If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug in a jar, then get ready to try my **Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe**. This one’s become my go-to on busy mornings because it’s super easy to prep, packs a flavorful punch with just the right balance of sweet and spice, and keeps me full until lunch. Honestly, it tastes just like apple pie but healthier—which means you get all the cozy vibes without any guilt. Keep reading and I’ll share all my insider tips so you nail this at home every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Cook Convenience: Prep it the night before, grab it in the morning, and go—perfect for busy schedules.
- Balanced Flavors: The mix of apple, cinnamon, and a hint of cloves reminds me of autumn in every bite.
- Nutritious and Filling: Thanks to Greek yogurt and flaxseed, you stay satisfied and nourished till noon.
- Customizable Fun: You can swap in your favorite apples or toppings anytime to keep things interesting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each element in this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe plays a crucial role. The oats give you wholesome carbs, the spices bring warmth without overwhelming sweetness, and the creamy Greek yogurt adds that satisfying protein punch. When shopping, opt for fresh apples with a sweet-crisp texture (Honeycrisp is my fave!).
- Old fashioned rolled oats: Look for gluten-free if needed; these oats soak up the liquids perfectly without turning mushy.
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground or high-quality cinnamon makes a big difference in flavor.
- Ground ginger: Just a pinch adds a subtle zing that brightens the oats beautifully.
- Ground cloves: This tiny amount gives a deep, warm aroma reminiscent of apple pie spices.
- Kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Apple (cored and diced): Peeling is optional, but leaving the skin on adds fiber and color.
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Adds creaminess and a touch of vanilla without excess sugar.
- Pure maple syrup: My preferred natural sweetener with a rich, mellow sweetness.
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt: Adds protein and creaminess while keeping the calories low.
- Ground flaxseed meal: For added fiber and omega-3s—you won’t even taste it!
- Optional toppings: Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts add crunch, and dried fruits like cranberries offer tart bursts of flavor.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe is! Over time, I’ve customized it based on the season and what I have on hand. Don’t be shy to make it your own—it’s a great base that’s forgiving and delicious.
- Make it Vegan: Swap out the Greek yogurt for a coconut yogurt or plant-based alternative; it still tastes incredible.
- Add Texture: Stir in chia seeds or chopped nuts to add a satisfying crunch and boost nutrition.
- Seasonal Fruits: Try pears or peaches instead of apples during other seasons for a fresh twist.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust maple syrup amounts or use honey, depending on your preference.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients Carefully
Start by adding the oats to your jar or container. I like using a 16-ounce mason jar—it’s the perfect size. Sprinkle in cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt right on top. Then add the diced apples. This layering helps keep the oats from getting too soggy. Next, pour the almond milk slowly, then drizzle your maple syrup. Finally, add the Greek yogurt and flaxseed meal. The key? Don’t shake it up at this stage—that can make the oats clump weirdly.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight (Or Longer)
Seal your jar tightly and pop it into the fridge overnight—or anywhere from 6 to 12 hours works well. Pro tip: I sometimes make a batch for a few days, and this recipe holds up beautifully for up to 5 days in the fridge without losing flavor or texture.
Step 3: Stir and Adjust Before Serving
In the morning, give it a good shake or pour the oats into a bowl and stir gently. If it looks too thick, add a splash more almond milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt to reach your preferred consistency. Then, top it off with whatever mix-ins you love—I’m a big fan of toasted almonds and a few dried cranberries for that extra burst of texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
- Choose Firm Apples: I learned that firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their texture better overnight, so your oats don’t get mushy.
- Don’t Over-Soak the Spices: Adding spices before the liquid lets them bloom, but if you mix too vigorously early on, the flavor can settle unevenly.
- Layering Matters: Putting apples above the oats prevents the oats from getting soggy too fast, maintaining a nice bite.
