If you love cozy, comforting breakfasts but need something quick and wholesome, you’re going to adore this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe. It’s one of those fan-freaking-tastic recipes where you toss everything together the night before, and wake up to a creamy, flavorful breakfast that tastes like apple pie in a jar. I absolutely love how this recipe balances the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices – it’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy mornings or a lazy weekend start.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy Prep: You just mix, refrigerate, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast with minimal effort.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with real fruit, spices, and Greek yogurt for a balanced and filling start to your day.
- Customizable: You can easily swap nuts, sweeteners, or even milk types to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy yet hearty oats soak up flavors overnight, and the diced apple adds a fresh, crisp bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The mix of warm spices and fresh apple paired with creamy Greek yogurt is what makes this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe so special. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect blend of flavor and texture, and I’ll share a few tips to help you shop smart.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: These absorb the liquid well without getting mushy overnight; gluten-free oats work great if needed.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice here, bringing that classic apple-pie warmth everyone loves.
- Ground ginger and ground cloves: Just tiny pinches add depth – you don’t want to overpower the oats but a little kick makes a big difference.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all those cozy flavors.
- Apple: Fresh diced apple adds natural sweetness and a crisp texture—Honeycrisp is a personal favorite for its bite and flavor.
- Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk: This adds creaminess and a subtle vanilla note without extra sugar.
- Pure maple syrup: For natural sweetness – it blends beautifully with the cinnamon and apple.
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt: Gives protein and creaminess without extra fat; plus, it keeps the oats thick and luscious.
- Ground flaxseed meal: Adds fiber and omega-3s, plus it helps thicken the oats.
- Optional toppings (toasted almonds, walnuts, dried fruit): These add crunch, chew, and extra flavor for variety.
Variations
I love that this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe is a great base for your own twists. You’ll enjoy making it your own by swapping add-ins or sweeteners based on what you have, or even your mood!
- Dairy-free variation: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a creamy, vegan-friendly option. I tried this once when hosting a friend with a dairy allergy, and it was a hit.
- Extra protein boost: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder before refrigerating—fun for days when you need an extra energy kick.
- Seasonal twist: Swap apple for pear slices in fall or add fresh berries in warmer months for a refreshing change.
- Sweetener swap: Use honey or agave if you prefer, but maple syrup keeps that rich maple flavor I find truly comforting.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients
Start by adding your oats, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt right into a 16-ounce mason jar or your favorite container. Layer the diced apples on top—they provide that fresh texture—and then pour in the almond milk. Next, drizzle the maple syrup, dollop the Greek yogurt, and sprinkle the flaxseed on top. Resist the urge to shake or stir just yet; layering keeps the texture interesting as everything soaks together overnight.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight
Seal your jar or cover your bowl tightly. Pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but it can sit comfortably up to 5 days if you’re prepping ahead. I used to struggle with oats getting too thick or watery, but letting them chill nicely resolves that and melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Stir and Customize Before Serving
When you’re ready to eat, give the jar a good shake or transfer everything to a bowl and stir. If it feels too thick for your liking, add a splash more almond milk or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to adjust the consistency. Finally, top with toasted nuts or dried fruit for added crunch and natural sweetness. Voilà, your breakfast is ready!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
- Choose crisp apples: I learned that firmer apples hold their texture best overnight, so stay away from super soft varieties that can get mushy.
- Layer ingredients carefully: Keeping wet ingredients on top and oats at the bottom helps the oats soak evenly without clumping.
- Use mason jars: They’re perfect for portion control and make shaking to mix a breeze. Plus, they’re great for grab-and-go mornings!
- Don’t over-sweeten: Maple syrup adds just the right balance — too much and it can overpower the natural apple flavor.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnishes include toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch, and sometimes a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top for a little flair. A handful of dried cranberries or raisins adds bursts of chewy sweetness I just can’t resist. If I’m feeling indulgent, an extra drizzle of maple syrup finishes it off perfectly.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal is robust enough to stand alone, but if you want to jazz it up for brunch, I like serving it alongside a soft-boiled egg or some fresh fruit salad. A cup of your favorite tea or coffee rounds out the morning beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing this for special breakfast guests, try layering the oats, apples, yogurt, and toppings in a clear glass for a pretty parfait effect. Add edible flowers or cinnamon sticks on the side for a festive touch—your friends will be impressed, trust me.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover overnight oats in the same mason jar, tightly sealed, in the fridge. They stay fresh up to 5 days, which means you can prep breakfast for the whole workweek in one go. Just give it a stir and maybe add a splash of almond milk to refresh before eating.
Freezing
Honestly, I haven’t had great luck freezing overnight oats because the texture changes once thawed. If you’re set on freezing, try freezing the apple pieces separately or just prepare smaller batches fresh to keep that perfect texture I love.
Reheating
If you prefer warm oats, just microwave your jar (without the lid) for about 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up. I sometimes warm it mid-morning for a cozy treat without losing the creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of milk for this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk is my favorite for its subtle sweetness and creaminess, but you can use cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk, or any plant-based milk you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor may shift slightly depending on your choice.
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How long can I store overnight oats in the fridge?
You can store these oats for up to 5 days in the fridge if kept in an airtight container. This makes it a fantastic meal prep recipe that saves you time during busy mornings.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the oats for certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep it safe for gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
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What if I don’t have ground cloves or ginger?
If you don’t have those spices, don’t worry! The cinnamon and apple alone create a delicious base, though the ginger and cloves add a nice warmth and complexity. You can also try a pinch of nutmeg as a substitute.
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Can I increase the sweetness?
Yes, you can adjust sweetness to your taste by adding more maple syrup or a little honey. I recommend starting with the amount in the recipe then adjusting after it’s soaked overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe has genuinely become one of my morning go-tos. It’s simple enough to whip up after a long day, feels like a comforting treat first thing, and keeps me nourished and energized. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover, like I did, how easy it is to make breakfast exciting and satisfying. Trust me, once you’ve had overnight oats with apple and cinnamon, your mornings will never be the same!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (1 jar)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats is a delicious and nutritious make-ahead breakfast featuring rolled oats soaked overnight in almond milk and Greek yogurt, blended with warm spices and crisp apples. This easy, no-cook recipe delivers the comforting flavors of apple pie with a wholesome twist and a creamy texture, ideal for busy mornings or healthy snacking.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Tiny pinch ground ginger
- Tiny pinch ground cloves
- Tiny pinch kosher salt
Fruit and Liquid
- 1/2 medium apple (cored and diced, peeling optional; any variety, e.g. Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
Dairy and Seeds
- 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal
Optional Toppings
- Toasted almonds or walnuts
- Dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots
- Additional maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the oats, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, kosher salt, diced apple, almond milk, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and ground flaxseed meal in order into a 16-ounce mason jar or another individual storage container. Avoid shaking at this stage to maintain layering.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator to soak overnight or for up to 5 days, allowing the oats and flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Mix Before Eating: When ready to eat, shake the jar well to combine ingredients or transfer the contents to a bowl and stir thoroughly. Adjust consistency by adding more Greek yogurt for thickness or almond milk for a thinner texture.
- Add Toppings: Enhance your overnight oats with optional toppings such as toasted almonds or walnuts, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or a drizzle of additional maple syrup for extra sweetness and texture before enjoying.
Notes
- This recipe tastes just like apple pie with the added benefits of warm spices and wholesome ingredients.
- Use your preferred apple variety for the best personal flavor and texture experience.
- You can prepare multiple jars at once for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
- Adjust spices and sweetness to your taste preferences.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 5 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (without additional toppings)
- Calories: 299 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 204 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
