Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats taste like a slice of apple pie you can eat with a spoon, and they take 10 minutes to stir together. No cooking, just mix and chill for a grab-and-go breakfast that’s packed with real fruit.
The cinnamon-spiced oats soften overnight with grated apple and maple syrup, so every spoonful is creamy and lightly sweet. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but keeps you full until lunch.
What Makes These Oats So Good
I love that these oats taste like apple pie, but with zero baking. The grated apple melds into the oats as they sit, so you get bits of fresh fruit in every bite, and the cinnamon and maple syrup give just the right warmth without being too sweet.
Because they’re made with Greek yogurt and milk, they’re thick and creamy, not watery like some overnight oats. The chia seeds add a bit of extra body, but you can skip them and it still works. I keep a batch in the fridge for busy mornings, and it’s the breakfast I actually look forward to.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats: old-fashioned oats, not instant, so they don’t turn mushy.
- 1 tbsp chia seeds: optional, but they help thicken and add fiber.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: the key warm spice.
- Pinch of salt: just a small one to balance the flavors.
- 1 cup milk: any dairy or unsweetened plant milk works.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: full-fat or 2% for creaminess; vegan yogurt also works.
- 2 tbsp maple syrup: or honey; adjust to your sweetness preference.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor.
- 1 medium apple: use a firm, sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji, grated or finely diced.
Variations / Substitutions
- Swap the apple: try grated pear or diced stone fruit in summer. The texture will be similar.
- Make it dairy-free: use oat milk and coconut yogurt for a fully plant-based version.
- Add crunch: top with toasted pecans or granola before serving.
- Skip the maple syrup: if your apple is sweet enough, you can omit the sweetener or reduce it to 1 tbsp.
- Try different spices: cardamom or nutmeg add a different twist.
For another make-ahead breakfast, check out Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine the 1 cup rolled oats, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl or a jar with a lid. Stir them together so the cinnamon and salt are evenly distributed before adding any liquid.
Step 2: Stir in the Wet Ingredients and Apple
Add the 1 cup milk, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla to the dry mixture. Grate the apple on the large holes of a box grater (or finely dice it) and stir it in, too. Mix for about 30 seconds, until no dry spots remain and the oats are fully coated.
Step 3: Spoon and Top the Oats
Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. When you’re ready to eat, give the oats a quick stir, then spoon into bowls and top with a few extra apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy cold, right out of the fridge.
Tips for the Best Overnight Oats
- If the oats seem too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk until the texture you like returns.
- For meal prep, divide the mixture into individual jars before refrigerating so you can grab one on your way out the door.
- Add a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter for extra staying power and a nutty flavor.
Scale the recipe up or down with these ratios:
| Servings | Rolled Oats | Milk | Maple Syrup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ½ cup | ½ cup | 1 tbsp |
| 2 | 1 cup | 1 cup | 2 tbsp |
| 4 | 2 cups | 2 cups | ¼ cup |
Keeping Overnight Oats Fresh
Refrigerate: Store in a covered jar or container for up to 4 days. The oats will thicken as they sit, so stir in a splash of milk before eating. Reheating: Not necessary; these are best eaten cold, but you can gently warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if you prefer a hot breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, steel-cut oats won’t soften enough with this no-cook method; stick with rolled oats.
Can I heat these oats?
Yes, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but they’re designed to be eaten cold and become extra creamy after chilling.
Can I make these with water instead of milk?
You can, but the result will be thinner and less creamy. For the best texture, use milk or a creamy plant milk like oat milk.
Can I freeze overnight oats?
Yes, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before eating.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl or jar, stir together the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and grated apple; mix until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. To serve, stir, spoon into bowls, and top with apple slices and cinnamon.
