Healthy Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

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These apple cinnamon overnight oats are like apple pie in a jar, while tasting deliciously nutritious with oats, Greek yogurt, and apple pieces. These no-cook overnight oats take 5 minutes to prepare, and help to have a stress-free breakfast in the fridge.

Ingredients

For the base of the Overnight Oats:

• 1 cup rolled oats (use old-fashioned oats, not instant or quick oats)
• 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 medium apple (approximately 1 cup), diced
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (optional, for added thickness)

For Additional Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter
• Additional sliced apples
• Granola
• Maple syrup
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Coconut flakes

Instructions

 

Step 1

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, combine the liquid ingredients.

Whisk the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and unified.

Incorporate the dry ingredients, adding the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, plus chia seeds if desired.

Mix until the oats are thoroughly coated with the mixture.

Step 2

Wash the apple, remove the core, and slice it into small pieces.

You may peel the apple if desired, although the skin may be left on for added dietary fiber and a different mouthfeel.

Fold in the cooked apples gently, while saving a few for garnish if you like.

Ensure an even distribution of the apple throughout the mixture.

Spoon the mixture into 2 mason jars, or into 2 airtight containers, or into containers with lids that are also bowls.

Make sure to pack it a little to submerge the oats in the liquid.

Step 3

Cover it and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, and even longer if you prefer.

This time is crucial for the oats to soak up the liquid and become soft and creamy.

Before you serve the oats, it is recommended that you stir the oats, as some liquid might settle at the bottom.

Add toppings of your choice just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

You can enjoy the dish cold, or warm it in the microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds, if you prefer warm oats on chilly mornings.

Tips For Successful Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

1. Make sure to only use rolled oats: For this, a certain texture and creaminess, old-fashioned rolled oats are best. Quick oats become too mushy, and steel-cut oats would become too chewy.
2. The ratio is important: The best ratio is 1 part oats to 1 part liquid plus 1/2 part yogurt. This method yields creamy oats that are neither too thick nor too watery.
3. Don’t leave out the yogurt: Greek yogurt provides protein and contributes to the creaminess that makes overnight oats so satisfying. It also provides a slight tang that offsets the sweetness.
4. Select crisp apples: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, and Fuji apples are the best picks. Softer apples like Red Delicious tend to get mushy.
5. Increase sweetness naturally: For tart apples, try a tablespoon more of maple syrup or a mashed banana to add sweetness without added sugar.

Swapping Ingredients and Additions

• Milk alternatives: Every kind of milk works well here: almond, oat, coconut, soy, and cashew. For a creamier result, use full-fat dairy milk; however, non-dairy milk is also delicious.
• Substituting yogurt: For Greek yogurt, you may use dairy-free yogurt, a mashed banana, applesauce, or even pumpkin puree. Each will offer a different taste and texture.
• Other sweetener choices: Instead of maple syrup, use honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, or a few chopped dates blended in. For a no-sugar version, try stevia or monk fruit.
• Substituting apples: Diced pears, mashed banana, fresh or frozen berries, and dried fruit such as raisins or chopped dates will give you other flavor choices.

For extra depth, try adding ginger, cardamom, or allspice, and for more warmth,

Try the combination and add a tiny pinch of cloves, which also boosts the flavor of apple pie.

You can add a scoop of vanilla protein powder, a 1/4 cup extra of Greek yogurt, or finish with a nut butter to enrich the meal and add more staying power.

Anyone can appreciate the freedom of these overnight oats. For no cleanup, eat them right from the jar.

For a cozier breakfast, transfer to a bowl and warm them in the microwave.

Or, for brunch gatherings, layer them in clear glasses with extra toppings to present a gorgeous breakfast parfait.

On busy mornings, mason jars are a great on-the-go option. You can eat them in the car, at your desk, or between meetings.

They are great for camping and for hotel breakfasts too, because they need no cooking equipment.

For added freshness and crunch, pack the toppings separately to add just before eating.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Overnight oats are perfect for meal prep, as they store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Make five jars on the evening of Sunday, and you will have breakfast ready for the weekdays.

They actually taste better after a few days, so you are in for a real treat.

Keep assembled jars in the fridge for the week. If you have a few jars, they look beautiful.

However, any airtight container will do. Make sure to keep the granola and nuts in a separate container, as they will get soggy, and add them just before eating.

For 2 to 3 days, and maybe soft after that. If the softness bothers you, you could add a fresh diced apple each morning.

