Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
A wholesome and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe that combines the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings, offering a creamy texture enhanced by Greek yogurt, almond milk, and optional add-ins like chia seeds and nuts for extra nutrition and crunch.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (including refrigeration time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook / Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups steel-cut oats (or old-fashioned rolled oats)
- 4 cups almond milk
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Fruits & Sweeteners
- 2 medium apples, diced small (about 2 cups)
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 4 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and dice the medium apples into small pieces, roughly 1/2 inch cubes. This ensures the apples blend well and soften overnight.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the steel-cut oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, pinch of cloves (if using), chia seeds, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients until well incorporated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract over the dry oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are combined, and the oats are fully submerged.
- Mix in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Portion into Containers: Spoon the oat mixture evenly into mason jars or airtight food storage containers. Seal each container with a lid to prevent odors and contamination.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Place the containers in the refrigerator for at least 6 to 8 hours or overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Serve: In the morning, give each jar a good stir. You may add extra toppings like fresh apple slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, or additional nuts if desired. Enjoy cold or warm up if preferred.
Notes
- Steel-cut oats provide a chewier texture; rolled oats will result in a creamier consistency.
- Chia seeds add extra fiber and help thicken the mixture but can be omitted for a thinner texture.
- Use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt depending on your sweetness preference.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar for natural sweetness.
- Refrigerate leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days.
- Feel free to warm the oats gently before serving if you prefer a hot breakfast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 jar / 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon overnight oats, overnight oats recipe, healthy breakfast, make-ahead oats, cold oatmeal, easy breakfast, vegetarian breakfast