These apple cinnamon overnight oats are a delicious whole grain healthy breakfast! This easy make-ahead recipe combines sweet tart apples, warm cinnamon, and chewy oats for the perfect morning meal.
I’ve been making overnight oats for years, but this apple cinnamon version has quickly become my family’s obsession! The sweet tart chunks of apple add delicious texture, while the cinnamon heightens the cozy flavors. My son immediately asked me to make another batch!
When I think about the ideal make-ahead healthy breakfast, these apple cinnamon overnight oats check every single box. I love that this recipe serves two, making it great for couples or for meal prepping the night before (and, it’s easy to double).
Tips for the perfect apple cinnamon overnight oats
After recipe testing, I’ve discovered a few key tips that make these apple cinnamon overnight oats irresistible:
- Choose the right apple variety. I like using crisp tart apples like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith because they hold their texture overnight without becoming mushy. If you know me, you’ll know I’m a huge Pink Lady fan: this is my top choice here!
- Don’t skip the chia seeds. That half tablespoon might seem small, but chia seeds are crucial for binding everything together and creating a creamy texture (but not so much that it comes out gooey — my pet peeve!).
- Let them sit for the full time (or don’t!). These easy overnight oats are technically ready after 2 hours: I actually think they’re perfectly delicious right away! But they are designed to it in the fridge overnight, which gives the flavors even more time to meld.
Ingredient spotlight: rolled oats
Just like in my best oatmeal recipe, I always use old-fashioned rolled oats for overnight oats. They provide the perfect texture: soft and creamy without becoming mushy. Quick oats turn too mushy, though you can use them in a pinch.
However, do not use steel cut oats! Steel cut oats simply don’t soften enough overnight: they have the texture of uncooked grains of rice even after an overnight soak (trust me, I’ve tried it!).
Creative serving ideas and toppings
One of my favorite things about these apple cinnamon overnight oats is how versatile they are for toppings and serving variations:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Extra diced fresh apples
- A dollop of maple-sweetened Greek yogurt for extra protein (see my carrot cake overnight oats for quantities)
- A spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter
- Hemp seeds or additional chia seeds
- Chopped almonds or your favorite nuts
Storage and meal prep instructions
Store in wide-mouth mason jars or glass containers with tight-fitting lids. You can also store the oats in one large container (which I’ve found I prefer for making multiple servings at once). Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days; they start to take on a gooey texture after 3 days.
I like to prepare 4-6 servings on a Sunday evening, which gives us breakfast sorted for the first few days of the week. The recipe easily doubles or triples, and having them ready to grab from the fridge makes busy mornings so much easier.
A note on serving temperature
While overnight oats are designed to be eaten cold, you can warm them up if you prefer. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
However, I’ve found that the cold version really lets the apple and cinnamon flavors shine!. It’s something you’ll have to get used to. (To be honest, Alex is still coming around to it!)
Dietary notes
This apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free (when using certified gluten-free oats). It’s vegan when made using plant-based milk, and the naturally dairy-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
These apple cinnamon overnight oats are a delicious whole grain healthy breakfast! This easy make-ahead recipe combines sweet tart apples, warm cinnamon, and chewy oats for the perfect morning meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Breakfast
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled Old Fashioned oats (do not use steel cut or quick cooking)
- 1 cup milk of choice (2%, oat or almond milk)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon chia seeds
- ¾ cup chopped crisp tart apple (like Pink Lady)
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt, optional
- Chopped pecans, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a glass dish with a cover, place the oats, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, chia seeds, apple, cinnamon, and salt, and stir to combine. (If you’d like, you can divide the mixture into two half pint jars with covers here.)
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. The oats are best the next day, but you can store 2 to 3 days (the texture becomes more sticky). This oatmeal is meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator. Add toppings and enjoy! If you’d like, you also can microwave the jar for about 40 to 60 seconds.
Notes
*It’s best to use rolled oats for this overnight oats recipe. They result in the best texture and a creamy consistency. Avoid using steel-cut oats: I’ve tried this recipe with steel-cut oats, and they don’t soften enough.
More oatmeal recipes you’ll love
If you’re becoming an overnight oats convert like I am, try these other delicious variations:
- Classic Overnight Oats for the foundational recipe, or Carrot Cake Baked Oats or Tiramisu Overnight Oats for fun spins
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal or Banana Baked Oatmeal for a warm option
- Oatmeal Smoothie for a drinkable version
- Healthy Oatmeal Muffins for a portable option
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