EASY Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats
Written by Laura Paquin
These easy cinnamon apple overnight oats are sweet, creamy, full of fresh apple, and made with plenty of cinnamon—exactly how I like them. Mix everything together before bed, let the refrigerator do the work, and breakfast is ready when you wake up.
And yes, I highly recommend enjoying them with a cup of coffee. Obviously.
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An Easy Breakfast for Busy Mornings
I love a breakfast that requires almost no effort in the morning. These overnight oats take only a few minutes to assemble the night before, which means there’s no cooking and no early-morning decision-making required.
The combination of fresh apple, maple syrup, cinnamon, and peanut butter makes the oats sweet, cozy, and satisfying. They’re especially perfect when you’re ready for fall flavors but still want a cold breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It takes approximately five minutes to prepare.
No cooking is required.
Fresh apple adds flavor and crunch.
Peanut butter makes the oats extra creamy.
It’s naturally dairy-free when prepared with almond milk.
Everything can be mixed in one jar or container.
Breakfast is waiting for you in the morning.
Ingredients
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Old-fashioned rolled oats
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best overnight-oat texture. Quick oats can become too soft, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough using this method.
Pure maple syrup
Three tablespoons of maple syrup make these oats unapologetically sweet. Make sure you use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for the best flavor.
Cinnamon
This recipe uses plenty of cinnamon—because this is cinnamon apple overnight oats, and we aren’t being shy about it.
Creamy peanut butter
Peanut butter adds richness and creates a creamier texture. Both conventional and natural peanut butter can work, although very thick peanut butter may be easier to mix if you warm it for a few seconds first.
Fresh apple
Use one medium apple, cored and diced into small pieces. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples are all delicious options if you want a naturally sweet apple with a crisp texture.
You can peel the apple if you prefer, but I usually leave the skin on for extra texture and less work.
Almond milk
Almond milk softens the oats overnight and brings everything together. I use ¾ cup for this recipe.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats
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1. Combine the oats, maple syrup, and cinnamon
Add the rolled oats, maple syrup, and cinnamon to a jar or storage container. Stir until the oats are evenly coated.
2. Add the peanut butter
Add the peanut butter and stir again. It doesn’t have to disappear completely—a few little ribbons of peanut butter are perfectly fine.
3. Add the apple and almond milk
Fold in the diced apple, then pour in the almond milk. Stir thoroughly, making sure all the oats are covered by the liquid.
4. Refrigerate overnight
Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least six hours or overnight.
5. Stir and enjoy
Stir the oats again in the morning and enjoy them cold. You can also warm them gently if you prefer a hot breakfast.
Serve with coffee for the complete Laura Just Being Laura experience.
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Laura’s Tips
Use a container that holds at least 20 ounces because the apple adds considerable volume.
Dice the apple into small pieces so you get apple in every bite.
Stir the oats thoroughly before refrigerating to prevent dry pockets.
If your peanut butter is difficult to mix, microwave it separately for several seconds.
Stir everything again before eating; some separation overnight is normal.
If you want additional crunch, reserve a few apple pieces and add them immediately before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Change the nut butter
Replace the peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter. Sunflower-seed butter can also be used if you need a nut-free option.
Change the milk
Use another dairy-free milk, such as oat, cashew, or coconut milk. Different varieties may produce slightly different consistencies.
Add extra texture
Top the finished oats with chopped walnuts, pecans, granola, or additional diced apple.
Add more peanut butter
Drizzle another spoonful of peanut butter over the top before serving. There is no such thing as too much peanut butter in this house.
How to Store Overnight Oats
Store the oats in a covered container in the refrigerator. For the best apple texture, enjoy them within one or two days.
The oats will continue absorbing liquid as they sit. If they become thicker than you prefer, stir in a small splash of almond milk before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these oats without peanut butter?
Yes. You can omit the peanut butter, although the finished oats won’t be quite as rich or creamy. You can also replace it with another nut or seed butter.
Do I need to cook the oats first?
No. The oats soften as they absorb the almond milk overnight.
Can I warm up overnight oats?
Yes. Transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and warm them in short intervals, stirring between each one. Add a little extra almond milk if needed.
Can I prepare several servings at once?
Yes. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and divide the mixture among individual containers. For the best fresh-apple texture, I recommend preparing only a few days at a time.
Do I need to peel the apple?
No. You can leave the peel on or remove it based on your preference.
