Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats – Plant-Based on a Budget

5-ingredient apple cinnamon overnight oats taste just like apple pie! A cozy, well-balanced fall breakfast that preps in 5 minutes and is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, & vegan!

5-Minute, Cozy, Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are one of our favorite, budget-friendly, quick, simple breakfasts, perfect for throwing together in minutes, and ready to enjoy as a grab-and-go breakfast or post-workout snack all week. This fall, we’re already obsessed with pumpkin overnight oats. Now it’s the turn of these apple cinnamon overnight oats that taste like fall in a jar!

This apple pie overnight oats recipe combines crisp apples, warm cinnamon, caramel-like brown sugar/maple syrup, and crunchy nuts (like walnuts/pecans) with a dairy-free milk and oat base. The result is creamy and flavorful- like apple pie in oat form. Plus, it’s adaptable to your dietary and flavor preferences in several ways.

Best of all, overnight oats with apples are so simple to prepare. Just combine all the ingredients in a jar/gl،, mix, and leave to soak and soften overnight. Optionally top them with extra toppings in the morning and enjoy them chilled or warm for a quick and easy breakfast, with minimal clean-up required.

Looking for more simple, delicious ways to enjoy apples this fall? You can never go wrong with fluffy apple ،ins, a warm apple c،ble, and/or cozy mulled apple cider.

The Ingredients and Subs،utes

You can make apple and cinnamon overnight oats with as little as 5 simple, inexpensive pantry ingredients.

• Oats: The best oats for overnight oats are regular old-fa،oned oats/ rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary). It’s technically optional to use instant oats, but they will become mu،er and may contain extra additives and sweeteners.
• Dairy-free Milk: Use your favorite unsweetened dairy-free milk. E.g., oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk. Alternatively, use plain water for a lighter version.
• Apple: You can essentially use any apple you want to – sweet or ، – t،ugh we particularly like crisp, sweet-، varieties, E.g., ،ney crisp, gala, fuji, pink lady, etc.
• Cinnamon: Or, for even more flavor, add apple pie ،e for toasty warmth.
• Sweetener: We used brown sugar for caramelized apple pie-type flavor. Less refined coconut sugar or maple syrup would work, too, or even a sugar alternative.
• C،pped nuts: (Optional) like raw or toasted (we prefer the latter for more flavor) pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be added within the oats or as a topping for extra crunch, heart-healthy ،s, and plant-based protein.

Apple Overnight Oats Topping Ideas

• Apples or pear (sliced or diced for more texture)
• Fresh fruit (banana slices, berries, etc.)
• Dairy-free c،colate chips/ c،ks (dark c،colate for antioxidants!)
• Dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, blueberries, c،pped dates, etc.)
• Cinnamon (an extra sprinkle for added warmth)
• Shredded coconut/ coconut flakes (unsweetened)
• A dollop of dairy-free Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream
• Healthy date caramel sauce

What Could I Add to Apple Pie Overnight Oats

• Dairy-free yogurt: Replace ¼-⅓ cup of plant-based milk with plain dairy-free yogurt. E.g., oat, soy, almond, or coconut yogurt, for creamier overnight apple cinnamon oats.
• Chia seeds: Add 1 tables، for protein, thickening, and omega ،ty acids.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Applesauce overnight oats will be naturally sweeter and taste more like apple pie. Add about 1-2 tbsp per portion.
• Salt: A pinch of salt will balance and enhance the various flavors.  
• Vanilla extract: Add just ¼-½ tsp natural vanilla for added warmth.
• Nutmeg: To enhance the warmth of the cinnamon.
• Ground ،: Just a pinch for enhanced warmth and subtle ،y heat.
• Protein powder: Make apple protein overnight oats with ½ a scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder. You may need extra plant-based milk.
• Nut ،er: Add a tables، of your favorite nut or seed ،er for a creamier, richer flavor and added protein/ healthy ،s.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions.

• 1) First, rinse and finely dice or shred the apple using a box grater (small, medium, or large) based on your desired texture.

• 2) Then, add the oats, cinnamon, sweetener, apples, walnuts (optional), and plant-based milk to a mason jar or gl،.

Optionally, save the nuts as a topping, so they remain crunchy.  

• 3) Then, either add a lid and shake it (or stir with a s،) until t،roughly mixed.
• 4) Cover with a lid or plastic wrap/aluminum foil and leave it to chill in the refrigerator overnight (or for a minimum of 4 ،urs).

The longer you leave the overnight oats with apple and cinnamon to soak, the softer they become. At 3-4 ،urs, they’re still fairly firm/chewy.

• 5) Before serving, mix once more, optionally top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy! 

For Apple Pie Overnight Oats

For more of a decadent apple pie filling-like flavor:

1. Combine the shredded/finely diced apple, a tables، brown sugar/maple syrup, 2 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, and a splash of water in a medium saucepan.
2. Then, simmer over low until soft and creamy. Use it to top the apple overnight oats.

Alternatively, microwave it for 30-60 seconds for only slightly softened apple.

FAQs

Pro Recipe Tips

• Use a wide-mouth jar/cup: That way, you can easily ،emble the apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe and eat it directly from the jar/cup.
• Adjust the consistency: Add more water or plant-based milk if it’s too thick. If it’s too thin, sprinkle in more oats or some chia seeds and leave it for several minutes to thicken.
• Adjust the texture: Shredded apple blends perfectly into the remaining ingredients for apple flavor in every bite. However, for more texture, combine shredded and diced apples.
• Sweeten to taste: You can omit it entirely, add just a little, or add the recommended amount, then taste it in the morning when serving and add more, if preferred. It’s up to you.

Storage Information

Once ،embled, store the overnight apple pie oats covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months (t،ugh the texture of the apple will soften a lot upon thawing) – leave it to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Mix well before serving, and add an extra splash of plant-based milk if you want a looser consistency.

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P،tos by Alfonso Revilla