What Makes Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats So Special
With just a handful of simple ingredients, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats delivers cozy warmth and creamy satisfaction in every bite. Imagine tender oats soaked in vanilla almond milk, layered with sweet honeycrisp apples, a whisper of cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup — all melding together overnight like a gentle hug for your taste buds. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent yet wholesome, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends alike. If you love fuss-free recipes that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours, you’ll adore how these oats come together effortlessly.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are one of the easiest ways to bring fall flavors into your morning routine without turning on the stove. Each bite delivers that warm spice and fruity sweetness combo we all crave.
For more morning inspiration, check out my pistachio overnight oats — another jar of joy!
Now, here’s a little secret from my kitchen: the first time I made these, I nearly skipped the pinch of cloves and ginger, thinking they wouldn’t matter. Oh, what a difference those tiny spices make! They add just the right depth, turning simple oats into something reminiscent of apple pie. And don’t worry if your jar looks a bit separated in the morning — a quick stir brings it all together into velvety perfection. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be stocking up on apples year-round!
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Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- ⅓ cup old fashioned rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Tiny pinch ground ginger
- Tiny pinch ground cloves
- Tiny pinch kosher salt
- ½ medium apple, cored and diced (peeling optional), any kind you enjoy eating (I used honeycrisp)
- ½ cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure maple syrup
- ½ cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal (or substitute chia seeds)
- Optional toppings: Toasted almonds or walnuts; dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots; additional maple syrup
These ingredients come together in just minutes to create a comforting jar of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Cook Time for Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
One of the loveliest things about these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats? They practically make themselves while you sleep! Prep takes just 5 minutes — enough time to dice an apple and layer your jar — then the fridge works its magic overnight. By morning, you’ve got a creamy, dreamy breakfast ready to go. If you’re new to overnight oats, my guide to healthy oatmeal has more tips for perfect texture every time.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients
Add the ingredients to a 16-ounce mason jar in this order: oats, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, diced apples, almondmilk, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and flaxseed. No shaking yet — just let them cozy up together!
Step 2: Rest Overnight
Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or up to 5 days). The oats will soften, the apples will sweeten, and the flavors will meld into something magical.
As they sit, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats develop layers of flavor that feel like a homemade treat. Whether you prep one jar or five, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats make breakfast a breeze.
Step 3: Stir & Enjoy
When ready to eat, give the jar a good shake or stir everything in a bowl. Add a splash more almondmilk if needed, then top with toasted nuts or dried fruit for crunch.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these oats even more delightful. Here’s what my family loves:
- Flavor swap: Try swapping apples for pears and adding a dash of cardamom for a floral twist.
- Diet tweak: For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt — it adds a lovely tropical note!
- Texture fix: If you prefer thicker oats, reduce the almondmilk by 1 tablespoon.
- Storage tip: These keep beautifully for meal prep — just omit fresh toppings until serving day. For more make-ahead ideas, explore my healthy drinks collection to pair with your oats.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 0.33 cup old fashioned rolled oats gluten free if needed
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground ginger
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 0.5 medium apple cored and diced (peeling optional), any kind you enjoy eating (I used honeycrisp)
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk
- 1.5 tsp pure maple syrup
- 0.5 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal or substitute chia seeds
Method
- Add the ingredients to a 16-ounce mason jar in this order: oats, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, diced apples, almondmilk, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and flaxseed. No shaking yet — just let them cozy up together!
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or up to 5 days). The oats will soften, the apples will sweeten, and the flavors will meld into something magical.
- When ready to eat, give the jar a good shake or stir everything in a bowl. Add a splash more almondmilk if needed, then top with toasted nuts or dried fruit for crunch.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats aren’t just delicious — they’re packed with goodness! The oats and flaxseed offer fiber for digestion, while Greek yogurt adds protein to keep you full. Apples bring vitamin C, and cinnamon may help balance blood sugar. For an extra nutrient boost, try adding chia seeds like in my chia citrus water. According to this smoothie resource, combining fruits with oats maximizes vitamin absorption too!
Best of all, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats provide long-lasting energy without the sugar crash. If you’re looking for a smart, flavorful start to your day, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats check every box.
