Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds

This apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe is a total game changer for busy mornings when you're rushing to get a healthy breakfast together.  It's the perfect combo of sweet, creamy, and filling - it'll keep you satisfied until lunch.  With only 5 minutes of prep the night before, this recipe is an absolute lifesaver for those who are always on the go.

The recipe is super versatile, too! It's gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, so it works for people with different dietary needs.  But don't think it's flavorless just because of that - this apple cinnamon oats is packed with tasty flavors and is now a regular in my meal prep!

The stars here are the gluten-free oats, almond milk, and chia seeds, which come together to give a creamy texture and satisfying bite.  Chopping up fresh apples and sprinkling on cinnamon gives it that delicious apple pie taste, making this healthy breakfast feel indulgent. 

What makes it so convenient is letting it soak overnight. As the oats and chia seeds absorb the almond milk, they soften and expand, becoming a creamy, porridge-like consistency by morning.  All you need to do is top with extra chopped apples a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon - and voila - your delicious breakfast is ready to go!

This apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe isn't just about convenience and taste; it's also full of healthy ingredients.  Oats are a fantastic source of fiber and can help regulate blood sugar levels, while chia seeds are rich in healthy fats and protein. Plus, the fresh apples add a burst of natural sweetness and a good dose of vitamins.

So, why not give this apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe a try? It is a perfect way to start your day with a healthy, delicious breakfast that's ready to go as soon as you wake up. Plus, it is a great opportunity to make the most of apple season and enjoy this classic flavor combination in a new, exciting way. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oat

• Quick and Easy: This apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe is a time-saver. Just mix all your ingredients, refrigerate overnight, and wake up to a ready-to-eat, delicious breakfast. Perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick, healthy start to your day.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe uses gluten-free oats, making it a safe and tasty option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It’s a healthy breakfast option that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and creamy texture of these oats, combined with the familiar taste of apple and cinnamon, is a hit with kids and adults alike. It is a nutritious breakfast that the whole family will love.
• Versatile: This overnight oats recipe is super versatile. Feel free to add extra toppings like almond butter, pumpkin seeds, or more fresh fruit based on your personal preference. It’s the perfect way to add variety to your breakfast routine.
• Holiday-Ready: The warm spices and crisp apples make this recipe a perfect choice for the holiday season or any time of year when you want a cozy, comforting breakfast. 

Ingredients

Making a batch of these apple cinnamon overnight oats is super easy, thanks to the easy-to-find ingredients. These basic ingredients are likely already in your pantry or a quick trip away at your local grocery store!

• Gluten-Free Oats: These are the star of our overnight oats recipe and provide a hearty, whole grain foundation. They absorb a lot of liquid, resulting in a creamy texture by morning. Just make sure that your oats are certified gluten-free if necessary.
• Almond Milk: Almond milk is a great non-dairy milk alternative that adds a touch of nutty flavor to your oats. It’s also the liquid that the oats will absorb overnight, making them soft and delicious.
• Maple Syrup: A dash of pure maple syrup brings a natural sweetness to these overnight oats. It compliments the warm spices beautifully and is a healthier alternative to brown sugar or coconut sugar.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice is key in creating that classic apple cinnamon flavor. It’s optional but highly recommended for that apple pie overnight oats vibe.
• Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses are optional but pack a punch in terms of nutrition. They add a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and protein to your oats. Plus, chia seeds help thicken the oat mixture, contributing to a creamy, satisfying texture.
• Chopped Apples: Fresh apples add a lovely crunch and natural sweetness to your overnight oats. Choose crisp, sweet apples for the best taste. Remember, apple season is a perfect time of year to try this recipe.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Here's a quick guide on how to make your own apple cinnamon overnight oats! For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

Step 1.

Combine Ingredients: In a small container, preferably a mason jar, mix all ingredients except for one tablespoon of the chopped fresh apples. This includes rolled oats, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, almond milk, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. 

Step 2.

Refrigerate: Once all the ingredients are well combined, refrigerate the oat mixture overnight. This allows the oats to absorb much liquid and become soft and creamy, perfect for a delicious breakfast the next morning

Step 3.

Garnish and Serve: Before serving your apple cinnamon oats, garnish with the remaining tablespoon of chopped apple. You can also add more pure maple syrup for extra sweetness and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth. Enjoy this healthy breakfast as a perfect way to start your busy mornings!

