Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Not everyone has time to prepare a wholesome, from-scratch breakfast, but there are easy ways to get something worthwhile that adults and kids can enjoy on the fly. Apple cinnamon overnight oats take five minutes to prepare before you go to bed, and they’re ready when you wake up. And since there’s no sugar added, they’re better for you than that stale muffin you usually grab at the coffee shop.

A mix of old-fashioned oats, fresh apples, raisins, milk and cinnamon, this quick and easy breakfast is hearty, subtly sweet and nutritious (one serving contains 7 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein). Bonus: If you’re looking for plant-based breakfast ideas, these overnight oats are vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

• Old-fashioned oats: Old-fashioned oats, sometimes labeled “rolled oats,” are different from quick-cooking oats. They’re made from oat groats that have been steamed and rolled flat-ish. They’re safe to eat raw and perfect in overnight oats and no-bake cookies.
• Chopped apple: Our cinnamon apple overnight oats recipe calls for Gala or Honeycrisp apples, which are sweet, crunchy and perfect for a bright, crisp start to your day. Or, get creative and try one of these heirloom apple varieties instead.
• Raisins: Raisins add natural sweetness to your overnight oats with apple and cinnamon. Raisins, sultanas and currants are different forms of dried grapes, and any work well in this recipe.
• Milk: This apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe calls for 2% milk, but you can use any other milk you prefer. The richer and higher-fat milk you choose, the richer and smoother your overnight oats will become.
• Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon rounds out the sweet, earthy, autumnal flavor profile of apples and oats. It’s a classic combination that makes you feel cozy and warm inside.
• Salt: Just a dash of salt enhances the flavors of the overnight oats. If you’re cutting back on sodium, feel free to skip the salt.
• Chopped nuts: Nuts can be very polarizing in sweet recipes, and they’re optional here. If you add nuts, they’ll give your oats another element of crunch and earthy flavor. Walnuts or pecans are classic picks with apples and cinnamon, but there’s no wrong option if you go with a nut you enjoy.

Directions

Step 1: Combine all the ingredients

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Place the oats, apple pieces, raisins, milk, cinnamon, salt and, if using, nuts in a small container or Mason jar. Stir together to combine.

Editor’s Tip: Mixing everything together like this will let the ingredients soften overnight. If you prefer crunchier apples and nuts, don’t mix those ingredients with the rest; instead, layer them on top inside the jar to keep them crisp and crunchy when you serve.

Step 2: Seal and store

Seal the container and refrigerate overnight. Then, simply open and enjoy.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer chunkier, less-milky oats, simply drain the milk before serving. It’s all about how you like it!

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Recipe Variations

• Make vegan overnight oats: For a completely plant-based breakfast, replace the milk with a nondairy milk of your choosing. Oat milk would be an excellent choice here.
• Swap for the apple: Blueberries create another classic combo with oats. Replace any or all the apples called for with fresh or frozen blueberries. Or, go with any other fresh fruit on hand. There is no need to thaw any frozen fruit; it will thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Include color and spice: To add a bold touch of orange color, a slightly sweet flavor and a hint of zippy heat, shred carrots and fresh ginger into your oat mixture before it sits overnight.
• Use a different dried fruit: Dried cherries would be wonderful in these overnight oats with apple and cinnamon. You can also go for dried cranberries or another dried fruit in your cupboard.
• Add more fall spice: Using even more fall spices like allspice or pumpkin pie spice will make your apple cinnamon overnight oats even cozier.
• Replace the dried fruit with natural sweetener: If you’re not a fan of dried fruits, or you’ve simply run out at home, swap in equal amounts of another sugar alternative, like honey, maple syrup, agave or brown rice syrup, for the raisins.
• Try super creamy oats: For ultra-rich and creamy cinnamon apple overnight oats, replace the milk with coconut milk or replace half the milk with plain full-fat yogurt.

How to Store Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are easy to make and easy to keep. Simply store them in the fridge for up to four days. The apple will start to brown after a few days, but that’s only from oxidation and won’t impact the flavor.

How long do apple cinnamon overnight oats last?

When sealed or covered properly, overnight oats should last up to four days in the refrigerator. This is among the easiest make-ahead breakfast recipes because you can quickly make a bulk batch to keep you (and the fam) stocked up for the workweek.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Tips

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Do you need to peel the apples for cinnamon apple overnight oats?

It’s entirely up to you whether to peel the apples. Peeled apples will give a softer texture, while unpeeled apples offer a bit more crunch and bite (not to mention fiber, vitamins and antioxidants).

What are the best oats for cinnamon apple overnight oats?

For this recipe, it’s important to stick with regular rolled old-fashioned oats. If you use instant oats, you’ll end up with unappealing mushy oats. If you use steel-cut oats, they won’t soften overnight and you’ll end up with an inedible, crunchy mess.

How can I thicken my overnight oats?

To make your bowl of overnight oats with apple and cinnamon extra thick, you can use yogurt in place of the milk in a 1:1 ratio or add yogurt to your finished oats to taste. Also, you can add anywhere from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds to the oat mixture before you let it rest overnight. The seeds will add a thickening quality while also adding protein, essential fatty acids and fiber.