If you’ve tried a bunch of overnight oats recipes and they all turned out bland, mushy, or just kinda meh, this one’s about to change your mind. These apple pie overnight oats are creamy, loaded with real apples, and taste like dessert straight from the fridge. No weird textures, no overwhelming yogurt tang. Just simple ingredients and cozy flavor, but made for busy mornings.
I may have gone through dozens of versions when developing this recipe, but it was worth it. I’m not reinventing oats here, but what I’m giving you is a no-fuss version that actually feels cozy and comforting, even straight from the fridge. It’s not heavy or overly sweet, and it’s packed with real apple flavor in every bite.
I made this recipe because I was tired of plain overnight oats and wanted something that added variety. Something that actually tasted good and didn’t feel like just another meal prep chore. This one’s creamy, spiced just right, and gives you that apple pie feeling without the effort.
With my tips and tricks, I’ll show you how to make not only the best overnight oats but a version that brings all the cozy fall flavor with no stove required.
Ingredients for Apple Overnight Oats
- Old-fashioned oats – The best texture for overnight oats: soft, creamy, and never mushy. Skip the quick oats—they’ll fall apart overnight.
- Apples – Fresh apples give this recipe that true apple pie flavor and a little natural crunch. I like Honeycrisp and Cosmic, but any crisp, sweet apple will work.
- Almond milk – I use plain, unsweetened almond milk to keep things light and let the cinnamon and apple flavors shine. You can swap in any milk you prefer.
- Pure maple syrup – Just enough to lightly sweeten without making it overly sugary. It also brings a subtle, cozy depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and that familiar bakery-style flavor you’d expect from apple pie.
- Cinnamon – Essential for bringing out the apple flavor and giving it that warm, spiced vibe.
- Apple pie spice – This adds that extra something that makes it feel like more than just cinnamon oats.
- Granola (optional) – A crunchy topping for a little texture contrast. It makes it feel more like a treat and adds a bit of crunch if you’re eating it straight from the jar. I add it every time with mine.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Detailed instructions and measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Cook the apples
In a small skillet, sauté the diced apples with half of the maple syrup and all of the cinnamon over medium heat. Stir often and cook until the apples are soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly while you prep the oats.
Mix the base
In a jar or container, combine the oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, apple pie spice, and the remaining maple syrup. Stir to mix well.
Add the apples
Once the apples have cooled slightly, stir them into the oat mixture.
Chill overnight
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. The oats will soften and soak up all the cozy apple pie flavor.
Top and enjoy
Give it a good stir in the morning and top with granola for a little crunch, if you like.
Tips and Tricks for Overnight Apple Pie Oats
- Use old-fashioned oats, not quick oats. Quick oats will get too soft and mushy overnight. Old-fashioned rolled oats hold their texture and create that creamy consistency you want.
- Let the apples cool before adding them. You don’t need them to be cold, but give them a few minutes to cool slightly. Adding piping hot apples can warm the oats too much and mess with the overnight texture.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you like things a little sweeter, feel free to add a touch more maple syrup in the morning—or drizzle some on top with the granola. You could also mix in some of this apple butter recipe.
- Add toppings right before serving. If you’re using granola, wait until just before eating so it stays crunchy. Chopped nuts or a spoonful of yogurt are also great add-ins.
Storing Apple and Cinnamon Overnight Oats
These apple pie overnight oats will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store them in an airtight container or jar with a lid.
If the oats thicken a bit too much after sitting, just stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen them up.
Since the apples are mixed in, there’s no need to store them separately. Everything holds up well together. For best texture, wait to add granola or crunchy toppings until right before eating.
FAQs
You can go with whatever apples are your favorite, but Honeycrisp and Cosmic are my favorites. If you want that true apple pie nostalgic flavor, go for Granny Smith.
A pint size mason jar is perfect for overnight oats. It allows enough room to add toppings if you want. Any container with an airtight lid will do though!
Yes! You can swap in honey, agave, or your favorite sweetener. Just keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly depending on what you use.
Yes, they’re typically eaten cold straight from the fridge. But if cold oats aren’t your thing, you can warm them up in the microwave for 30–60 seconds. Just keep in mind the texture will be a little softer when heated.
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Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon divided
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/2 cup almond milk plain unsweetened
- 2 small apples peeled, cored & diced
- granola optional
Instructions
- In a small skillet over medium heat, add the diced apples, half of the maple syrup, and all of the cinnamon.
- Sauté the apples, stirring frequently, until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
- In a jar or airtight container, add the oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, apple pie spice, and the remaining maple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Once the apples have cooled slightly, stir them into the oat mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
- When ready to eat, give the oats a good stir and top with granola if desired.
Notes
- Apple type: I like Honeycrisp for its sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, but any apple you enjoy eating will work here.
- Milk: Any milk will do—almond, oat, dairy—just use one you like the taste of.
- Make it sweeter: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey right before serving if you prefer a sweeter breakfast.
- Texture tip: If the oats thicken too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of milk before eating.
- Storage: These overnight oats will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Wait to add granola until just before serving to keep it crunchy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I make this as one of my go-to breakfasts for busy work weeks! Super easy to make, travels well in my little mason jars, and makes our whole office smell delightful!
Would DEFINITELY recommend!
I added brown sugar and made it hot. This recipe is so good.
I’m so happy you liked it! Thank you so much for leaving feedback. I appreciate it!