This overnight oatmeal apple cinnamon recipe is perfect for grabbing between toddler meltdowns.
I love Christmas time. When the days are so short that it feels like it’s dark all the time, it’s the one thing that brightens the winter up. Especially Christmas flavours! I literally celebrate the launch of the Christmas coffees!
I’m talking about nutmeg, gingerbread, cinnamon and all sorts of cooked fruits. I like to slot in my overnight oatmeal apple cinnamon recipe around this time. It’s a no-fuss, make-ahead breakfast that makes my mornings instantly more relaxing. Plus, it tastes like Christmas in a jar!
Of course, I could eat this any time of the year…but for some reason, it just doesn’t feel right.
What Are Overnight Oats, and Why Are They Amazing?
Overnight oats are a no-cook method of preparing oatmeal by soaking oats in milk or water overnight. This allows the oats to soften and absorb the flavours of the ingredients you’ve added, resulting in a creamy, pudding-like texture. I always use milk to make my overnight oats, and use almond milk for this recipe. However, you can mix it up and use whatever milk you want!
Overnight oats benefits are wide-ranging, from being filling, full of fiber, and great for weight loss, to simply being a great grab-and-go breakfast that requires no cooking.
What’s great about this overnight oatmeal apple cinnamon recipe is that it’s like eating dessert for breakfast. Think of it as apple pie with oatmeal in a jar, but packed with all the goodness your body needs to power through the day. I’ve always thought of this recipe as eating an apple crumble breakfast without the guilt. Also, without the cooking. I simply dice up my apples and pop them in. So, if you love apple breakfasts, this will be your go-to morning treat.
Overnight Oats FAQ: Everything You Need To Know
I swear by overnight oats because you quite literally dump everything into a jar and the magic of the fridge means you have something delicious ready for you to eat in the morning. So, when all hell breaks loose, at least you aren’t hangry too.
If you want to get into making overnight oats, here are a few of your questions answered.
Do you eat overnight oats warm or cold? / Are overnight oats eaten cold?
If you’re wondering how to eat overnight oats, it’s really all about preference.
Traditionally, overnight oats are eaten cold, straight from the fridge. However, if you’re not a fan of cold breakfasts, you can absolutely heat them up. Simply pop your jar or bowl in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, and you’re good to go. The cinnamon apple overnight oats flavour is just as delicious warm. You may need to add a dash of milk to your overnight oats once you have warmed it up as heating tends to dry out the mixture.
Can you make overnight oats without yogurt?
Yes, you can! If you’d prefer a dairy-free version or simply don’t have yogurt on hand, just add a splash more almond milk (or your preferred milk alternative). The oats will still be creamy and delicious. Overnight oats with yogurt add a tangy richness, but it’s not essential.
Are overnight oats good for weight loss?
Absolutely! This is a great overnight oats recipe for weight loss. I have personally used it when I have been reducing my weight post pregnancy, when I have no time or energy to focus on my diet with a newborn! Overnight oats are a fantastic option for weight loss because they’re high in fiber and protein, keeping you full for longer. They’re also portion-controlled, so you can avoid overeating. Just watch your sweeteners and toppings if you’re counting overnight oats calories. You can find the full overnight oats nutrition facts breakdown in the recipe card below.
Can overnight oats be heated?
Yes! If you’re craving something warm, you can heat your overnight oats in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’s a great way to enjoy them on a chilly morning while still benefiting from all the prep work you did the night before. I find overnight oats dry out a little when warmed. If this happens, simply add a dash more milk until you get the consistency you want.
Can you cook overnight oats?
Technically, you don’t need to. That’s the beauty of overnight oats. They soften and get that “cooked” texture simply from soaking in milk overnight.
Can you use rolled oats for overnight oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats for overnight oats. That’s what I use for this recipe. I find they give the best texture and are easily found in most grocery stores. Instant oats can also be used for making overnight oats. Typically, they need a shorter amount of time to soak.
Can you make overnight oats in the morning?
