...
Jar of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats topped with diced apples and cinnamon.

Amazing Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

User avatar placeholder
Written by Carla Davis

September 2, 2025

Oh, that feeling when the leaves start to turn and there’s a crispness in the air? My absolute favorite thing is that cozy, apple pie vibe that just takes over everything. And let me tell you, you can totally capture that deliciousness in a jar for breakfast! Seriously, these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are my go-to when I want something warm, comforting, and totally good for me, especially on those super busy mornings. It reminds me so much of my Grandma’s kitchen, that feeling of love wrapped up in a simple dish. This recipe is all about bringing that comfort into your hectic life, making sure you start your day right, even when you only have five minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

These aren’t just any overnight oats; they’re a little jar of fall happiness that takes all the work out of a delicious breakfast. Trust me, you’ll love them because:

  • They taste exactly like apple pie, but without all the baking fuss!
  • You can whip them up in minutes the night before.
  • They’re packed with goodness to keep you full and energized.
  • They make your fridge look super organized with those cute make-ahead breakfast jars.
  • You can totally tweak them to be exactly how you like ’em!

Perfect Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Ratio

Okay, so getting the texture *just* right for overnight oats is super important, right? You don’t want a watery mess, and you definitely don’t want a brick. My go-to ratio, the one that’s been a lifesaver for me, is a one-to-one ratio of rolled oats to liquid, plus that creamy yogurt bonus. So, basically, it’s 1/2 cup of rolled oats to 1/2 cup of milk. That seems like a lot of liquid, but trust me, the oats and chia seeds soak it all up beautifully overnight. Then, I add in about 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt. This is key! It makes them super creamy and gives you that lovely, thick, almost pudding-like consistency without being dry. If you find, after a night in the fridge, that they’re still a smidge too thick for your liking, just stir in a tiny splash more milk. Easy peasy! This simple combo is the secret weapon for perfectly textured oats every single time. You can check out more breakfast ideas here!

Essential Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Now, for the good stuff! Here’s what you’ll need to gather for these amazing apple pie–inspired oats:

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats: Make sure you grab rolled oats, not quick oats, for the best texture.
  • 1/2 cup milk: This can be any milk you love! Dairy milk works great, or if you’re going vegan, almond, soy, or oat milk are fantastic options.
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Again, dairy or a thick, plain non-dairy yogurt will work. The Greek style gives it that amazing creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds: These little guys work magic, thickening everything up and adding a nice nutritional boost.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Hello, apple pie flavor!
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a little touch to really bring out that warm spice.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped apple or unsweetened applesauce: Fresh, finely chopped apple bits are pure heaven, but unsweetened applesauce is a super easy shortcut!
  • Optional sweetener: A little drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you like things a bit sweeter.

Crafting Your Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Alright, putting these together is almost as easy as eating them, I promise! It’s one of those recipes where you just toss everything into a jar, give it a good mix, and let the magic happen in the fridge. First thing’s first, grab yourself a cute jar or a small container – Mason jars are my absolute favorite for these make-ahead breakfast jars. Then, just dump in your rolled oats, milk, that lovely thick Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and our star spices, cinnamon and nutmeg. Give it a really good stir to make sure everything is well combined. If you’re adding protein powder for that extra boost, now’s the time to whisk it in until there aren’t any lumps – sometimes I’ll add a touch more milk if it gets too thick at this stage. Then, gently fold in your chopped apple or that dollop of applesauce. If you want a little extra sweetness, this is the moment to stir in your maple syrup or honey. Pop a lid on tight, and it’s off to the fridge it goes! You need to let them chill for at least 4 hours, but honestly, overnight is where they really shine, letting all those flavors meld together beautifully. It’s like a little bit of apple cinnamon magic happening while you sleep!

Tips for Texture: Achieving the Best Overnight Oats

The biggest secret to avoiding that sad, soupy oat situation is really about that ratio we talked about and letting them sit long enough. If yours come out a little too thick, don’t sweat it – just add a splash more milk and stir. If, by some rare chance, they’re still a bit thin for your liking after chilling, don’t worry! Next time, just use a tiny bit less milk or a touch more yogurt or chia seeds. It’s all about finding that perfect creamy, pudding-like texture that just feels so comforting.

Boost Your Breakfast: High Protein Overnight Oats

I know for me, breakfast needs to *work*. It needs to keep me going until lunch, especially on those crazy mornings. That’s exactly why I love making these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats a high-protein powerhouse! Adding protein makes such a difference for keeping you feeling full and satisfied for hours. For me, it’s a total game-changer, way better than a sugary bowl of cereal that leaves me hungry by 10 AM. Plus, it helps fuel my workouts! My favorite easy trick is stirring in a scoop of protein powder – vanilla or unflavored work perfectly and don’t mess with the apple pie taste too much. Another great way to pump up the protein is simply by using more Greek yogurt, or even mixing in some cottage cheese if you’re feeling adventurous! It makes these breakfast jars even more substantial. You can totally adapt them to fit your needs, just like my protein-packed breakfast burritos!

