Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

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These apple cinnamon overnight oats are basically fall in a jar. Made with cozy spices, crisp apples, and creamy oats, they’re the make ahead breakfast you’ll be reaching for on repeat this season.

two apple cinnamon overnight oat jars on a cutting board with apples in the background

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I’m a HUGE fan of oats of breakfast. I love their hearty texture and how they’re so filling, meaning I’m not constantly distracted by that snacky feeling until lunchtime finally comes.

But one of the best things about oats is that they can be made into so many different make ahead breakfasts. And “make ahead” is KEY for a non-morning person like me. Prepping an easy but exciting breakfast for almost the entire work week with little effort is one of my favorite life hacks, honestly.

In just a few minutes on Sunday night I can prepare chocolate baked oats or pumpkin baked oatmeal for something warm and cozy for the week, or one of the overnight oats versions I keep in the fridge for a portable breakfast treat all week. And this apple cinnamon version, my latest iteration with a fall-ish twist, has officially joined the rotation.

It has that cozy apple pie energy – but chilled, lightly sweet, and totally weekday-friendly. I love that it hits all those warm spice notes without feeling heavy – perfect for fall mornings.

a hand picking up a spoonful of oats from a mason jar

If you’ve tried my blueberry overnight oats or almond chocolate overnight oats before, this one has a similar creamy base, with just enough spice and crunch to make it feel new. It’s also a great way to use up that one apple sitting in your crisper drawer (you know the one).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meal prep magic. Four jars in the fridge mean four stress-free mornings with breakfast ready to go.

All the cozy fall flavors, none of the work. Cinnamon, ginger, maple, and crisp apple make this a warm, spiced make-ahead breakfast without ever turning on the stove.

a jar of apple cinnamon overnight oats with a spoon in it

Customizable – Use any apple, swap in your favorite yogurt, or top with nuts, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter.

Fresh and filling. Creamy oats, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds – it’s everything you need to stay full and energized.

Ingredient Notes

ingredients used to make apple cinnamon overnight oats

Milk

I usually go with whole milk for extra richness, but any milk you have on hand will work here – almond milk, oat, soy, or even 2% all give the oats that creamy texture. Use what you love!

Vanilla Greek Yogurt

This adds extra protein and gives the oats a thick, creamy consistency. Vanilla yogurt keeps things lightly sweet, but plain also works – just add a little more maple syrup if needed. I like to use the Greek yogurt that’s fortified with extra protein for an extra satisfying breakfast.

Maple Syrup

Always use pure maple syrup as it has the best flavor! Feel free to adjust the amount to taste, or swap with honey or agave syrup if you prefer.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla brings everything together and boosts the cozy flavor. If you’re using plain yogurt, definitely don’t skip this.

Cinnamon, Ginger & Nutmeg

This warm trio gives the oats that classic fall flavor. If you’re out of ginger or nutmeg, you can stick with just cinnamon – it’ll still be great! You can also sub in an equal amount of apple pie spice.

Old-Fashioned Oats

The best kind for overnight oats! They soften overnight but still hold their shape. Quick oats and instant oats can get mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.

Chia Seeds

These help thicken your apple cinnamon overnight oats and add a boost of fiber and healthy fats. I don’t always use chia seeds in my overnight oats, sometimes the other ingredients are enough to thicken them up (nut butters and fruit purées are great for this), but I tested these oats with and without chia seeds and preferred the texture with them. You can skip them if you like, you’re oats will just be on the thinner side.

Kosher Salt

Just a little goes a long way in bringing out all the flavors – don’t skip it!

Apple

I like using a crisp, sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Gala, but tart apples like Granny Smith also work great if you like a little contrast. No need to peel unless you really want to! The peel adds a boost of nutrition.

I did not have any issue with the apples turning brown or mushy, even 4 days later, on the last jar. This was something I worried about before I tested this recipe, but the apples stayed perfectly crispy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until smooth.

went ingredients mixed together in a bowl

Stir in the oats, chia seeds, and salt, making sure everything is well combined. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes so it can thicken slightly.

oats, chia seeds, and salt added to the bowl

Spoon half of the oat mixture evenly into four 8-ounce mason jars or airtight containers. Divide the chopped apples over the oats, then top with the remaining oat mixture.

mason jars filled halfway through with oats mixture with chopped apples added on top

overnight oats mixture divided in four mason jars

Seal the jars with lids and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until your apple cinnamon overnight oats are soft and ready to enjoy. I like to give them a stir to incorporate the apples evenly before eating.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Boost the texture
Not a fan of chia seeds? Leave them out or add flax seeds instead. Want more crunch? Add a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or a sprinkle of granola just before serving.

Make it your own
A dash of cardamom or cloves adds even more fall flavor if you’re in the mood. You can also stir in some raisins or dried cranberries for a little extra sweetness and texture.

dipping spoon in a jar of apple cinnamon overnight oats

Make it more filling
If you’re using these oats as a post-workout or high-protein breakfast, stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or some peanut butter.

Switch up the milk
I usually go with whole milk for a creamier texture, but coconut milk adds a little natural sweetness and gives your apple cinnamon overnight oats a subtle tropical vibe that’s really nice with the apples.

Storage Instructions

These apple cinnamon overnight oats are perfect for meal prep and keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure you store them in mason jars or any airtight container.

If they’ve thickened more than you like, just stir in a splash of milk before serving. I usually wait to add any toppings like nuts or extra fruit until right before eating, so everything stays crisp and fresh.

Can I make these apple cinnamon overnight oats dairy-free?

Definitely! Just use a dairy-free milk (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) and swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite plant-based alternative. Coconut milk + coconut yogurt is a really nice combo if you’re into that tropical vibe.

Are overnight oats gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, you’re good to go. Not all oats are processed in gluten-free facilities, so check the label if that’s a concern for you.

Why are my overnight oats runny?

It usually comes down to ratios or soaking time. If they’re too runny, try letting them sit for an extra 30 minutes or reduce the milk slightly next time. You can also stir in more chia seeds to thicken them up.

Can I heat up overnight oats?

Totally! While they’re usually eaten cold, you can warm them in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Just transfer them to a bowl first and give them a good stir before heating.