Description
These Easy Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats taste like apple pie in a jar! Naturally sweetened with fresh apples and maple syrup, this no-cook breakfast takes just 5 minutes to prep. Wake up to a creamy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy mornings and meal prep.
Ingredients
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
⅔ cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or coconut milk)
½ cup fresh apple, diced (about ½ medium apple, any crisp variety)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)
Optional Toppings:
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
Fresh apple slices
Granola
Extra cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
1. Dice your apple into small ¼-inch cubes. Leave the skin on for extra fiber and nutrition. Toss diced apples with a small squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. In a 16 oz mason jar or airtight container, add the rolled oats and chia seeds.
3. Pour in your milk of choice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
4. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg (if using) over the mixture.
5. Add the diced apples to the jar.
6. Stir everything together thoroughly with a spoon or small whisk until all oats are submerged in liquid and ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Seal the jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (8-12 hours) for best texture and flavor development.
9. In the morning, remove from refrigerator and give the oats a good stir. The consistency should be thick and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of milk and stir.
10. Add your favorite toppings just before eating—chopped nuts, nut butter, fresh apple slices, or granola for crunch.
11. Enjoy cold straight from the fridge, or microwave for 60-90 seconds if you prefer warm oats. Add a splash of milk before warming.
Notes
Best oats to use: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best. Quick oats become mushy, and steel-cut oats need 24-48 hours to soften properly.
Apple varieties: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady work best—they stay crisp and won’t brown quickly.
Make ahead: Prepare up to 5 days in advance. Apples are freshest in the first 3 days.
Texture adjustment: The ratio is 1 part oats to 1.25 parts liquid. Adjust based on your preference—more liquid for thinner oats, less for thicker.
Protein boost: Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (increase liquid by 2-3 tablespoons) or top with 2 tablespoons nut butter.
Sugar-free option: Omit maple syrup and use naturally sweet oat milk. The apple provides natural sweetness.
Dairy-free: Use any plant-based milk. Oat milk is creamiest, almond milk is lightest.
Batch prep: Multiply recipe by 5 and portion into individual jars for the entire work week.
Storage: Keep refrigerated in sealed containers. Do not freeze—texture becomes grainy.
Warming tip: If heating, add extra milk first as warming evaporates moisture.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook, Refrigerate
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon overnight oats, overnight oats, meal prep breakfast, no cook oatmeal, healthy breakfast