- Consistency Check: If it seems too thick in the morning, adding a little milk or yogurt while stirring keeps the texture pleasant without watering down the flavor.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my oats with toasted almonds because they add a lovely crunch and a slight nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon. Sometimes, I swap in chopped walnuts or scatter dried cranberries or raisins on top—those little bursts of sweetness make your tongue do a happy dance. If I’m feeling indulgent, an extra drizzle of maple syrup seals the deal.
Side Dishes
To round out the breakfast, I sometimes enjoy a side of fresh fruit like sliced pears or a handful of berries. A hot cup of chai tea or black coffee pairs wonderfully with the warm spice notes in the oats and helps me start the day energized.
Creative Ways to Present
For special mornings—like weekend brunch or when friends come over—I like to layer this recipe in glass parfait cups. That way, you can see the pretty swirls of apple, yogurt, and oats. Topping with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon makes it look extra inviting. Trust me, it always impresses and tastes like a treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover overnight oats keep perfectly in the fridge for up to five days when stored in a sealed container. I usually make a few jars at once so I can grab-and-go on busy mornings. Just remember, the longer they sit, the softer the texture gets, so if you like a little more chew in your oats, try to eat them within the first couple of days.
Freezing
I haven’t had great luck freezing overnight oats because the texture changes when thawed—it tends to separate. If you want to meal prep this recipe, I recommend sticking to refrigeration instead to keep the creaminess intact.
Reheating
Overnight oats are usually enjoyed cold or at room temperature, which is part of the charm for a refreshing breakfast. But if you prefer warm, just microwave the oats for about 30 seconds and stir in a splash of almond milk afterward. It warms up nicely without losing the texture or flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of milk for the Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe?
Absolutely! While I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk for its subtle flavor, you can use any milk you prefer—cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk—all work beautifully. Just keep it unsweetened to control the sweetness in the recipe.
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How do I prevent the oats from becoming too mushy overnight?
Great question! I recommend using old fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats, as they hold their texture better. Also, layering the diced apples on top before adding the liquid and yogurt keeps the oats from soaking up too much moisture too quickly.
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Can I prepare this recipe for multiple servings at once?
You sure can! Just multiply the ingredients and divide them into multiple jars or containers. It’s a fantastic way to prep breakfasts for the whole week or for your family. Just remember to store properly sealed in the fridge.
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Is it okay to leave the apple skin on?
Definitely! Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, plus a nice color contrast. Just be sure to wash the apples well.
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Can I use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available?
You can, but I recommend thawing and draining any excess liquid before adding them to prevent the oats from getting watery.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe combines wholesome ingredients with those nostalgic fall flavors we all crave. It’s a recipe that’s both comforting and practical, perfect for hectic mornings or leisurely weekends. I remember the first time I made it—it felt like a little moment of joy before the day even started. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and I promise it will become a staple in your breakfast rotation, too!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours (overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 1 serving (1 jar)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in this comforting and healthy Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe, packed with warm spices, crisp apples, and a touch of pure maple syrup. This easy, make-ahead breakfast combines old fashioned rolled oats, Greek yogurt, and almond milk to create a creamy, nutrient-rich start to your day that tastes just like apple pie.
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
Fresh Ingredients
- 1/2 medium apple (cored and diced, peeling optional; any variety you enjoy, such as Honeycrisp)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
Nutritional Boosters
- 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: Place the oats, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, diced apple, almond milk, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and flaxseed meal into a 16-ounce mason jar or individual storage container in the listed order without shaking.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate overnight or up to 5 days. Alternatively, layer the ingredients in a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
- Mix Before Serving: When ready to eat, shake the jar well to combine or transfer the contents into a bowl and stir thoroughly. Adjust the consistency by adding more Greek yogurt for thickness or almond milk for thinning.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top with your choice of toasted nuts, dried fruits, or extra maple syrup for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your nourishing and delicious breakfast!
Notes
- This recipe tastes just like apple pie thanks to the warm spices and maple syrup.
- Use any apple variety you prefer; Honeycrisp adds a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Prepare multiple jars ahead for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of maple syrup or adding your favorite toppings.
- For a vegan option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.
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: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
