Save It Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that solves busy mornings with wholesome comfort and just the right touch of cozy sweetness. You get the perfect balance of creamy oats, juicy apples, and warm cinnamon—ready when you are without any fuss.
I started making these oats when I needed a no-hassle breakfast for school days and it quickly became our household favorite. My kids love layering chopped apples in their jars and waking up to dessert-like flavors.
Ingredients
- Old fashioned rolled oats: Choose thick cut for the best creamy texture and stayaway from instant oats
- Fresh apple: Any crisp variety works. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are perfect for their pop and tartness
- Milk: Use your favorite nondairy or dairy milk. I love oat milk for extra creaminess
- Greek yogurt: Adds protein and tang. Try to choose fullfat for a richer result
- Ground cinnamon: Gives warming spice. Pick Ceylon if you want a softer sweetness
- Chia seeds: Help thicken the oats and pack in fiber
- Pure maple syrup: Sweetens naturally without overpowering. Select grade A for clean flavor
- Tiny pinch of sea salt: Rounds out all the flavors
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Base:
- In a medium bowl combine rolled oats chia seeds cinnamon and sea salt. Stir very well so every bite will have an even flavor and the chia will thicken properly overnight.
- Prepare the Apple:
- Core and chop your apple into tiny cubes. Leaving the skin adds color and fiber. Sprinkle extra cinnamon to coat the pieces for an added punch.
- Layer Ingredients:
- Grab a mason jar. Add half the oat mixture then half of the apples. Repeat layers and finish with remaining oats and apples. This layering makes sure each spoonful is flavorful and the apples do not sink.
- Pour on the Liquids:
- Mix milk yogurt and maple syrup in another bowl until smooth. Pour this gently over the oats and apples in the jar to saturate everything. Use a spoon to gently press the mixture down so liquid covers all the oats.
- Seal and Chill:
- Close your jar tightly and place in the refrigerator. Let them rest at least eight hours but up to twenty four hours if you want deeper flavor and thicker texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- In the morning stir gently. Top with a sprinkle of nuts or seeds if you like crunch. Enjoy cold straight from the fridge or let sit at room temperature for a cozy feel.
Save It The apple is my favorite ingredient because it reminds me of fall family orchard trips. My kids always say it tastes like breakfast apple pie and sometimes we all add even more cinnamon just to make the kitchen smell like autumn.
Storage Tips
Store overnight oats in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator. If you double batch for the week add a splash more milk before eating as they can thicken over time and keep apples chopped fresh until serving for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap Greek yogurt for vegan coconut yogurt or skip and add extra chia seeds. Use almond milk or soy milk instead of dairy. Pears or peaches work when apples are out of season and pumpkin pie spice adds another flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch. Drizzle extra maple syrup if sweet mornings call. Try it with a dollop of nut butter or top with extra diced apple for a bolder fruit punch.
Cultural Context
Overnight oats come from Swiss Bircher muesli which has been popular for over a century. This apple cinnamon riff draws on American comfort flavors popular in traditional apple pie and fall baking.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add fresh cranberries or dried cherries in winter Substitute peaches and berries in summer Sprinkle ginger or nutmeg for more holiday aroma
Success Stories
Friends have shared that their picky preschoolers now devour oats thanks to the cinnamon apple combination. My sister swears by prepping these for her work week and says it saves her both time and morning frustration.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze assembled oat jars without apples for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add fresh chopped fruit just before eating so texture stays crisp not soggy.
Save It Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats make mornings sweeter and simpler. Wake up to a nutritious breakfast that’s always ready and irresistibly cozy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats need more soaking time or pre-cooking, as they remain chewier than rolled oats.
- → Which milk options work best?
Dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk all pair well, bringing distinct flavors and textures.
- → How can I boost the sweetness?
Add honey, maple syrup, or chopped dates for a naturally sweeter taste.
- → Do apples need to be cooked first?
No, raw diced apples soften overnight. Sautéing is optional for deeper flavor.
- → How long do oats need to soak?
Six to eight hours in the fridge allows oats to soften and flavors to develop.