Why You'll Love It
- Ready when you wake up - no morning rushing
- Tastes like dessert but packed with nutrition
- Perfect for meal prepping entire weeks
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
"My kids actually ask for breakfast now! The apple cinnamon combo is perfect."
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best because they soften perfectly overnight without getting mushy like quick oats might.
- Fresh apples: Choose crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji that hold their texture well when mixed with the oats.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds that warm, familiar flavor that pairs beautifully with apples - don't be shy with it.
- Plant-based milk: Almond or oat milk creates the creamiest texture, but any plant milk will work beautifully.
- Maple syrup: This natural sweetener complements the apples perfectly and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Chia seeds: These little seeds thicken the mixture and add a nutritional boost with omega-3s and fiber.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
Having your apples chopped and all ingredients measured means you can assemble these quickly while thinking about that easy dinner you planned.
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Flavor Development:
The magic happens overnight as the oats absorb the liquid and the cinnamon infuses every bite with warmth.
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Texture Control:
The oats transform from dry and separate to creamy and tender, while the apple pieces retain a pleasant crunch.
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Finishing Touches:
A sprinkle of extra cinnamon and maybe some toasted nuts right before serving makes it feel special.
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Serving Timing:
These are best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, making them perfect for hot summer mornings when cooking feels like too much.
- Use glass jars for easy storage and serving
- Stir well before refrigerating to distribute flavors
- Make 3-4 days worth at once for true meal prep efficiency
- Add nuts or seeds right before eating to keep them crunchy
Pro Tips
I remember when my sister showed me this method years ago, and wow, it changed my breakfast routine completely. No more skipping meals or grabbing something less healthy. Sometimes I'll make a big batch on Sunday evening while prepping other easy dinner recipes for the week. It feels good knowing breakfast is handled, especially on busy school mornings.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- Don't skip the chia seeds - they're crucial for thickness
- Use rolled oats, not instant or steel-cut
- The mixture will thicken significantly overnight
- Stir well before serving to redistribute flavors
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use steel-cut oats instead?
No, steel-cut oats won't soften properly with overnight soaking. They require cooking to become tender.
→ How long do these keep in the refrigerator?
They'll stay good for up to 5 days, making them perfect for weekly meal prep.
→ Can I heat these up if I prefer warm oats?
Absolutely! Just microwave for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through.
→ What's the best apple variety to use?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work best as they hold their texture well and have natural sweetness.
→ Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, just use soy or oat milk instead of almond milk.
→ Do I need to peel the apples?
It's personal preference - the peel adds fiber and nutrients, but peeled apples blend in more smoothly.
Chef's Tips
Stir well before serving to redistribute the liquid,The oats will continue to thicken the longer they sit,Add liquid if needed to reach your preferred consistency,Perfect for making 3-4 days ahead for quick breakfasts
Nutrition Facts
per serving
285
Calories
7g
Protein
52g
Carbs
7g
Fat
Taste Profile
Warm and comforting with natural sweetness from apples and maple
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Oat milk creates creamier texture, soy milk adds protein
Honey isn't vegan but works well if that's not a concern
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Pear Ginger Version
Substitute apples with ripe pears and add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for a spicy twist
Tropical Style
Use coconut milk instead of almond milk and add diced pineapple and toasted coconut
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Using quick oats (gets too mushy)
- Not stirring before refrigerating
- Skipping the chia seeds
- Adding nuts too early (they get soft)
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
These are designed to be made ahead! Prepare up to 5 days in advance for quick breakfasts all week.
Leftover Ideas
Store remaining servings in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days. Stir well before eating.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Chop apples and toss with lemon juice
Mix dry ingredients in bowl
Combine with wet ingredients, fold in apples
Refrigerate overnight to develop flavors
Stir and add toppings before serving
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
This vegan apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe makes a delicious and healthy breakfast perfect for meal prep with warm spices and sweet apple flavors that develop overnight.
Timing
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
0 Minutes
Total Time
8 Hours 10 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Oat Base
- 01 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 02 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 04 Pinch of sea salt
- 05 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 06 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Mixture
- 01 2 medium apples, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 02 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 03 Additional cinnamon for topping
- 04 Optional: toasted walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Chop your apples into small, bite-sized pieces and toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning. I like leaving the peel on for extra fiber and color.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to distribute the spices evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
Pour in the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture will look quite liquid at this point - that's perfect.
Gently fold in the chopped apples, making sure they're evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture.
Divide the mixture evenly among 4 jars or containers with lids. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
When ready to serve, give each jar a good stir. Top with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and some toasted nuts if desired.
Notes & Tips
- 1 Stir well before serving to redistribute the liquid
- 2 The oats will continue to thicken the longer they sit
- 3 Add liquid if needed to reach your preferred consistency
- 4 Perfect for making 3-4 days ahead for quick breakfasts
Tools You'll Need
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4 glass jars with lids
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Wooden spoon
Must-Know Tips
- Don't use quick oats - they get too mushy
- Stir thoroughly before refrigerating for even distribution
- Taste and adjust sweetness after soaking - you might want more maple syrup
- Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating if too cold
Professional Secrets
- The chia seeds are essential for proper thickening
- Lemon juice keeps apples fresh and bright
- Toasting nuts separately maintains their crunch
- Glass jars allow you to see the beautiful layers
Recipe by
Emma Fields“Mornings are my magic hour! I create easy, energizing breakfasts that turn sleepy starts into sunshine moments.” ☀️🥞
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