This is because of the yogurt content in overnight oats; they will not freeze well, so keep them refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

No. Instant oats are pre-cooked, so they will not break down too much and create a mushy texture rather than a creamy and chewy one, which makes overnight oats so appealing.

Do overnight oats need to sit for precisely 8 hours?

Not at all. As long as they sit for 4 hours, they will soften properly. 6 to 8 hours will be perfect, and they can sit in the fridge for up to 5 days.

The oats will slightly soften in the fridge as time progresses, but they will be perfectly edible.

Can you eat overnight oats warm?

Yes, just place the oats in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring the oats halfway.

If they are thick after warming, you can add a splash of milk. With the oats being warm, they can be a cozy treat on a cold morning.

Why are my Overnight Oats too watery?

This can be due to having too much liquid or not letting the oats absorb the liquid properly.

You can try reducing the milk by 2 tablespoons, add more oats, or let them sit longer.

Make sure to stir them well because the liquid often settles at the bottom, and it can become really thick.

Do the Apples turn brown overnight?

They will turn brown due to the oxidizing process, but they will be much less brown due to the yogurt.

You can toss them in a tiny bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh longer, or you can dice a fresh apple each morning.

Are Overnight Oats good for weight loss?

They can be. Oats are high in fiber, which promotes fullness, and the protein from Greek yogurt helps keep you satisfied.

Watch your portion sizes and go easy on high-calorie toppings like nut butter and granola if tracking calories.

Conclusion

These apple cinnamon overnight oats bring all the cozy flavors of fall into a nutritious, make-ahead breakfast that saves you precious morning minutes.

Master this simple five-minute prep once and you’ll have a reliable breakfast solution that tastes like dessert but fuels your body with wholesome ingredients.

Yield: 2

Healthy Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Print

These apple cinnamon overnight oats are like apple pie in a jar, while tasting deliciously nutritious with oats, Greek yogurt, and apple pieces. These no-cook overnight oats take 5 minutes to prepare, and help to have a stress-free breakfast in the fridge.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• Ingredients
• For the base of the Overnight Oats:
• 1 cup rolled oats (use old-fashioned oats, not instant or quick oats)
• 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 medium apple (approximately 1 cup), diced
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (optional, for added thickness)
• For Additional Toppings:
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter
• Additional sliced apples
• Granola
• Maple syrup
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Coconut flakes

Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, combine the liquid ingredients.

Whisk the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and unified.

Incorporate the dry ingredients, adding the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, plus chia seeds if desired.

Mix until the oats are thoroughly coated with the mixture.

Step 2

Wash the apple, remove the core, and slice it into small pieces.

You may peel the apple if desired, although the skin may be left on for added dietary fiber and a different mouthfeel.

Fold in the cooked apples gently, while saving a few for garnish if you like.

Ensure an even distribution of the apple throughout the mixture.

Spoon the mixture into 2 mason jars, or into 2 airtight containers, or into containers with lids that are also bowls.

Make sure to pack it a little to submerge the oats in the liquid.

Step 3

Cover it and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, and even longer if you prefer.

This time is crucial for the oats to soak up the liquid and become soft and creamy.

Before you serve the oats, it is recommended that you stir the oats, as some liquid might settle at the bottom.

Add toppings of your choice just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

You can enjoy the dish cold, or warm it in the microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds, if you prefer warm oats on chilly mornings.

Notes

Tips For Successful Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

1. Make sure to only use rolled oats: For this, a certain texture and creaminess, old-fashioned rolled oats are best. Quick oats become too mushy, and steel-cut oats would become too chewy.
2. The ratio is important: The best ratio is 1 part oats to 1 part liquid plus 1/2 part yogurt. This method yields creamy oats that are neither too thick nor too watery.
3. Don’t leave out the yogurt: Greek yogurt provides protein and contributes to the creaminess that makes overnight oats so satisfying. It also provides a slight tang that offsets the sweetness.
4. Select crisp apples: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, and Fuji apples are the best picks. Softer apples like Red Delicious tend to get mushy.
5. Increase sweetness naturally: For tart apples, try a tablespoon more of maple syrup or a mashed banana to add sweetness without added sugar.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1.5
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320gTotal Fat: 7ggSodium: 95mgmgCarbohydrates: 54ggFiber: 8ggSugar: 18ggProtein: 12gg

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