Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

You’re going to love these delicious and creamy apple cinnamon overnight oats. Sweetened with applesauce and studded with fresh apples, they’re easy to prep and are a healthy, wholesome, make-ahead breakfast.

I love overnight oats! I could enjoy them every single morning without ever feeling bored. But, if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the apple cinnamon flavor.

These apple cinnamon overnight oats oats are not only delicious and nutritious, but they’re also naturally sweetened and incredibly simple to whip up. It’s the perfect flavorful and filling breakfast or snack to take on the go.

Jump to:

• What is apple cinnamon overnight oats
• Ingredients you’ll need
• How to make apple cinnamon overnight oats
• Recipe video
• Tips & recipe notes
• Variations, additions & swaps
• Serving suggestions
• Storage tips
• FAQs
• Recipe

What is apple cinnamon overnight oats

If you’re not familiar with overnight oats, they’re uncooked oats left to soften in a liquid (milk, usually) overnight. They’re customizable, super easy to make, and will help keep you full and energized.

There are countless flavor options for overnight oats, making it easy to switch things up and enjoy a different taste sensation every day. From fruity variations like mango coconut to indulgent flavors like chocolate and almond joy, the possibilities are endless.

These apple cinnamon overnight oats are the perfect way to embrace the delicious flavors of fall. But, of course, I can’t help but make them all year round because they’re just that good!

The oats are soft and creamy, and the diced fresh apple add a sweet and slightly tart flavor. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth to every bite, making it taste comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients you’ll need

For these apple cinnamon overnight oats, you’re going to need a few easy-to-find ingredients.

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Rolled oats the best oats for overnight oats because they have a flat, oval shape that helps them soak up liquid easily. When you soak or cook rolled oats, they become pleasantly chewy. Quick-cooking oats are also an option, but they tend to become too mushy and lose their texture when soaked overnight. Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
• Almond Milk: I like using unsweetened almond milk for recipes like this because of its neutral flavor, but feel free to use any type of milk that suits your taste preferences. Use a dairy-free option (oat, cashew, coconut) to keep this vegan if needed. Soy milk is great for added protein.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce naturally sweetens the oats, as well as contributes to their creamy consistency. Be sure to read the ingredient list and choose one made solely from apples.
• Fresh Apple: Diced fresh apples also add a natural sweetness and provide a pleasing texture that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the oats. You can use any kind of apple you enjoy eating. I usually go for honeycrisp, gala, or pink lady apples. While peeling the apple is optional, it’s important to core it before adding to the recipe.
• Cinnamon Powder: Cinnamon pairs perfectly with the apples. It enhances the flavor of the oats and creates a warm, comforting taste.
• Ginger Powder: It provides a warm, slightly spicy taste that complements the sweetness of the apples and cinnamon
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds extra depth to the recipe and enhances the overall flavor.
• Chia Seeds: I always make overnight oats with chia seeds as they add a nutritional boost (omega-3 fatty acids and protein). They also help absorb some of the liquid, which gives the oats a thicker consistency.

Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. This section covers notes on ingredients and possible substitutions.

How to make apple cinnamon overnight oats

Making overnight oats is as simple as stirring together the ingredients. I prefer to do it in three steps to avoid clumps:

1. Start by adding the dry ingredients (oats, chia seeds, cinnamon powder, and ginger powder) to a bowl or container and give them a quick stir.
2. Next, pour in the wet ingredients (almond milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract) and stir everything together until well combined.
3. Finally, fold in the diced apple for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

After that, cover and refrigerate oats overnight (or for at least 4 hours). The oatmeal softens and thickens into a pudding-like consistency.

When ready to consume, uncover the container, stir the mixture again before serving, add toppings if you like, and enjoy!

Recipe video

Watch how to make this recipe:

Tips & recipe notes

• I find it easier to mix the ingredients in a big container or bowl. However, you can also make this recipe directly in an individual jar, such as mason jars or weck jars. For the amount of ingredients listed for this recipe, you might need 3 to 4 jars.
• You can adjust the ratio of liquid to oats according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker and creamier texture, use less liquid. If you prefer a thinner consistency, use more liquid. It’s always best to start with a smaller amount of liquid and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency. This way, you can even adjust the consistency after oats are soaked.
• Avoid using steel-cut oats for this recipe. They have a longer cooking time compared to rolled or quick oats, and they require more liquid to cook. Soaking steel cut oats overnight may not be enough to soften them to the desired texture, which can result in a chewy and unpleasant texture.

Variations, additions & swaps

• If you’re not a fan of diced apple, try swapping it out for grated apple. It’s a delicious alternative that works just as well.
• While I personally enjoy the natural sweetness of applesauce and fresh apples, you can certainly add extra sweetness to the mixture if you prefer. Some options for additional sweeteners include maple syrup or honey.
• You can make these apple cinnamon overnight oats with yogurt for added creaminess.
• Easily add more protein to overnight oats by adding 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder. A high protein yogurt, such as greek yogurt and dairy-free soy yogurt, is also a great option for extra protein boost.
• For an extra boost of healthy fats and flavor, try adding a spoonful of nut butter like almond butter or cashew butter to the mixture. This is an easy way to take this recipe to the next level.
• You can also add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to your overnight oats for some added crunch

Note: The amount of liquid needed for your overnight oats may vary depending on the other ingredients you use. My advice is to let the oats soak overnight, then adjust the liquid when you’re ready to eat them. That way, you can get the perfect consistency every time.

Serving suggestions

I absolute love topping my apple cinnamon overnight oats with a spoonful of almond butter. It’s so good!

You can also:

• Add a dollop of greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Drizzle some maple syrup or honey on top if you want a touch of extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle with chopped nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
• Add some granola on top for extra crunch. We love our easy vegan granola and peanut butter granola!

Storage tips

After preparing your apple cinnamon overnight oats, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re the perfect make-ahead breakfast!

If you have leftover overnight oats that you don’t plan on eating within 3 days, you can freeze them. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. Note that freezing and thawing may affect the texture of your oats and diced apple. Freeze only if necessary.

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