There are plenty of overnight oats recipes out there, but this one holds a special place and the overnight oat recipe I make on repeat, especially in Autumn—it’s the ultimate combination of ease, nourishment, and flavour.
With a delightful blend of oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and creamy yoghurt, this meal-prep-friendly recipe is perfect for busy mornings. The addition of apples, raisins, and crunchy nuts not only makes it satisfying but also provides a variety of textures and nutrients to kickstart the day.
What makes this recipe a standout is its dessert-like flavour, offering a sweet start without compromising on health. Prepare it the night before, and enjoy a nutritious breakfast that tastes like a treat.
What Are Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a no-cook method of preparing oats by soaking them in liquid—usually milk or a milk alternative—overnight in the fridge. The oats absorb the liquid and soften, resulting in a creamy, pudding-like texture by morning.
Time-saving: You prep them the night before, so breakfast is ready when you wake up.
Nutritious: Made with whole oats, they’re high in fibre and can be packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats depending on your add-ins.
Customisable: You can flavour them however you like—fruit, spices, nut butters, seeds, yoghurt… the possibilities are endless.
No cooking needed: Ideal for busy mornings or warm weather when you want something cool and refreshing.
Tips
- Use a good variety of apples – For the best flavour, choose a sweet, crisp apple like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala. These hold up well in overnight oats and give a nice crunch.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice – This helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a fresh, zesty flavour.
- Grate the apple for more flavour – If you want the apple flavour to blend through the oats, grate the apple instead of chopping it. It gives you a more even distribution of sweetness.
- Add protein – Boost the protein content by mixing in Greek yoghurt, protein powder, or chia seeds. It’ll make your oats even more filling.
- Add cinnamon to the apple – Sprinkle some cinnamon directly on the chopped apples and mix it in before adding to the oats. It makes the flavour even more pronounced.
- Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer your oats sweeter, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of honey. You can always adjust this to your liking.
- Make a big batch – Overnight oats keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week. Just store individual portions in jars or containers.
- Play with toppings – Top your oats with extra apple slices, nuts, seeds, or a spoonful of nut butter in the morning for added texture and flavour.
- Use dairy-free milk – For a dairy-free option, swap regular milk for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. They all pair well with the apple and cinnamon flavours.
- Chill overnight – Let the oats sit overnight in the fridge, but if you’re in a rush, they’ll still be good after 4–6 hours of soaking.
- Make it a warm breakfast – If you prefer warm oats, you can gently heat them in the microwave in the morning for a comforting start to your day.
Swaps
Apples: Use pear for a softer, more delicate flavour. Try grated carrot for a carrot cake twist. Use stewed or baked apple if you prefer a softer texture.
Cinnamon: Swap with mixed spice, ground ginger, or pumpkin spice for a cosy flavour variation.
Milk or Milk Alternative: Use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or even yoghurt + water for a creamier mix.
Chia seeds or flaxseeds (if included): Swap with hemp seeds or sunflower seeds, or leave them out if you prefer it smoother.
Sweetener (if added): Try maple syrup, honey, chopped dates, or mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Toppings: Swap toasted walnuts with pecans, hazelnuts, or a spoonful of almond butter. Add a sprinkle of coconut flakes or granola for crunch.
Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The texture actually gets creamier with time! Make a few jars ahead so breakfast is ready to grab-and-go throughout the week.
If you’re adding nuts, granola, or anything crunchy, store them separately and add just before eating to keep the texture. If it is too thick just stir in a splash of milk in the morning to loosen it up. You can warm them gently in a pan or microwave if you prefer them cosy.
More Overnight Oats Recipes
- Tiramisù Overnight Oats
- Berries Overnight Oats
- Coconut & Mango Overnight Oats
- Blueberry & Lemon Overnight Oats
Apple & Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 50 g oats
- 50 ml unsweetened soy milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
- 1 tsp honey
Topping
- 1 small apple chopped
- 1 tbsp raisins
- chopped nuts
- extra yoghurt
Instructions
- Add oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, yoghurt, honey, milk to a jar and mix.
- Add the topping and leave in the fridge overnight so the ingredients will incorporate well and soak all the flavours. The chia will help to create a thicker texture.