No, overnight oats need to be made the night before. They need sufficient time to soak in the milk and yoghurt to come out soft and creamy. This means you can skip doing any actual cooking. If you do want to make your oatmeal in the morning, you can try my 4 ingredient chocolate oatmeal recipe. This recipe takes about 10 mins to make, so if you do want to make oatmeal in the morning, it’s still do-able.
Are overnight oats healthy?
Yes, overnight oats are incredibly healthy for you. Oatmeal is a good source of slow-release carbohydrates, which means it will keep you fueled throughout the morning. This recipe is also a great source of fibre, and supports your gut health thanks to it being packed with apples and yoghurt.
How many hours for overnight oats is necessary?
When I have tested out overnight oats recipes, I have found it takes around 6 – 8 hours before the oats are ready. It really is called overnight oats for a reason.
Are overnight oats good for diabetics?
Yes, overnight oats are an excellent choice for diabetics. I ate oats while having gestational diabetes and discussed this with my nutritionist. Oats are a complex carbohydrate, meaning they provide a slow and steady release of energy without causing blood sugar spikes. This overnight oatmeal apple cinnamon recipe, with its combination of apples and nuts, is especially good as it includes fibre and healthy fats, which further help prevent sugar spikes. Plus, oatmeal apple recipe variations can be tailored to your needs.
Please note that if you are diabetic, you should always monitor your blood sugar levels and only incorporate the recipe if your body responds positively. As I have learnt from my own experience with gestational diabetes, everyone responds differently to different complex carbs.
The Ingredients You’ll Need For This Overnight Oatmeal Apple Cinnamon Breakfast
Here’s the overnight oats ingredients you will need for my overnight oatmeal apple cinnamon recipe:
This is an overnight oats recipe with yoghurt, but you can easily swap this out for a little extra milk if you prefer. I like to include yoghurt as it’s great for your gut health and makes the oats that much more creamy.
- 40g oats (use rolled oats for the best texture)
- ½ cup almond milk (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ½ apple (skin on, chopped)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Toppings: 5–6 pecans and additional apple slices
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)
- Oatmeal apple cinnamon calories: 286
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 23g (natural and added combined)
- Fat: 4g
Not bad at all for an oatmeal apple dessert in a jar for breakfast
How to Customise Your Overnight Oatmeal Apple Cinnamon Breakfast
While this recipe is perfection as is, you can make it your own with a few tweaks:
- Swap almond milk for oat, coconut, or regular milk if you prefer. Overnight oats with milk add richness.
- Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an omega-3 and fibre boost.
- If you want your overnight oats dairy-free, replace Greek yoghurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yoghurt.
- If you’re feeling indulgent, throw in a few chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel.
Don’t forget to experiment with other overnight oats toppings! My personal favourites include almond butter, sliced bananas, or a handful of dried cranberries.
Why This Oatmeal Recipe Works
This overnight apple cinnamon oats recipe is packed with whole foods that work together to keep you energised:
- Oats provide slow-releasing carbs and fibre.
- Apples are loaded with vitamins and natural sweetness—perfect for apples in oatmeal fans.
- Pecans add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm, cosy flavours that make breakfast feel indulgent.
It’s a simple combination of ingredients, but it delivers on both taste and nutrition. Plus, it satisfies that craving for apple breakfast foods without the sugar crash.
Overnight Oats: A Healthy Breakfast for Everyone
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, manage your blood sugar, or just find a breakfast option that doesn’t involve queuing for a $7 coffee, overnight oatmeal apple cinnamon is here to save the day.
How I Make This Recipe Work For The Family
I make a few adjustments to make sure everyone can enjoy this recipe. I love mornings when I get to skip making breakfast!
| For… | What I Change… |
| Adults | Recipe as is on the recipe card below. |
| Kids | I add a little extra vanilla extract to my kids’ jars. 1/2 tsp in each of theirs. |
| Baby | Cook and puree the apple with the pecans for babies who are weaning. Or grind up the apple raw with the pecans for babies who are ready for a bit more texture. |
