This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe is an easy make-ahead breakfast. The oats are ultra creamy and studded with bites of fresh sautéed apples with cinnamon. It’s hearty and delicious!
My family loves it when they open the fridge to find Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats waiting for them. The oats are ultra creamy from an overnight soak in milk and yogurt, and studded with gorgeous bites of fresh sautéed apples with cinnamon. It’s kinda like a little apple pie worked into your breakfast! (My Overnight Baked Apple Oatmeal has a similar feel, in baked oatmeal form!)
Why These Overnight Oats Will Make Your Mornings Brighter
I always aim to start my day with a protein-rich, fiber-rich breakfast – and this recipe shines especially bright because I do all the prep the night before. If you’ve ever wondered how to make overnight oats, have no fear – it’s SO EASY! Here’s why I (and my whole family!) likes this recipe so much:
- The coziest cinnamon apples. Every fall, after we’ve received a box of apples from my parents’ apple tree or we’ve visited a local apple orchard, I make several batches of Sauteed Apples for our family. We eat these sweet, golden nuggets warm or cold…in a dish all by themselves, or spooned over Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, and ice cream. They make these overnight oats taste like a heavenly treat!
- Rich & creamy, satisfying oats. Greek yogurt and milk add protein to this overnight oats recipe, and work with the chia seeds (which have protein and fiber) to make the oats super creamy. And because oats are full of soluble fiber, they make for a filling, satisfying, charge-through-your-morning breakfast!
- Options for single or large batches. When I just need a breakfast for myself, it’s a hassle to scale down a recipe, but when I want breakfasts for a full week or for the whole family, it’s also a hassle to scale up a single serving. So I did the math for you – this recipe gives you options for BOTH!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the printable recipe card to find the exact ingredient quantities and full recipe instructions. In the recipe card, you’ll find the ingredients for the cinnamon apples. From there, there are two ingredient lists for the oats: one with quantities for a big batch and one with quantities for a single serving – so you can make as much as you want!
Cinnamon Apples:
- Apples – The same firm, crisp, sweet-tart varieties of apples that work well for baking in pies (and Apple Crisp!) will work well in this recipe. Haralson are my personal favorite from local Minnesota orchards, but Honeycrisp are the best widely available choice.
- Brown sugar – Light brown sugar adds warm sweetness.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg – Make sure your spices are fresh and fragrant. If they don’t have much aroma when you open the jar, they’re due for replacement. You could also substitute these two spices for 1/2 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice.
- Salt – Just a bit of kosher salt for contrast and balance.
- Apple cider – Use fresh-pressed refrigerated cider for the freshest, best flavor (not the kind in a shelf-stable bottle).
- Water – A little water adds enough liquid for the cornstarch to thicken into the perfect saucy texture.
- Cornstarch – For thickening the liquid from the apples.
Overnight Oats:
- Oats – This recipe calls for mostly old-fashioned oats (also known as rolled oats) plus a small amount of steel-cut oats, for added texture and heartiness.
- Milk – Any kind you like or have on hand in the fridge.
- Plain yogurt – Vanilla yogurt will also work, but just know that this would add some sweetness. You might want to add less honey.
- Honey – Or pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup that includes other ingredients), if you prefer.
- Chia seeds – Because chia seeds form a gel in liquid, they improve the texture of the overnight oats, making them extra creamy.
- Cinnamon – For a little extra warm and cozy flavor!
- Toppings – I like to top the finished oats with sliced or slivered almonds and additional cinnamon apples.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
When I make this recipe, I prep the cinnamon apples and either use all or most of them to assemble multiple jars of oats, or I use what I need for one or two jars and freeze the rest of the apples. Then, the next time I’m making these overnight oats, I have the apples ready to go!
- Make the cinnamon apples. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Stir frequently and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture reaches your desired tenderness and consistency. Remove from heat.
- Mix the oats. Stir together all of the ingredients except the toppings. If you’re making a large-batch quantity, mix in a bowl (as shown in the photos); for a single serving, do this in a jar.
- Chill. Cover the overnight oats and refrigerate overnight to soak.
- Serve in bowls. Stir the oats, add them to individual bowls, and top as desired.
- Or serve in jars. Alternatively, you can add the combined oats mixture to individual jars, screw on lids, and refrigerate them overnight. Then in the morning, give them a stir and add your toppings!
Variations to Try
If you want to put your own spin on this recipe, here are some ideas to get you started.
- Make cardamom apples. For something a little bit different, add a bit of cardamom. Know that a little bit goes a long way, so add a small amount and taste test before adding more. Cardamom adds a hint of citrus with some unexpected pepperiness.
- Add some more protein. A scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder will give your apple cinnamon overnight oats an added protein boost.
- Add peanut butter or almond butter. Right before serving, mix in a spoonful of your favorite nut butter. Our family likes to snack on apples dipped in peanut butter, which also gives a nod to one of our favorite fall cookies: Apple Peanut Butter Cookies!
Do You Eat Overnight Oats Hot or Cold?
