You can customize it with all of your favorite mix-ins and toppings, too!

These apple overnight oats are:

• Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free
• Creamy, comforting, and satisfying
• Tart, sweet, and subtly spiced with warm cinnamon
• Naturally sweetened with apples and maple syrup
• Easy to make and convenient for busy families
• Great for meal prep and back-to-school season
• Reminiscent of apple pie!

Ingredients in apple cinnamon overnight oats

• Oats: Use rolled oats for this recipe, not steel cut or instant oats. Rolled oats are steamed and flattened, which makes them perfect for soaking and allows them to be eaten raw.
• Milk: Any type of non-dairy milk or regular milk can be used. I recommend almond milk or oat milk.
• Yogurt: Although it’s an optional ingredient, yogurt makes overnight oats thicker and creamier. I highly recommend including it for this reason. You can use any non-dairy or dairy yogurt.
• Apples: Apples make this overnight oatmeal taste like apple pie. They add tartness, sweetness, and essential vitamins. Be sure to dice them into small pieces. You can add extra apples on top, too!
• Maple syrup: In order to keep the recipe refined sugar-free, sweeten the oatmeal with real maple syrup. Alternatively, try honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar.
• Chia seeds: These seeds expand while soaking, which helps create a luscious consistency. Also, they’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and high in fiber.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warm flavor and a subtle spice. Additionally, it contains healthy anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds sweet flavor.
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the other ingredients.

How to make overnight oats with apples and cinnamon

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, add rolled oats, milk, yogurt (optional), diced apples, maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to a jar. Mix the ingredients together, then seal with a lid.

Next, store the oats in the refrigerator overnight or at least 4 hours.

The next morning (or whenever you are ready to eat), remove the lid and stir the oats. If desired, add a splash of milk to thin the consistency.

Enjoy the oats directly out of the jar or transfer them to a bowl. Add any toppings of your choosing, like chopped apples, almond butter, and granola. Enjoy!

Recipe variations for apple overnight oats

One of my favorite things about overnight oatmeal is how customizable each recipe is. You can easily stir in any ingredients of your choosing. Try some of the options below.

• Almond butter: Add healthy fats with a scoop of almond butter. For a nut-free option, try it with sunflower seed butter instead.
• Protein powder: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make them high protein. These apple cinnamon overnight oats would taste best with vanilla protein powder.
• Maca powder: The nutty, butterscotch flavor of maca powder makes it a great pairing for apple overnight oats. This superfood contains high levels of iron and iodine.
• Cocoa powder: If you love chocolate, mix in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or cacao powder.

Best toppings for apple pie overnight oats

Feel free to add all of your favorite toppings! Check out a long list of topping ideas in my Basic Overnight Oats post. For this particular recipe, I think the best toppings include the following:

• Diced apples
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Almond butter
• Granola
• Peanut Butter Caramel
• Raisins
• Drizzle of maple syrup

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I make apple cinnamon overnight oats without yogurt?

Yes! The non-dairy yogurt (or regular yogurt) is an optional ingredient. However, I strongly recommend including it for a thicker and creamier consistency.

Is putting cinnamon in oatmeal healthy?

Absolutely! Cinnamon is one of the healthiest spices on the planet. It is anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, and can help lower blood sugar levels. Read 10 Evidence Based Health Benefits of Cinnamon to learn more.

Are overnight oats good for weight loss?

Since overnight oats are a high fiber and low calorie breakfast, they can be included in a healthy weight loss journey. Also, oats are a slow digesting carbohydrate which helps you feel full and satisfied for hours. This makes it better for weight loss than fast digesting carbs, like toast and cereal.

What is the best liquid for overnight oats?

I think milk/non-dairy milk is the best liquid for overnight oats because it creates a creamy consistency. You can use water, but I don’t recommend it.

Can you heat up overnight oats?

Although overnight oatmeal is meant to be enjoyed cold from the refrigerator, you can heat them up if you prefer warm oatmeal instead. Simply microwave for 1-2 minutes and they’ll taste like hot apple pie overnight oats!

How do you make overnight oats not soggy?

If your overnight oats are always too soggy, you’re probably using too much liquid. In order to create a thick and creamy consistency, I recommend using a 1:1 ratio of oats to liquid. This means you should use ½ cup liquid for ½ cup oats (or 1 cup liquid for 1 cup oats).

Additionally, if you want to create the best texture, be sure to include both the chia seeds and yogurt. With the addition of these two ingredients, your overnight oats will be creamy instead of soggy.

How to store apple cinnamon overnight oats

Overnight oats are best enjoyed within 24 hours. However, you can keep them stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Be sure they are tightly sealed in a jar with a lid.

More healthy fall breakfast recipes

• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
• Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
• Caramel Apple Oatmeal
• Apple Pie Energy Bites
• Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

If you try these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

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