By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 16, 2025.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐from 327 votes
Creamy, cozy, and perfectly spiced, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (5-Minute Prep) are the ultimate healthy breakfast for busy mornings. This no-cook recipe delivers big apple pie flavor with simple pantry ingredients and just minutes of prep time. If you want a make-ahead breakfast that tastes indulgent but fuels your day, this is the one.
Table of Contents
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (5-Minute Prep)
- Total Time: 5 minutes + 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (5-Minute Prep) are creamy, cozy, and meal-prep friendly. Rolled oats, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and diced apples rest overnight for a thick, spoonable breakfast that tastes like apple pie. Eat chilled or warm it up for a quick, satisfying morning.
Ingredients
Rolled oats: 1/2 cup (45 g)
Milk (dairy or unsweetened almond or oat): 1/2 cup (120 ml)
Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla): 1/4 cup (60 g)
Apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), finely diced: 1/2 medium (about 75 g)
Chia seeds: 1 tbsp (12 g)
Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
Maple syrup or honey: 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml), to taste
Vanilla extract: 1/4 tsp
Salt: 1 pinch
Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans: 1 tbsp (7 g)
Optional: raisins or chopped dates: 1 tbsp (10 g)
Instructions
1. Add rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt to a jar or bowl.
2. Pour in the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir well until no dry oat pockets remain.
4. Fold in the finely diced apple.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if needed to loosen.
7. Serve chilled or microwave 30 to 45 seconds to warm.
Notes
Best oats: Use rolled oats for the creamiest texture.
Apple size: Dice the apple very small so it softens overnight.
Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurt.
Sweetness: Start with 1 teaspoon sweetener and adjust in the morning.
Meal prep: Keeps well up to 4 days refrigerated in a sealed jar.
Optional flavor boost: Add 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsweetened applesauce for extra apple flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are a cold-soaked oat breakfast made by combining rolled oats, milk, yogurt, apples, cinnamon, and natural sweeteners, then refrigerating overnight. The oats soften without cooking, creating a creamy, spoonable texture.
Why It Works
Time does all the work. Overnight soaking allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb liquid, while cinnamon infuses warmth and diced apples gently soften. Greek yogurt boosts protein and creaminess, making this recipe satisfying and balanced.
When to Make It
This recipe is ideal for weekday breakfasts, meal prep Sundays, post-workout fuel, or even a healthy dessert-style breakfast. It is especially popular during fall but delicious year-round.
Why You’ll Love It
- Takes only 5 minutes of prep
- No cooking, no mess
- Naturally sweet and customizable
- High in fiber and protein
- Perfect for meal prep and grab-and-go mornings
Key Ingredients and Notes
Rolled Oats
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats turn mushy and steel-cut oats will not soften properly. For oat basics and substitutions, King Arthur Baking offers a great oat guide.
Apple
Crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best. Dice them finely so they soften overnight without cooking.
Greek Yogurt
Adds creaminess and protein. Plain or vanilla both work. For dairy-free, use coconut or almond milk yogurt.
Milk
Any milk works here. Unsweetened almond milk keeps it light, while oat milk enhances creaminess.
Chia Seeds
These thicken the oats naturally and add fiber and omega-3s. Healthline explains how chia seeds improve satiety and digestion.
Cinnamon
The star spice. Use fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor. BBC Good Food has excellent insights into cinnamon varieties if you want to experiment.
Maple Syrup or Honey
Adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the apples. Adjust to taste.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (5-Minute Prep)
- In a jar or bowl, add ½ cup (45 g) rolled oats, 1 tablespoon (12 g) chia seeds, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour in ½ cup (120 ml) milk, ¼ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt, 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Stir until fully combined and no dry oats remain.
- Fold in ½ medium apple, finely diced (about 75 g).
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, stir well. Add an extra splash of milk if needed.
- Serve cold or microwave for 30 to 45 seconds if you prefer it warm.
Visual cue: The oats should be thick, creamy, and spoonable, with softened apple pieces evenly distributed.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dice apples very small for the best overnight texture.
- Always stir thoroughly before refrigerating to prevent dry oat pockets.
- If your oats are too thick in the morning, add milk one tablespoon at a time.
- For meal prep, store in airtight jars to keep flavors fresh.
- Warm spices bloom overnight, so do not overdo the cinnamon.
- Use wide-mouth jars for easy stirring and eating.
- For extra apple flavor, add 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- High Protein: Stir in 1 scoop vanilla protein powder and add 2 tablespoons extra milk.
- Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure certified gluten-free oats.
- Apple Pie Style: Add nutmeg and chopped walnuts.
- No Added Sugar: Sweeten with mashed banana instead of syrup.
- Kid-Friendly: Use vanilla yogurt and finely grated apple.
If you love easy healthy breakfasts, you may also enjoy Banana Oat Pancake Bites (Healthy & Fluffy) or Strawberry Yogurt Parfait (High Protein Breakfast) from the trending now section on Flavor & Recipes.
Serving and Storage
Refrigeration
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as the texture becomes watery when thawed.
Reheating
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until just warm.
Shelf Life
Best enjoyed within 48 hours for peak freshness and apple texture.
For more no-cook ideas, check out Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (5-Minute Prep) paired with Chocolate Protein Oatmeal (Dessert-for-Breakfast!) or Blueberry Yogurt Bowl (Healthy & High Protein).
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats do not soften enough overnight without cooking. Stick with rolled oats for proper texture.
Are overnight oats eaten cold?
Yes, they are traditionally eaten cold, but you can warm them briefly if desired.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. Make up to four jars at once for easy breakfasts all week.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala are ideal because they are naturally sweet and soften well.
Can I skip the yogurt?
Yes, but add an extra 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to maintain creaminess.
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats (5-Minute Prep) prove that healthy breakfasts can be effortless, comforting, and crave-worthy. With cozy spice, fresh apples, and creamy oats, this recipe belongs in your weekly routine. Try it once and it will quickly become a staple.
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