Variations

• Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Oats: If you're looking to add some extra protein to your breakfast, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the oat mixture before refrigerating. This will not only increase the protein content but also keep you feeling full for longer.
• Apple Pie Overnight Oats: For a fun twist, try making apple pie overnight oats. Simply add a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of vanilla extract to your basic ingredients. It is like having dessert for breakfast, but much healthier!
• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats: If you're looking for a new breakfast recipe for the fall season, try substituting the apples for pumpkin puree and adding some warm spices like clove and ginger. This will give you a delicious pumpkin pie flavor in your oats!
• Super Seed Overnight Oats: For an extra boost of healthy fats, consider adding a tablespoon of ground flax seeds or pumpkin seeds to your oats. These seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making them a great addition to your healthy diet.
• Sweet and Crunchy Oats: If you prefer a bit of crunch in your oats, try adding some chopped nuts or granola on top the next morning. You can also sprinkle a bit of coconut sugar or brown sugar for added sweetness.

Helpful Tips

• Choose the right oats: For the creamiest texture, opt for old-fashioned oats or steel cut oats in your overnight oats recipe. Quick oats can become too mushy, while steel cut oats offer a hearty, chewy texture.
• Use a mason jar or airtight container: Preparing your apple cinnamon overnight oats in a mason jar or another airtight container guarantees that your oats will stay fresh and delicious until the next morning. Plus, it makes for easy meal prep and clean up!
• Balance your liquids: The perfect overnight oats recipe requires a balance between dry and liquid ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to use equal parts oats and liquid, such as almond milk or oat milk. If you like your oats a bit more liquid, feel free to add a little extra.
• Don't skip the chia seeds: Chia seeds not only provide healthy fats and fiber, but they also help give your overnight oats a thick, creamy texture. If you don't have chia seeds, ground flaxseed is a good substitute.
• Add your sweeteners wisely: Maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar can be used to sweeten your oats. Remember, a little goes a long way! You can also top your oats with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra sweetness and protein.
• Garnish just before eating: If you're using fresh apples or other fresh fruit as a garnish, add them just before you're ready to eat your oats. This will keep the fruit fresh and crisp.

Dietary Substitutions

This apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe is already gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free, making it a perfect choice for those following these dietary restrictions. Let's explore how we can adapt it to fit other dietary preferences:

• To Make This Recipe Keto Friendly: Traditional oats are high in carbs, which doesn't align with the keto diet. For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can use hemp hearts instead of oats. They have a similar texture and are high in healthy fats and protein. Replace the maple syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that the taste and texture will be slightly different from the original recipe. 

Storage Instructions

To Refrigerate: You can store leftover apple cinnamon overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Remember to give it a good stir before eating, as the oats and chia seeds may have absorbed much liquid.

To Freeze: Unfortunately, this particular recipe doesn't freeze well due to the creamy texture of the almond milk once thawed. But don't worry. It’s so quick and easy to prepare, that you can whip up a fresh batch in no time!

To Reheat: While these overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold, if you prefer a warm breakfast, you can gently heat them in the microwave. Start with about a minute, stir, then continue heating in short intervals until your desired temperature is reached. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These apple cinnamon overnight oats are a versatile and delicious breakfast option, perfect for those busy mornings. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions to help you enjoy this tasty breakfast in a variety of ways:

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve your apple cinnamon overnight oats with a side of fresh fruit for an extra boost of vitamins. Berries, banana slices, or even a handful of grapes would pair perfectly with the warm spices in this oatmeal.
• Protein-Packed: For a protein-rich breakfast, stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt. You could also add a sprinkle of flax seeds or chia seeds for a boost of healthy fats and fiber.
• Extra Crunch: Add some crunch to your creamy oats with a handful of pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of granola. The texture contrast will taste great!

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: apple cinnamon overnight oats

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Calories: 440kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten free oats
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds optional
• 3 tablespoon chopped apples

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Instructions

• Mix all ingredients except for 1 tablespoon of chopped apple in a small jar.
• Refrigerate overnight.
• Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped apple, more maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon. (optional)

Notes

If necessary make sure your oats are certified gluten free.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 389mg | Iron: 4mg

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