Start your morning with a breakfast that tastes like a cozy slice of apple pie! This recipe for Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats is the perfect way to enjoy the classic, comforting flavors of autumn in a quick, easy, and incredibly healthy format. By combining hearty rolled oats with fresh, grated apple and warm cinnamon, you create a delicious, no-cook breakfast that’s ready for you the moment you wake up. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go meal for busy mornings and a fantastic way to get a nutritious start to your day.
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Why This is the Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast
This recipe is a game-changer for your morning routine. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Tastes Like Apple Pie: The combination of sweet apple, warm cinnamon, and creamy oats is a truly delicious and satisfying flavor.
- Incredibly Easy Meal Prep: It takes less than 5 minutes to mix a jar (or a few!) the night before. No cooking and no morning rush.
- Healthy and Wholesome: This breakfast is packed with fiber from the oats and vitamins from the fresh apple, providing you with lasting energy.
- A Perfect Grab-and-Go Meal: Having a delicious and healthy breakfast waiting for you in the fridge is the best way to start a busy day.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
You only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients for this recipe.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- Rolled Oats: ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Milk: ½ cup of your milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or any other plant-based milk).
- Apple: ¼ cup of freshly grated apple (from about half a medium apple; a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp is great).
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Sweetener (Optional): 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup or honey, if you like a sweeter breakfast.
- Nuts (Optional Topping): 1 tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready for the easiest breakfast you’ve ever made.
The 5-Minute Night-Before Prep:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mason jar, a glass, or a small bowl with a lid, add all of your main ingredients: the rolled oats, milk, grated apple, and cinnamon. If you’re using a sweetener, add it now.
- Stir Thoroughly: Stir everything together very well until all the ingredients are fully combined and the oats and apple are submerged in the liquid.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover your container and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften into a thick, creamy, pudding-like consistency.
The Morning-Of:
- Stir and Serve: In the morning, simply take your oats out of the fridge, give them a good stir, and enjoy! You can eat them cold (which is delicious) or warm them up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer a hot breakfast.
- Add Toppings: Just before eating, top your oats with the optional chopped pecans or walnuts for a delicious crunch. A few extra slices of fresh apple on top are also a great addition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the best apples to use for this recipe? For this recipe, a sweet and crisp apple variety is a great choice. Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or a Golden Delicious apple will all add a wonderful natural sweetness and a nice texture. You can leave the skin on when you grate it for extra fiber and color.
2. Can I use a different kind of oats? Old-fashioned rolled oats are highly recommended for the best texture. They become soft and creamy but still retain a slight chew. Quick-cooking oats can be used, but they will result in a much softer, mushier texture. Steel-cut oats will not work for this no-cook recipe as they will not soften enough.
3. How far in advance can I make these overnight oats? This is a perfect meal prep recipe! You can prepare several jars at the beginning of the week. They will stay fresh and delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture will get a little softer each day.
4. What are some other fun toppings or mix-ins I can add? This recipe is a great base for creativity! You could add a tablespoon of chia seeds the night before for extra thickness and fiber. A spoonful of peanut or almond butter would add extra protein. Other delicious toppings include a sprinkle of raisins, a dollop of yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a more decadent treat.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats: A Taste of Fall in a Jar
Equipment
- mason jar or airtight container for prepping and storing oats
- Grater to grate the apple
- spoon to stir ingredients together
Ingredients
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup freshly grated apple (about ½ medium apple)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional topping)
Instructions
- In a mason jar or airtight container, add oats, milk, grated apple, cinnamon, and optional sweetener.
- Stir well until everything is fully combined and the oats and apple are coated in the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4–6 hours) to allow oats to soften.
- In the morning, stir and enjoy cold, or warm for 30–60 seconds in the microwave. Top with chopped nuts or extra apple slices before serving.