Yes! And Yes! You can eat overnight oats BOTH ways – hot or cold.
I prefer to let my portion sit out on the counter for 30-60 minutes before eating, to take off the chill. And when it’s cold and blustery, I definitely warm it up a bit in the microwave to bring on some comfort.
How to Store
- Cinnamon apples: Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Overnight oats: Store in a covered bowl or individual jars for up to 5 days.
More of My Favorite Fall Breakfast Recipes
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Apple Muffins with cinnamon sugar crumble
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Yield: 6 servings
This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe is an easy make-ahead breakfast. The oats are ultra creamy and studded with bites of fresh sautéed apples with cinnamon.
Print
Ingredients
For a large batch of cinnamon apples:
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and ½"-diced firm, tart apples that are good for baking (I like to use Honeycrisp or Haralson apples, but any firm, crisp apple will work.)
- ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
- pinch nutmeg
- ½ cup fresh-pressed apple cider (in the refrigerated section at the grocery store)
- ¼ cup water
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
For a SINGLE SERVING of overnight oats:
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats (not quick-cooking oats)
- 2 tablespoons steel cut oats
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup prepared cinnamon apples
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- sliced or slivered almonds and additional prepared cinnamon apples, for topping
For a LARGE-BATCH (6 SERVINGS) of overnight oats:
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick-cooking oats)
- ¾ cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 3 cups prepared cinnamon apples
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- sliced or slivered almonds and additional prepared cinnamon apples, for topping
Instructions
- This recipe makes a large batch of the cinnamon apples mixture and then gives quantities and directions for making single servings of the overnight oats or a large-batch quantity. The cinnamon apples mixture allows for 6 to 8 servings, depending on how much you use for each serving. The cinnamon apples keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The combined oats mixture keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For a large batch of cinnamon apples:
- In a medium saucepan over medium to medium-high heat, stir together all ingredients for the cinnamon apples.
- Stir regularly until mixture starts to boil. Once boiling, turn heat down to low and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture is thickened and apples are tender to your liking. I like the apples softened, but with a little bite left. Remove saucepan from heat.
For a SINGLE SERVING of overnight oats:
- In a single serving bowl or jar, stir together all ingredients for the oats. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The following morning, give the oats mixture a little stir and then top with almonds and additional cinnamon apples. Combined oats mixture keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For a LARGE-BATCH (6 SERVINGS) of overnight oats:
- In a medium-large bowl, stir together all ingredients for the oats. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The following morning, give the oats mixture a stir. Then portion out as much as you'd like into a small bowl. If desired, loosen with a bit more milk. Top with almonds and additional cinnamon apples.
Nutrition Information:
Serving: 1 Calories: 239kcal Carbohydrates: 43g Protein: 5g Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 1g Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 91mg Fiber: 7g Sugar: 28g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment below. And share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #afarmgirlsdabbles or tag @farmgirlsdabble!
This post was originally published in 2016, then updated in 2025.
Overnight oats may not be a new thing, but I just recently got on the band wagon :)
Looks so creamy and yummy!
I love overnight oats!! But I was told that steel cuts oats won’t soften up even after sitting for days. So I am curious if they are still crunchy. I didn’t think that I would like cold oatmeal but honestly it is Sooo good. I used coconut milk instead of cow’s milk, not for any particular reason other than I love the taste of cocnut milk.
Tried this this morning. So delicious, and love the different textures.
I have never eaten cold oatmeal..sounds a little scarey….is is really good?
What a great recipe for serving overnight guests, or for the kids to grab before school.
Now that it’s getting colder, I’ve been craving all the oatmeal for breakfast! These oo look amazing! Cinnamon and apples are the perfect addition to oats!
Perfect autumn breakfast! My family goes through a ton of milk, too—especially when my youngest is home! I loved hearing about the Great American Milk Drive—what a fabulous campaign that will help feed the hungry in our country. Off to donate!!
These look delicious! I love finding new ways for making overnight oats!
I took a little too long to get on the overnight oats train too and when I did I ALSO kicked myself. I want to try it with your cinnamon apples now! They look just perfect for fall!
I didn’t know you were in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area I lived in Minneapolis until four years ago I moved to Austin, Texas. VEAP a food shelf as recently expanded and they can accept perishables. Second Harvest distributes to food shelf and most cannot take items that have to be refrigerated. VEAP is great I used to volunteer there, they are the largest food shelf in Hennipen County, they are located in Bloomington.
Can’t wait to try this Brenda! Love your posts! So glad to see you doing something you’re passionate about.
Love overnight oats, love apples and love this cause!! I totally need to try the steel cut and regular oat combo – genius!
I am excited to give this a try. I like the idea of mixing regular oats and steel cut oats, I am guessing I will like that texture. This seems like a no brainer for fall time! -w
Hmm, the perfect breakfast!!
I love the idea of pie for breakfast! And I also love that you are bringing attention to such an important need.
Hey girl this looks so yummy! Love the post!
I’ve never done Apple Cinnamon overnight oats, what a great idea!! Great recipe and great cause <3