Name: Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of ground ginger; Pinch of ground cloves; Pinch of kosher salt; 1 small apple, cored and diced (Honeycrisp or preferred variety); 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk; 1 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal (or chia seeds); Optional toppings: toasted walnuts or almonds, dried fruit, extra maple syrup

These apple cinnamon overnight oats remind me of apple pie in a jar. The combination of creamy oats, yogurt, crisp apples, and warm spices creates a comforting, nourishing breakfast that I can prepare in minutes and enjoy all week long.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this recipe feels like a treat but is wholesome enough for busy mornings. The oats soak overnight, so I wake up to a ready-to-eat meal without turning on the stove. The apples stay crisp, the spices bring cozy fall flavors, and the maple syrup adds just the right sweetness. I also enjoy how customizable this recipe is—sometimes I top mine with walnuts for crunch or dried cranberries for extra chew.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
ground cinnamon
tiny pinch of ground ginger
tiny pinch of ground cloves
tiny pinch of kosher salt
apple, cored and diced (I like honeycrisp, peeling optional)
unsweetened vanilla almond milk
pure maple syrup
non-fat plain Greek yogurt
ground flaxseed meal (or chia seeds as a substitute)
optional toppings: toasted walnuts or almonds, dried fruit, additional maple syrup

Directions

I add the ingredients to a 16-ounce mason jar or airtight container in this order: oats, spices, salt, apple, almond milk, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and flaxseed.
I don’t stir—I simply seal the jar and refrigerate overnight (or up to 5 days).
When I’m ready to eat, I shake the jar or stir the contents in a bowl. If I want a thinner or thicker consistency, I add more almond milk or yogurt.
Finally, I add my favorite toppings before enjoying.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 1 jar, but I often prepare several at once for the week. Prep time takes about 5 minutes, and the oats need at least 8 hours in the refrigerator.

Variations

I sometimes swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version if I want a plant-based option. When I feel like changing things up, I use pears instead of apples or stir in a spoonful of almond butter before serving. For a fall twist, a bit of pumpkin purée with pumpkin pie spice works beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

I store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If I want them warm, I gently heat the oats in the microwave before eating, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, I can. The texture is slightly softer, but the recipe still works well.

Do I have to eat the oats cold?

No, I don’t. I often heat mine in the microwave if I want a warm breakfast.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

Not for this recipe as written—they won’t soften enough. But there are versions of overnight oats made specifically for steel-cut oats.

Can I make these without yogurt?

Yes. I sometimes skip the yogurt and just use extra almond milk. The oats will be looser but still creamy.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

I find that storing them mixed into the oats prevents browning. The moisture and spices help keep them fresh and crisp.

Conclusion

Apple cinnamon overnight oats are one of my favorite breakfasts because they combine flavor, nutrition, and convenience in a single jar. I love how easy they are to prepare ahead of time, and every spoonful feels like a bite of apple pie. Whether I eat them cold straight from the fridge or warmed with extra toppings, they never disappoint.