There’s something deeply comforting about waking up to a chilled jar of oats infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweet tang of apple. Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are the kind of breakfast that feel like a gentle hug on a busy morning—easy to prep ahead and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re rushing out the door or easing into your day slowly, these oats are ready when you are.

The combination of tart apples, cozy spices, and creamy oats soaked overnight creates a delicious texture that tastes like dessert, but fuels your morning like a pro. With no cooking required, just a little bit of stirring and chilling, you can enjoy this healthy and hearty option without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

These oats are more than just convenient. They deliver a satisfying, fiber-rich breakfast that keeps you full for hours without feeling heavy. The natural sweetness of apples blends beautifully with cinnamon and vanilla, while the oats soak up every bit of that delicious flavor overnight. You can easily customize the texture—thicker or looser—and add your favorite toppings like granola, almond butter, or toasted nuts.

Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly. You can whip up a few jars at once and have breakfast sorted for the week. It also travels well, making it ideal for work, school, or on-the-go days.

What Kind of Oats Should I Use?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are your best friend here. They soften perfectly overnight without becoming too mushy or chalky. Steel-cut oats are too firm for this no-cook method unless pre-cooked, and instant oats can become overly soggy. Stick with classic rolled oats for that ideal creamy-but-chewy texture.

You can also explore gluten-free certified rolled oats if needed, and for a protein boost, consider adding a spoonful of chia seeds or even a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.

Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

The base ingredients in this overnight oat recipe strike a balance between flavor, nutrition, and texture. Here’s what makes this breakfast bowl shine:

Old-fashioned rolled oats are essential for structure and absorb just the right amount of liquid overnight.

Milk of choice (dairy or plant-based) creates a creamy foundation. Almond, oat, or soy milk all work beautifully.

Greek yogurt adds richness and a slight tang that mimics apple pie with a dollop of whipped cream.

Honey or maple syrup provides a touch of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with apple and spice.

Chia seeds give these oats a boost of fiber and help thicken the mixture as they expand.

Apple (grated or finely chopped) brings freshness and a gentle crunch while infusing every bite with natural flavor.

Cinnamon is the star spice, warming up the mix and giving those apple pie vibes.

Vanilla extract rounds everything out with a sweet aromatic finish.

Pinch of salt to balance flavors and enhance sweetness.

How to Make the Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium jar or bowl, stir together the old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mixing dry first ensures the chia doesn’t clump later on.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup. Stir well to combine until no dry patches remain.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples

Add your grated or chopped apple into the mixture and stir once more. You can leave the skin on for extra fiber or peel it for a softer texture.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

Seal the jar or cover the bowl and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. The oats and chia seeds will absorb the liquid and thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

In the morning, give your oats a quick stir. If they’re too thick, splash in a bit more milk. Top with extra apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a spoonful of nut butter, or a handful of granola if you’re feeling fancy.

Serving and Storing Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

This recipe yields two generous servings, but you can easily double or triple it if prepping for the week. The oats will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, stored in airtight containers. They’re great cold straight from the fridge, or you can warm them slightly in the microwave if you prefer a cozy start.

Serving is as easy as topping your oats with a few fresh apple slices or a dollop of almond butter. If you’re making them for guests or brunch, layering them in small glass jars with extra fruit and nuts makes for a beautiful (and delicious) presentation.

What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats?

Freshly Brewed Coffee or Chai Latte

The warming spice in chai or the bold notes of coffee are a perfect pairing with cinnamon-laced oats.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Add a pop of protein to balance your breakfast and keep you full longer.

Toasted Whole-Grain Bread with Peanut Butter

For extra energy, a slice of nut butter toast on the side gives that satisfying crunch.

Fresh Orange or Grapefruit Segments

The citrus cuts through the creaminess of the oats and adds a bright note.

Almond Butter Drizzle

A spoonful of almond butter swirled on top adds richness and healthy fats.

Berry Compote

Warm berries spooned over your oats take this breakfast to dessert-level indulgence.

Cottage Cheese Parfait

Layer with fruit and nuts for a high-protein breakfast bowl companion.

Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If you love these apple cinnamon overnight oats, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy and easy-to-make favorites:

Frozen Banana Yogurt Pops for a chilly snack or morning treat.
Cottage Cheese Egg Bites Recipe when you’re craving a savory high-protein bite.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe to keep your weeknight dinners wholesome.
One Bowl Banana Chocolate Muffins if you want breakfast to taste like dessert (but still feel good).
Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies for a sweet protein-packed bite anytime of day.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on cinnamon or keep it subtle? Did you stir in raisins or add a nutty topping?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s make mornings better together.

Explore beautifully curated healthy breakfasts and smart meal-prep ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite way to start the day!

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats make mornings something to look forward to. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you wake up to a chilled, flavorful, and nourishing breakfast that’s ready when you are. Customize it to fit your taste and lifestyle, and enjoy a breakfast that truly works as hard as you do.