If you haven't tried overnight oats, you have to give it a whirl. It's easy and delicious. This apple cinnamon overnights oats recipe requires no cooking and it takes just 3 minutes to prep.
It's the best feeling to make something the night before and have something ready to eat in minutes or seconds if you like it cold. All you need to do for this healthy breakfast is place it in your refrigerator overnight. Every bite tastes like apple pie without the calories of an apple pie in this overnight oatmeal recipe.
This is wonderful for busy weekday mornings when you want to have something ready on hand to either eat cold or warm up in the morning. These are especially great for Mondays in my book. Often times I lack energy from the weekend to start off cooking breakfast straight away and this is an easy nutritious fix. My kiddos love adding their own toppings and sometimes I create a buffet for them to add their own toppings. They have the best time picking and choosing. I certainly enjoy it because I don't have to think about what to make. Some days we have this as an after school mid day snack. It's filling enough to get us by for a few hours especially since it has protein from the yogurt.
No Cooking. Overnight oats are a great way to get fiber and good grains in. Best of all this requires no cooking! It's also amazing as a meal prep idea for a few days ahead.
Why This Recipe Works
- Versatile - this apple cinnamon overnight oats is just one variation of so many. You can certainly do a blueberry, strawberry, or fruit of your choice. Adding different super food toppings can make it extra nutritious filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- Nutritious - Oats are one of the most healthiest grains. It is naturally and has a ton of nutrition. It also has a good amount of fiber.
- No Cook - Overnight oats essentially cooks in the liquid. It gets soft enough where you can eat it without having to cook it. I've let it soak for 2-3 hours and eaten it, but I do enjoy it a little more soaked, overnight. Just sleep on it and have it ready for the morning in a jiffy!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Quick Cooking Oats - this type of oats are partially cooked, then dried. This variety cooks more quickly. You may use rolled oats , but please don't use Instant oats. It's been processed so much that you won't have much texture left for overnight oats.
- Chia Seeds - this is an optional addition, but I love adding it to get more omegas in our diet. You may use black or white chia seeds.
- Vanilla Greek Yogurt - I like to add yogurt so there is protein in these oats.
- Hemp Hearts- another super food that is optional but iss known for it's high essential fatty acids. It is also rich in omegas.
- Honey or Maple Syrup - you can use either of the two as sweeteners for your oats.
- Apple - this gives this apple cinnamon oats it's apple flavor! You can't skip this one.
- Cinnamon - is a great spice that pairs really well with apples
- Ground Ginger - I like to add this to give it extra flavor. To me, it really brings home the apple pie taste.
- Almond Milk - you may use any milk of choice. This is what makes the oats soft and essentially "cooks" it.
How to Make It
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and add toppings.
Step by Step Instructions
First, you'll want to gather your ingredients and mason jars if needed for meal prep storage. Mason jars make it easy and convenient to prepare and breaks out the servings so your family can grab one each in the morning quickly.
Next, add all your ingredients into a jar or bowl. Keep in mind you'll still want to reserve some of the toppings for an extra crunch when you're prepared to eat it. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but I suggest placing it in the fridge overnight.
In the morning, check if you like the consistency. If you want it a little less thick just add extra milk. You can heat it up on stove top or microwave or eat it cold. Top with chopped apples and granola for an extra crunch.
Cook's Tips
- You may add extra milk after the oats have refrigerated to reduce the thickness of the oatmeal.
- Don't guess on the liquid to oats ratio. I have recipe tested and the ratio of the recipe below is my favorite. This is however subjective. You may like your oats with more liquid, while other may like it thicker.
- You may omit the seasonings here and make it a base recipe. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like nut butters, like peanut butter or almond butter. Dried fruit, vanilla extract, and protein powder are all great additions.
- You can prep ahead for a couple days with this recipe. If the oats get to thick just add a little more milk.
- Additional Flavor ideas: peanut butter and jelly, blueberry vanilla, and chocolate chip.
- I don't suggest adding all the toppings overnight. Just like oats some of the toppings will soak up the liquid and you'll have soggy nuts and fruits with no crunch.
- Don't forget to stir! I know it may be tempting to just dive into a jar of oats, but make sure it give it a good stir. It will be different textures since some of the liquid may have sunk to the bottom of the jar and the top would have less liquid. Giving it a stir will give it an even delicious consistency.
FAQ:
- What are overnight oats?
- If you don't know what they are, they are oats cooked in the liquid they are in. It gets soft enough to where it tastes great. It's similar to muesli which you make with yogurt.
- How long will overnight oats last?
- I like to eat it within 3 days, make sure to store it in the refrigerator
- Can I use steel cut oats?
- Yes, you can but it does have a different texture. It will be nuttier.
- Can I use rolled oats?
- Yes you can, but quick oats tends to be softer.
- Can I use white chia seeds?
- This overnight oats chia recipe can take both white or black chia seeds.
- Do I eat overnight oats hot or cold?
- You may do either! Just place it in the microwave or over stove top. You may have to add a little more milk to make it your desired consistency.
- Can you freeze these?
- No, this is best fresh
- Are overnight oats healthy?
- Yes it definitely is. That said, adding sugar filled toppings may turn this healthy dish into an unhealthy one. Just keep the topping sand mix ins healthy, this is a great nutritious addition to your diet.
- How long can this sit out?
- I wouldn't leave this out for more than 3 hours.
- Can I use another type of milk?
- Yes, you can use your milk of choice
- Where did overnight oats come from?
- The original overnight oats is muesli. It was invented by a Swiss doctor who wanted his patients to eat more fruit. It has evolved into several variations,
Looking for more easy breakfast ideas? Try these:
Tried this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe and love it? Please leave me a comment and rating below. Feel free to also tag me, I love to see your creations and sharing them. For more inspiration follow us on Instagram Or like us on Facebook
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup Quick Oats
- 1 tbs Chia Seeds
- ¼ cup Vanilla Greek Yogurt
- 1 tsp Hemp Heart optional
- 2 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup
- ½ Apple grated
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp Ground Ginger
- ¾ cup Almond Milk
- Optional Toppings: Apples Honey, Seeds, Nuts, Granola
- Salt a tiny pinch for flavor
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together into a mason jar or food storage container with a lid.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and top with apples, honey and granola if desired. Enjoy warm or cold.
Nutrition
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