Make Ahead Breakfast Jars: How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?

Okay, so these make-ahead breakfast jars are a lifesaver for busy weeks, right? The best part is how long they keep fresh in the fridge! My Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are usually good for about 3 to 4 days. I usually make a few on Sunday, and they’re perfect for grabbing on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and even Thursday mornings. They stay just as delicious! If you’re prepping them for the whole week, just make sure they’re in a good airtight container. It makes grabbing breakfast so much easier than trying to whip something up when you’re rushing out the door, kind of like how my make-ahead breakfast burritos save my mornings!

Variations for Your Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are fantastic as is, but oh boy, you can have so much fun playing around with them! It’s like having a little breakfast lab in your kitchen. If you love that cozy fall vibe, try swapping out some of the spices. A pinch of cardamom or even a whisper of ground ginger can add a whole new layer of warmth, kind of like in my pumpkin spice granola. For extra crunch and healthy fats, I love tossing in some chopped walnuts or pecans right before serving, or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds. If you’re looking for a completely vegan version, just use your favorite plant-based milk and a thick, dairy-free yogurt – they turn out just as delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Got questions about these cozy little jars of goodness? I hear ya! It’s always good to know the little details. Here are a few things I often get asked:

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Oh, that’s a great question! While you can use steel-cut oats, they won’t get as soft and creamy in the same amount of time as rolled oats. Steel-cut oats are much chewier and tougher, so they really need longer soaking. If you really want to use them, I’d suggest soaking them for a full 24 hours and maybe using a bit more liquid. For the best, classic apple cinnamon overnight oats experience, stick with rolled oats!

What if I don’t have or don’t like yogurt in my overnight oats?

No problem at all! Yogurt adds that luxurious creaminess and a little protein boost, but you can totally skip it. If you leave it out, you might want to increase the milk slightly, maybe by a tablespoon or two, just so they don’t get too thick. You could also add a little extra chia seeds to help thicken it up. It’ll still be delicious, just might have a slightly different texture – a little less decadent, perhaps, but still great for a grab-and-go breakfast!

Are these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats good for weight loss?

These are fantastic for weight management because they’re portion-controlled and packed with fiber from the oats and chia seeds, which keeps you feeling full and satisfied longer. That means you’re less likely to snack on less healthy things later. Plus, by using unsweetened applesauce and controlling any added sweeteners, you can keep the sugar content down. They’re a great base for a healthy meal plan. Just be mindful of adding too many high-calorie toppings if weight loss is your main goal!

Can I make these without any added sugar?

Absolutely! The natural sweetness from the apples or unsweetened applesauce is often enough for me, especially if I’m using a naturally sweeter milk like oat milk. If you do crave a little sweetness, a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or honey is pretty minimal. You could also try adding a few drops of stevia or another natural sweetener if you prefer. They make wonderful no-sugar-added overnight oats!

Nutritional Snapshot of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Just to give you a little heads-up, the nutritional info can swing a bit depending on the milk and yogurt you use, or if you add extra sweeteners or protein powder. But as a general idea, this recipe as I’ve written it usually comes in around 350 calories, with about 15g of protein, 10g of fiber, and 55g of carbohydrates. It’s a pretty solid start to your day, giving you good energy without weighing you down!

Share Your Apple Pie Oats Creation!

I just LOVE hearing from you all! Did you try these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats? I’m dying to know what you think! If you made any fun changes or discovered a new favorite topping, please share it in the comments below. Or, if you have questions, pop them there too. You can also always reach out via my contact page. Happy oat-making!

Print

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Enjoy a taste of apple pie for breakfast with these easy, make-ahead overnight oats. They are perfect for busy mornings and can be customized for your dietary needs.

  • Author: Carla Davis
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 min
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon chopped apple (fresh or unsweetened applesauce)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey for sweetness
  • Optional: 1 scoop protein powder

Instructions

  1. Combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a jar or container.
  2. Stir well to combine. If using, add protein powder and stir until smooth.
  3. Fold in the chopped apple or applesauce.
  4. If desired, stir in a sweetener.
  5. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. Stir before serving. Add a splash more milk if the oats are too thick.

Notes

  • For a thicker consistency, use slightly less milk or more yogurt.
  • Overnight oats will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • You can substitute almond milk or soy milk for dairy milk for a vegan option.
  • Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 jar
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Image placeholder

Hi, I'm Carla Davis! As a lifelong home cook and busy mom, I believe that making delicious food for the people you love shouldn't be complicated. Here at Carla's Cooking, I share simple, reliable, and family-approved recipes that I make in my own kitchen. My goal is to help you feel confident and joyful when you cook. Welcome!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star