Get ready for a cozy, satisfying breakfast that tastes like dessert but delivers a powerhouse of nutrition: Overnight Oats with Apples. This easy, make-ahead meal blends creamy oats, crisp apple bites, warm cinnamon spice, and just a hint of sweetness for a breakfast that’s always ready to greet you in the morning. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or simply craving something nourishing and delicious, this twist on classic overnight oats is a favorite you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of wholesome ingredients, Overnight Oats with Apples comes together in minutes, demonstrating how simple foods can create incredible flavor and texture. Every item brings something essential, from chewy oats to crunchy apples to that aromatic cinnamon warmth.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of this dish, offering a creamy-yet-chewy base that soaks up all those lovely flavors overnight.
- Milk (dairy or plant-based): This keeps things creamy; choose what’s best for you, from whole milk to almond or oat milk.
- Plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt): Adds creaminess and a protein boost for satisfying mornings.
- Apple, finely chopped: Fresh apples bring sweetness, a crisp bite, and beautiful color to every spoonful.
- Chia seeds: These tiny powerhouses thicken everything up and add a dose of fiber and omega-3s.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just a splash for natural sweetness that brightens each bite without overpowering.
- Cinnamon: A cozy classic that gives the oats their incredibly warm and inviting flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla brings out the best in all the other ingredients.
- Pinch of salt: Just a little bit makes all the difference, balancing sweetness and making flavors pop.
- Optional toppings: Extra apple slices, chopped nuts, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter for extra indulgence and crunch.
How to Make Overnight Oats with Apples
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
In a jar or airtight container, toss in your oats, milk, Greek yogurt, finely chopped apple, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir so the oats are thoroughly coated and the apples are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight
Seal up your container and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is perfect for the magic to happen. While you catch up on sleep, the oats soak up all those flavors and the chia seeds thicken everything to that glorious, spoonable texture.
Step 3: Stir and Adjust Consistency
In the morning, give the oats a solid stir. If things look a little too thick for your liking, add a splash more milk until it’s just right for you—creamy, dreamy, and ready to eat.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Top your Overnight Oats with Apples with extra apple slices, a sprinkling of nuts or granola, and maybe a luxurious drizzle of nut butter. Each topping adds freshness, crunch, or a decadent finish to your healthy breakfast treat. Enjoy it straight from the fridge!
How to Serve Overnight Oats with Apples
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a few extra slices of crisp apple on top for color and crunch! Try an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, your favorite trail mix, or a pretty swirl of almond or peanut butter to dress up your Overnight Oats with Apples. A few pomegranate seeds or coconut flakes bring even more color and texture to the table.
Side Dishes
If you’re looking for something to go along with your oats, keep it light and fresh! Pair with a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea, or maybe a fruit salad bursting with berries. For extra protein, serve with a hard-boiled egg or a couple breakfast turkey sausages.
Creative Ways to Present
Mason jars and pretty glass containers make these oats share-worthy, but you can also layer them parfait-style in tall glasses with yogurt, granola, and chopped apples. Planning a brunch? Set up a build-your-own Overnight Oats with Apples bar, with bowls of nuts, dried fruits, extra apples, and fun drizzles for everyone to mix and match.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Overnight Oats with Apples is how perfectly they store! Just keep your tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator, and your oats will stay creamy and fresh for up to 3 days. They make meal prep a total breeze, so you can grab and go even on the busiest mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze the base (minus the fresh apple) in individual portions for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir in finely chopped fresh apple just before serving for a crisp bite and brighter flavor.
Reheating
These oats are designed to be eaten chilled, but if you love a warm breakfast, you can pop your serving in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Give it a good stir, taste for temperature, and add a splash more milk if things have thickened up too much. Top, and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a much chewier texture and don’t soften quite as much overnight. For best results, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for that luscious, creamy consistency in your Overnight Oats with Apples.
Which apples work best for this recipe?
Crisp, tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully because they stay crisp and add a burst of fresh flavor. Really, any firm apple you love will shine here.
Can I make Overnight Oats with Apples dairy free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite plant-based milk and yogurt—oat, almond, soy, or coconut all work great, and you can even use agave as the sweetener.
How long can I keep these in the fridge?
Overnight Oats with Apples will keep well for up to 3 days when stored in a tightly sealed container. If you’re adding toppings, add them fresh each morning to keep things crisp.
Can I double or triple the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Just multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you need and prep in separate containers so they’re ready to grab during the week. The oats keep their taste, texture, and freshness for several days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to upgrade your breakfast routine with something wholesome, energizing, and incredibly easy, Overnight Oats with Apples is the way to go. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a staple in your house. Here’s to bright mornings and nourishing starts!
Print
Overnight Oats with Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day off right with these delicious Overnight Oats with Apples. Creamy oats infused with apple, cinnamon, and a hint of sweetness, perfect for a healthy and easy breakfast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- 1/2 apple, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- extra apple slices
- chopped nuts
- granola
- drizzle of nut butter
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a jar or airtight container, mix oats, milk, yogurt, chopped apple, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: In the morning, stir the oats and add more milk if needed. Top with extra apple slices, nuts, granola, and nut butter. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, ideal for meal prep.
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