I love a breakfast that feels cozy but takes almost no morning effort — this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe does exactly that. It layers grated apple, warm cinnamon, and creamy oats so the flavor develops while you sleep; I make it weekly during apple season. If you enjoy baked apple breakfasts, you might also like this apple cinnamon French toast casserole for a weekend treat: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/apple-cinnamon-french-toast-casserole-recipe/.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick mornings: mix the night before and grab a jar — no cooking required.
- Balanced nutrition: oats, apple, and yogurt offer fiber, protein, and natural sweetness.
- Crowd-pleaser: mild cinnamon and apple appeal to kids and adults alike, great for packed lunches.
- Flexible: easy to tweak for dairy-free, higher-protein, or lower-sugar versions — see variations below.
- Personal note: I love this recipe because grating the apple releases juices that sweeten the oats evenly without big chunks.
Also worth exploring a stovetop take if you prefer warm oats: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/apple-cinnamon-oatmeal-2/.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes (no-cook, soak-only)
- Total time: 6–8 hours refrigeration (overnight)
- Servings: 2 (each ~1 cup)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: No-cook cold soak — combine rolled oats, milk, yogurt, grated apple, chia seeds, and spices; refrigerate to hydrate and thicken.
For a warm stovetop alternative, check this similar apple cinnamon oatmeal: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/apple-cinnamon-oatmeal/.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe multiple times to balance texture and sweetness. I found grating the apple rather than chopping gives the best integrated flavor and prevents the oats from becoming too watery. Using a mix of milk and Greek yogurt produced the creamiest result without extra sugar.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Start by grating one small apple (about 3/4 cup grated) so it breaks down into the oat mixture. Whisk milk, yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt; stir in rolled oats and chia seeds, then fold in the grated apple. Portion into jars or an airtight container, refrigerate 6–8 hours (or overnight), then stir and top before serving. Expect a thick, spoonable consistency; if it seems very thick after chilling, loosen with 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
Equipment tip: use 8-ounce mason jars or a medium airtight container and a microplane for grating the apple.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or steel-cut) for best texture after soaking.
- Grate the apple on a coarse grater to release juices while keeping some texture.
- Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds to improve creaminess and prevent separation — they hydrate and thicken.
- Prefer extra creaminess? Swap 1/4 cup of milk for 1/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt.
- Sweetness control: start with 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey) and adjust after chilling; flavors meld overnight.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Top with toasted walnuts or pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for crunch and richness.
- Warm them gently: microwave 30–45 seconds with a splash of milk for a cozy hot bowl.
- Serve with a smear of almond butter and banana slices for extra protein and creaminess.
- For brunch presentation, layer the oats in clear jars and sprinkle cinnamon and thin apple slices on top; pair with chai or coffee. Also fun with apple-inspired pastries like apple pie cinnamon rolls: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/apple-pie-cinnamon-rolls/.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below. If freezing, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk to refresh texture. To reheat, microwave a single serving for 30–60 seconds with a tablespoon of milk, stirring halfway, or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan / Dairy-free: use unsweetened almond or oat milk and coconut or soy yogurt. Try it with maple syrup instead of honey. See a fun cinnamon-roll apple treat for inspiration: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/cinnamon-roll-apple-pie-cups/.
- Higher-protein: add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or increase Greek yogurt to 1/2 cup.
- Lower-carb: reduce maple syrup and stir in mashed avocado for creaminess (unusual but effective) or use a sugar substitute.
- Chunky apple version: substitute half the grated apple with 1/2 cup small diced apple sautéed 3–4 minutes with cinnamon and a teaspoon of butter for a caramelized note.
Nutritional Highlights
- Good source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan) from oats, which supports heart health and satiety.
- Protein boost when you use Greek yogurt or add seeds/nuts — helps keep you full until lunch.
- Allergens: contains dairy unless swapped; oats are naturally gluten-free but may have cross-contact — use certified gluten-free oats if needed. Portion guidance: a 1-cup serving is a sensible breakfast portion (about 300–400 kcal depending on add-ins).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Oats too thin after soaking: add 1–2 tablespoons more rolled oats or 1 teaspoon chia seeds, stir, and refrigerate 30–60 minutes.
- Oats too thick or dry: stir in 1–3 tablespoons milk to loosen; texture improves after a few minutes.
- Apple pieces make mixture watery: grate the apple and gently squeeze out excess juice into the oats — the juice still adds flavor, but you avoid a soggy top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use steel-cut oats for overnight oats?
A1: Steel-cut oats are too dense to hydrate fully overnight unless pre-cooked. If you prefer steel-cut, simmer 1 part oats to 3 parts liquid for 20–30 minutes, cool, then refrigerate. For true overnight convenience, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.
Q2: How long will overnight oats keep in the fridge?
A2: Stored in airtight containers at or below 40°F (4°C), overnight oats keep safely for up to 4 days. After that, texture and flavor degrade; use within 3–4 days for best quality.
Q3: Can I use frozen apples or other fruits?
A3: Yes — thaw frozen diced apples and drain excess liquid before stirring into the oats. Berries and mangoes work well too; for juicy fruit, drain or gently fold in after chilling to avoid watering down the mixture.
Q4: Is it safe to make overnight oats for kids or pregnant people?
A4: Yes, if prepared with pasteurized dairy and handled with clean utensils and refrigeration. Ensure produce is washed well; if there are concerns about raw-milk products, use pasteurized yogurt and milk or their alternatives.
Conclusion
For another tested take on this classic, try Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats {Easy Breakfast!} – WellPlated.com: https://www.wellplated.com/apple-cinnamon-overnight-oats/.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 480 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, no-cook breakfast that combines grated apple, warm cinnamon, and creamy oats for a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients
- 1 small apple (about 3/4 cup grated)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Grate the apple into a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the grated apple.
- Portion into jars or an airtight container and refrigerate for 6–8 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, stir and top as desired.
Notes
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. For extra creaminess, swap part of the milk for Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook cold soak
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg