Apple-Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Cozy apple-cinnamon overnight oats that busy families absolutely love because you prep them in just 10 minutes the night before! You’ll wake up to a creamy, satisfying breakfast that tastes like apple pie in a jar. This wholesome meal gives you steady energy all morning long without any fuss.
Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Prep Time: 10 minutes, Additional Time: 5 hours 50 minutes, Total Time: 6 hours, Serves: 1 person.
Nutrition Profile: Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 215 Calories, 4g Fat, 41g Carbs, 6g Protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Old-fashioned rolled oats: You’ll need ½ cup of these hearty oats, which create the perfect creamy base. They’re way better than quick oats because they keep their texture and don’t get mushy!
Unsweetened almond milk: ½ cup gives you that creamy consistency without any dairy. You can swap this for any milk you love – oat milk, coconut milk, or regular milk all work great.
Chia seeds: Just ½ tablespoon of these tiny powerhouses adds extra nutrition and helps thicken everything up. They’re totally optional, but I love the little boost they give!
Maple syrup: 1 teaspoon brings just the right amount of natural sweetness. Real maple syrup tastes so much better than artificial stuff here.
Ground cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon makes everything smell like fall morning magic. This spice really makes the apple flavors pop!
Salt: Just a tiny pinch brightens up all the other flavors. Don’t skip this little secret ingredient!
Diced apple: ½ cup of fresh, crisp apple gives you that perfect fruity crunch. Any variety you love eating works perfectly here.
Toasted pecans: 2 tablespoons add a lovely nutty crunch on top. These are optional but totally worth it for that extra special touch!
How to Make Apple-Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Step 1: Grab a pint-sized jar and add your oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a good stir until it’s all mixed together nicely. Pop a lid on that jar and stick it in the fridge overnight.
Step 2: In the morning, take out your jar and top it with the diced apple and toasted pecans. That’s it – your breakfast is ready to enjoy!
Easy and Quick Apple-Cinnamon Overnight Oats Version
Want to make this even simpler? You can skip the chia seeds completely and use pre-chopped apples from the store! Just grab a bag of diced apples from the produce section and you’ll save even more time. You can also buy pre-toasted pecans or skip them altogether – this recipe is super forgiving and still tastes amazing!
Serving Ideas
These overnight oats make a complete breakfast all on their own! They’re perfect for eating straight from the jar while you’re getting ready for your day. If you want something extra, try serving them with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy morning combo.
Storage
You can make these up to 4 days ahead and store them covered in the fridge. When your oats include fresh fruit like apples, it’s best to eat them within 3 days for the freshest taste. Keep them in an airtight container and they’ll stay perfectly creamy!
Substitutions
No almond milk? Any milk works great here – try oat milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk. Don’t have maple syrup? Honey or agave work just as well. You can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or any nuts you love. No chia seeds? No problem – just leave them out and your oats will still be delicious!
Pro Tips
- Apple choice matters: Use any apple you love snacking on, but if you pick tart ones like Granny Smith, add a little extra maple syrup to balance the flavors.
- Perfect pecan toasting: Microwave pecans in 30-second intervals on a plate – it’s the fastest way! Just watch them closely so they don’t burn.
- Make-ahead magic: Prep 3-4 jars at once for the whole week. Just add the fresh toppings right before eating.
- Freezer friendly: Make the oat base without fruit and nuts, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and add fresh toppings!
FAQs
What variety of apples work best in overnight oats?
You bet any apple you enjoy eating fresh will work perfectly here! If you love tart apples like McIntosh or Granny Smith, just add a little extra maple syrup to balance out that tartness. Honeycrisp and Gala apples are naturally sweeter and work amazing too.
What’s the easiest way to toast pecans?
The microwave is your best friend for this! Put the pecans on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals. Let them cool completely before adding to your oats. Keep a close eye on them because nuts can go from perfect to burnt really quickly!
How long do these overnight oats last in the fridge?
When you add fresh fruit like apples, your overnight oats will stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container for the best texture and flavor!
Can I freeze overnight oats?
Sure! Just leave out the fresh fruit and nuts when you freeze them. Store the oat base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave, then add your apple and pecans right before eating.
What other toppings can I try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Try granola for extra crunch, coconut flakes for tropical vibes, or even a drizzle of nut butter. Fresh berries, banana slices, or a sprinkle of pie crumble mix all taste incredible too!
I’d love to hear how your overnight oats turned out! Drop a comment and let me know what toppings you tried or if you made any fun swaps. There’s nothing better than starting the day with a breakfast that makes you smile!
