Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Creamy, no-cook oats soaked overnight with crisp apple chunks and warm cinnamon. A grab-and-go breakfast that tastes like apple pie in a jar — naturally sweetened with honey and ready when you wake up.
For 2 servings
- prep
Dice the apple.
Wash the apple and core it. Dice into small, even cubes about the size of a pea so they soften slightly overnight and distribute well.
TIPLeave the peel on for extra fiber and a little color in the jar. - mix
Combine the base ingredients.
1.In a mixing bowl, add rolled oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey, cinnamon powder, and salt.2.Whisk everything together until the chia seeds are suspended and the yogurt is fully incorporated.3.Fold in the diced apple, reserving a few cubes for topping. - assemble
Portion into jars.
Divide the oat mixture evenly between two mason jars or airtight containers. Seal tightly with lids.
TIPFill only three-quarters full — the oats and chia expand as they soak. - rest · ~480 min
Refrigerate overnight.
Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator and let them soak for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, until the oats are tender and the mixture is thick and creamy.
- serve
Top with walnuts and serve.
Stir the oats before serving. If the texture is too thick, add a splash of milk and stir. Top with the reserved diced apple and chopped walnuts. Serve chilled straight from the jar.
TIPFor a warm version, microwave the jar without the lid for 60 seconds before adding toppings.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant, for the best texture after soaking.
- 2Dice the apple into pea-sized cubes so they soften evenly overnight.
- 3Leave the apple peel on for extra fiber and a pop of red color.
- 4Fill jars only three-quarters full to allow room for the oats and chia to expand.
- 5If the overnight oats are too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk to loosen.
- 6For a warm breakfast, microwave the jar (lid off) for 60 seconds before adding toppings.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave, and use plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy) along with almond or oat milk. All other ingredients are already vegan-friendly.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder when mixing the base, and increase Greek yogurt to 1/3 cup. This boosts satiety and makes it a post-workout meal.
low sugarLow-sugar
Skip the honey entirely and rely on a very ripe apple (or a pinch of stevia). The cinnamon will still give sweetness perception, and the apple provides natural sugars.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this safe for celiac diets.
seasonal autumnSeasonal autumn
Replace half the diced apple with diced pear, and add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin purée plus a pinch of nutmeg and ginger for a cozy fall twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Soluble Fiber
Rolled oats and chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and keeps you full longer.
Good Source of Omega-3s
Chia seeds and walnuts provide plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health.
Natural Energy Without Refined Sugar
Honey and apple pieces offer natural sweetness and quick-digesting carbs for morning energy, with no processed sugar.
Probiotics from Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt contains live probiotics that aid digestion and support gut health.
Frequently asked questions
No, steel-cut oats will remain hard and chewy after overnight soaking; old-fashioned rolled oats are essential for the right creamy texture.
