Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats combine the flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, oats, and apple for a yummy start to the day. This healthy overnight oats recipe is easy to meal prep and makes a great breakfast idea on busy mornings.
It’s a 5-minute recipe for meal prep. Leave the mixture in the fridge overnight for the oats to work their magic and soak up all those delicious flavors.
For more overnight oats recipes, including overnight oats apple pie, check out my popular post 10 Best Overnight Oats Recipes (Healthy & Easy To Make) or try my delicious Blueberry Banana Overnight Oats Recipe or my Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats.
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Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
If you’re a cinnamon lover, this is the healthy breakfast recipe for you. Apples and cinnamon are flavors made for each other. The warmth of cinnamon brings out the best in sweet, tart apples.
This is an ideal recipe for busy people who don’t have time to prep breakfast in the morning but still want a healthy start to the day. All you have to do is remember to soak your oats the night before. Then grab and go when you’re rushing out the door!
These ingredients are a guide only. Adjust to suit your taste buds. Some people like to add extra maple syrup, and others leave it out altogether just enjoying the natural sweetness of the milk and oats.
The chia seeds or flax seeds are optional. These superfoods are full of omega-3 healthy fats, antioxidants, protein, and fiber. They will also thicken your oats making them creamy and filling. Just half a tablespoon does the trick.
Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats – sometimes called old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 milk – dairy or plant-based milk or you can even use water
- 1/2 Tbsp flax or chia seeds (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon plus a pinch for dusting
- One drop of vanilla extract
- 1 small apple chopped into pieces
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- A small handful of chopped walnuts (optional)
How To Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Find full instructions and ingredients in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Print off for future reference.
STEP 1: Add your rolled oats to a large 8oz glass jar or container. If you’re using flax or chia seeds stir them into the oats.
STEP 2: Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Pour the milk over the mixture and mix well. You can use any milk or even water. I like to use soy milk for its high protein content. This is an overnight oats without yogurt recipe but if you prefer your overnight oats with yogurt you can add 1 or 2 Tbsp at this stage and stir well.
STEP 3: Put the lid on your overnight oats jar or cover the top with wrap (cling film). Place in the fridge and leave the oats to soften soaking up the delicious flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. The absolute minimum time is 4 hours but it’s best to leave the oats overnight.
STEP 4: In the morning, just before serving, top with chopped apple and optional walnuts. Dribble over the maple syrup and dust with extra cinnamon. If you want to make an impression or need a cheerful start to the day, decorate your mason jar with a cinnamon stick and star anise!
Recipe Tips
- Are the overnight oats too thin or too thick? Too thin? Stir in more oats and leave for at least an extra 30 minutes before eating. Too thick? Mix in some more milk or add some yogurt. Make a note, and next time you make the recipe adjust the liquid quantities to suit your preferences.
- Make a big batch on a Sunday night to last you through to Friday. Overnight oats can be stored for 5 days in the fridge.
- This recipe works best with rolled oats but you can use steel-cut oats or quick oats. Using steel-cut oats gives you a more chewy consistency and it’s best to soak them for a little longer. With quick oats, the mixture turns out very soft and you need to watch out for the oats clumping together – give them an extra stir.
- Add toppings just before eating. Otherwise, the apple can start to brown and the walnuts will go soggy.
- Most people eat their overnight oats cold but you can choose to warm them up quickly in the microwave.
Kitchen Equipment
It helps to have some of these kitchen essentials (Amazon Affiliate links):
- Mazon Jars. I like to use 8oz jars but if you want to add lots of toppings try these larger 16oz jars. You can also opt for jars with lids and spoons, handy when you need to grab and go!
- Measuring spoons and cups. Good measurement takes the guesswork out of recipes. These nesting spoons and cups come in quality stainless steel and are labeled in metric and imperial.
- Serrated fruit knife. Ideal for chopping fruits and vegetables with soft skin. It also doubles as a butter knife.
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Try these other Healthy Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas and Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Work (Snacks On The Go).
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice – dairy or plant-based
- 1/2 Tbsp flax or chia seeds optional
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon plus a pinch for dusting
- One drop of vanilla extract
- 1 small apple chopped into pieces
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- A small handful of chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Add your rolled oats to a large 8oz glass jar or container. If you're using flax or chia seeds stir them into the oats.
- Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Pour the milk over the mixture and mix well.
- Cover with a lid or wrap and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is better).
- In the morning top with chopped apple and optional walnuts. Spoon over the maple syrup and dust with extra cinnamon. You can even decorate your mason jar with a cinnamon stick and star anise!