A Lighter Version of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Want to lighten things up? Here’s how I tweak this recipe when I’m craving something simpler: swap maple syrup for mashed banana, use unsweetened almond milk, and double the cinnamon for natural sweetness. For more low-sugar ideas, my celery apple juice is another refreshing option. If you love tropical flavors, this mango version from The Dizzy Cook is fantastic with coconut milk!
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
When my dear friend Margaret was diagnosed as prediabetic, we spent hours in my kitchen experimenting with sugar-conscious versions of our favorite recipes. That’s when I discovered how beautifully Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats adapt to different needs! For a low glycemic version, I simply swap maple syrup with mashed banana (nature’s perfect sweetener) and add an extra pinch of cinnamon to enhance natural sweetness.
If you’re watching sugar intake, try stevia or monk fruit just a tiny amount gives that cozy sweetness without spiking glucose. And here’s a trick my nutritionist cousin taught me: adding flaxseed or chia seeds slows digestion, making these oats wonderfully blood sugar friendly. For more diabetic-friendly sips, my lemon ginger tonic pairs beautifully with these oats!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
There’s something magical about serving these oats in my grandmother’s pressed glass bowls — the way the morning light catches the layers of creamy oats and jewel-toned apples always reminds me of breakfasts at her farmhouse. For special occasions, I love topping them with toasted pecans and a drizzle of warm spiced apple cider reduction.
Pair them with a green tea lemonade for a refreshing contrast, or try this peach smoothie for a summery twist. The beauty of these oats? They’re equally lovely served chilled straight from the jar or gently warmed on chilly mornings.
Mistakes to Avoid
Oh darling, I’ve made every mistake possible with overnight oats so you don’t have to! My first batch turned out as thick as cement because I used steel-cut oats instead of rolled — learn from my blunder and always check your oat type.
Another common pitfall? Adding toppings too soon. Those crunchy almonds lose their charm when they’ve been swimming in almond milk overnight. Wait until morning to sprinkle them on! And if your oats taste bland, you probably forgot the salt — that tiny pinch makes all the flavors sing. For more texture tips, my oatmeal guide has saved many breakfasts. One last thing: don’t skip the Greek yogurt like I once did — it’s the secret to that luscious creaminess we all love!
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Remember those hectic mornings when my twins were toddlers? These oats became my salvation because they store like a dream! I’d prep a week’s worth in mason jars — the kind with those cute little clamp lids that always reminded me of my canning days with Aunt Rose.
They keep beautifully for 5 days in the fridge, though I recommend adding fresh apple pieces every 2-3 days for optimal texture. For longer storage, freeze them without toppings (the dairy can separate slightly, but a good stir fixes it). Thaw overnight in the fridge, and they’re ready by dawn. If you love make-ahead magic, my healthy drinks collection pairs perfectly with these oats. And here’s a tip from this storage guide: write dates on lids with chalk markers to avoid guesswork!
Whether you’re storing them for the week or freezing for later, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats keep their flavor and texture beautifully. Just remember to stir well after thawing. With a few jars of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats in your fridge, breakfast is never an afterthought. It’s a treat you’ll actually look forward to!
Try This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Yourself
I’ll never forget the morning my neighbor Claire brought over her version of these oats after my surgery that simple jar of comfort sparked this whole recipe journey.
Now I want to pass that warmth to you! Whether you’re rushing to work or savoring a slow Sunday, these oats wrap you in that same cozy feeling. For more morning inspiration, explore my pistachio overnight oats, cucumber mint water, or mango mint smoothie. Trust me, once you experience the joy of waking up to ready-made breakfast, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats work in a pinch, they tend to get mushy overnight. Rolled oats maintain that perfect tender-yet-chewy texture we love in Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats. If you must use quick oats, reduce the liquid by 1 tablespoon and soak for just 4 hours.
How do I make these oats dairy-free?
Simply swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt (my favorite creamy alternative) and use your preferred plant-based milk. The spices and apples shine through beautifully! For more dairy-free ideas, try my coconut water smoothie as a pairing.
Why are my overnight oats too runny?
This usually happens when the oats haven’t had enough time to absorb the liquid or if you accidentally added too much milk. Let them sit another hour or stir in an extra teaspoon of chia seeds to thicken things up beautifully.
Can I heat these oats before eating?
Absolutely! While traditionally served cold, these oats become extra cozy when warmed for 30-60 seconds. Just transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through. The cinnamon aroma will fill your kitchen with happiness!






