These overnight oats with apple and cinnamon are a tasty, whole-grain option for a healthy breakfast! This simple prep-ahead recipe brings together sweet-tart apples, aromatic cinnamon, and chewy oats for an excellent morning dish.
I’ve been preparing overnight oats for a long time, but this apple cinnamon variation has swiftly become a favorite in my household! The sweet-tart apple pieces contribute wonderful texture, and the cinnamon elevates the warm flavors. My son instantly requested I prepare another batch!
When I envision the perfect healthy breakfast that can be made ahead, these apple cinnamon overnight oats fulfill every requirement. I appreciate that this recipe serves two, making it ideal for pairs or for preparing meals the night before (plus, it’s simple to double).
Advice for the ideal apple cinnamon overnight oats
Through recipe trials, I’ve found a few essential tips that make these apple cinnamon overnight oats utterly delightful:
– Select the appropriate apple type. I prefer crisp, tart apples such as Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith because they maintain their texture throughout the night without turning mushy. If you know me, you’ll realize I’m a big fan of Pink Lady: it’s my top pick here!
– Don’t omit the chia seeds. That half tablespoon may seem minimal, but chia seeds are vital for holding everything together and achieving a creamy consistency (without being overly gooey — which is my pet peeve!).
– Allow them to soak for the full time (or skip it!). These easy overnight oats are technically ready after 2 hours: I actually find them tasty right away! However, they are meant to rest in the fridge overnight, allowing the flavors to combine even more.
Highlight ingredient: rolled oats
Much like in my favorite oatmeal recipe, I always utilize old-fashioned rolled oats for my overnight oats. They deliver the ideal texture: creamy and soft without turning mushy. Quick oats can become too mushy, although they can be used in a pinch.
Nonetheless, steel-cut oats should not be used! Steel-cut oats simply don’t soften adequately overnight: they retain the rigidity of uncooked rice grains even after soaking overnight (trust me, I’ve experienced it!).
Innovative serving suggestions and toppings
One thing I love about these apple cinnamon overnight oats is their adaptability for toppings and serving styles:
– Chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
– More fresh apple pieces diced
– A dollop of maple-sweetened Greek yogurt for extra protein
– A scoop of almond or peanut butter
– Hemp seeds or more chia seeds
– Chopped almonds or your preferred nuts
Storage and meal prep guidelines
Store in wide-mouth mason jars or glass containers with secure lids. Alternatively, you can keep the oats in one large container (which I’ve found to be preferable for preparing multiple servings simultaneously). Refrigerate for up to 2 days; they begin to acquire a gooey texture after 3 days.
I like to make 4-6 servings on a Sunday night, providing us with breakfast for the first few days of the week. The recipe easily doubles or triples, and having them ready to take out from the fridge makes busy mornings far more manageable.
A note on serving temperature
While overnight oats are meant to be enjoyed cold, you can heat them if you choose. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
However, I’ve discovered that the cold version truly showcases the flavors of apple and cinnamon! It’s a taste you’ll need to explore. (Honestly, Alex is still getting accustomed to it!)
Dietary information
This recipe for apple cinnamon overnight oats is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free (when using certified gluten-free oats). It becomes vegan if made with plant-based milk and is also naturally dairy-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
These overnight oats with apple and cinnamon are a tasty, whole-grain option for a healthy breakfast! This simple prep-ahead recipe brings together sweet-tart apples, aromatic cinnamon, and chewy oats for an excellent morning dish.
Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Breakfast
Diet: Vegan
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled Old Fashioned oats (do not use steel cut or quick cooking)
– 1 cup milk of choice (2%, oat or almond milk)
– 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ tablespoon chia seeds
– ¾ cup chopped crisp tart apple (like Pink Lady)
– ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon salt, optional
– Chopped pecans, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a glass container with a lid, combine the oats, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, chia seeds, apple, cinnamon, and salt, stirring well to mix. (If desired, you can divide the mixture into two half-pint jars.