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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!
Table of contents
5-Minute, Cozy, Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Vegan 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 and Biscoff 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 vegan 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/glass, 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 vegan apple muffins, a warm vegan apple crumble, and/or cozy mulled apple cider.
The Ingredients and Substitutes
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-fashioned oats/ rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary). It’s technically optional to use instant oats, but they will become mushier and may contain extra additives and sweeteners.
- Dairy-free Milk: Use your favorite unsweetened dairy-free milk. E.g., oat milk, soy milk, homemade cashew milk. Alternatively, use plain water for a lighter version.
- Apple: You can essentially use any apple you want to – sweet or tart – though we particularly like crisp, sweet-tart varieties, E.g., honey crisp, gala, fuji, pink lady, etc.
- Cinnamon: Or, for even more flavor, add apple pie spice 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.
- Chopped 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 fats, 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 chocolate chips/ chunks (dark chocolate for antioxidants!)
- Dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, blueberries, chopped dates, etc.)
- Cinnamon (an extra sprinkle for added warmth) or homemade pumpkin pie spice
- Shredded coconut/ coconut flakes (unsweetened)
- A dollop of dairy-free Greek yogurt or vegan 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 tablespoon for protein, thickening, and omega fatty acids.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Applesauce overnight oats will be naturally sweeter and taste more like apple pie. Add about 1-2 tbsp per portion. I like it with this homemade strawberry applesauce.
- 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 ginger: Just a pinch for enhanced warmth and subtle spicy 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 butter: Add a tablespoon of your favorite nut or seed butter for a creamier, richer flavor and added protein/ healthy fats.
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 glass.
Optionally, save the nuts as a topping, so they remain crunchy.
- 3) Then, either add a lid and shake it (or stir with a spoon) until thoroughly 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 hours).
The longer you leave the overnight oats with apple and cinnamon to soak, the softer they become. At 3-4 hours, 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:
- Combine the shredded/finely diced apple, a tablespoon brown sugar/maple syrup, 2 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, and a splash of water in a medium saucepan.
- 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
Using steel-cut oats for overnight oats is technically possible, but the method and liquid ratio will change. For steel-cut overnight oats, use a 1 ¾ -2:1 ratio of liquid to oats and leave them to soak for a very minimum of 12 hours, though they’ll be even better at 24 hours, and better yet at 48 hours if you prefer a softer consistency.
Absolutely – just microwave the oats in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Add extra plant-based milk if needed for a softer, creamier consistency.
Cinnamon apple overnight oats are a balanced breakfast of complex carbohydrates, fiber, healthy fats, and protein. The combination of ingredients also slows digestion to help keep you feeling full for longer and are a good source of several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pro Recipe Tips
- Use a wide-mouth jar/cup: That way, you can easily assemble 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 assembled, store the overnight apple pie oats covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months (though the texture of the apple will soften a lot upon thawing) – leave it to thaw in the fridge overnight. I use these glass jars for mine (as pictured above).
Mix well before serving, and add an extra splash of plant-based milk if you want a looser consistency.
More Vegan Oat Recipes
- Vegan pumpkin oatmeal cookies
- Coconut oatmeal cookies
- Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies
- Easy Coffee Oatmeal
- Peanut butter oatmeal breakfast cups
- Strawberry oat bars
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup of old-fashioned oats
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 small shredded apple, your choice on the variety
- 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup of plant-based milk
Instructions
- In a container, glass, or mason jar, add oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, walnuts, apples, and plant-based milk.
- Cover with a lid or aluminum foil. If you’re using a mason jar, shake it up until mixed. If you’re using another dish, stir with a spoon until mixed.
- Refrigerate overnight (or for 4+ hours).
- When you wake up, mix and enjoy chilled! No cooking or heating is necessary—the oats soften overnight.
Notes
- Use a wide-mouth jar/cup: That way, you can easily assemble 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.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
Yum! Just like apple pie! These apple cinnamon overnight oats hit the spot in the morning.
Right?! Such a great fall breakfast!
Such a yummy breakfast!