These Apple Pie Overnight Oats are a perfect fit for a healthy and satisfying fall breakfast. Totally vegan and easily gluten-free, this recipe is full of cozy cinnamon, a touch of maple syrup, and crisp autumn apples. Tips for how to speed up overnight oats available in the post!
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are a porridge-style breakfast or snack made primarily from old fashioned rolled oats, milk, yogurt and ground flax seeds or chia seeds. Their name is derived from their preparation method: instead of cooking this recipe on the store or in the microwave like normal oatmeal, these are prepared by simply mixing all ingredients together and letting them soften and gel in the refrigerator, overnight!
Ingredients Needed for Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- ½ cup plain (or vanilla) yogurt, nondairy as needed*
- ½ old fashioned oats
- ½ cup, nondairy as needed milk
- 2 teaspoon ground flaxseeds (or chia seeds)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- ½ cup chopped apple
- Toppings: Dried fruit, walnuts, pecans, almond milk, bananas
It's worth noting that I really cannot stand chia seeds or pudding so opt to use ground flax whenever possible. The texture is much more to my liking as the flax tends to blend in. I know a lot of people like chia though so please feel free to use that if it's what you have!
Can you use steel cut oatmeal?
No; steel cut oatmeal is not recommended for overnight oats. Old fashioned rolled oats are slightly more processed and thus break down more easily when sitting in liquid.
Overnight Oats Ratio
The best dry to liquid ratio for overnight oats is 1 part oatmeal + 1 part liquid + ½ part yogurt. This gives the oats enough liquid to soak but still be absorbed by the dry ingredients. Additional ingredients like flax or chia will help this mixture bind even more (so it turns out like a porridge and not a soup).
How long do overnight oats need to soak?
At a minimum, your overnight oats should soak for four hours in the fridge. However, there are some tricks to speed up this process.
How can I speed up overnight oats?
- Use quick-cooking oats and slightly less liquid. This style of oat will take less time to soften than rolled.
- Add more yogurt instead of milk. This will naturally give the final product a firmer texture.
- Increase the amount of ground flax seeds or chia seeds. This will impact the taste (so I try to not increase too heavily) but can really strengthen the binding power of your overall mixture.
- Substitute applesauce, banana, or pumpkin puree for a portion of the milk. This will add additional flavor, fiber, and sweetness while making the mixture more thick.
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How to Make Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, oats, almond milk, flax (or chia) seeds, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, and optional vanilla. Stir completely to blend.
- Portion mixture into one large or two small sealable jars. Top with apple slices and seal. Place in the fridge overnight (or for at least four hours). See tips for speeding up this process in the post above!
- Serve warm or cold with additional toppings as desired.
Can I make overnight oats without yogurt?
Yes! Applesauce, mashed banana, and pumpkin puree are are excellent stand ins for yogurt. You could also omit it entirely and add a splash more milk (not much extra will be needed).
Recommended Topping Ideas
- Nuts such as slivered almonds, pecans, or walnuts
- Maple syrup
- Berries or sliced fruit, such as apples, bananas, or pears
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Almond milk (or other milk of choice)
How to Store Overnight Oats + How Long They Last
Store overnight oats in sealable jars or a large sealed container. They will last for five days in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep during the beginning of the week.
This recipe details how to make one large or two small batches. If I am making this for my own breakfast I will eat the entire portion.
Other Healthy Breakfast Ideas with Oats:
- Baked Pears with Granola
- Banana Bread Granola
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Banana Split Overnight Oats
- Chewy Bars
- Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark
- Granola Breakfast Cookies
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ¼ cup plain or vanilla yogurt, nondairy as needed*
- ½ old fashioned oats
- ½ cup nondairy as needed milk
- 2 teaspoon ground flaxseeds or chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- ½ cup chopped apple
- Toppings: Dried fruit walnuts, pecans, almond milk, bananas
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt (see note), oats, almond milk, flax (or chia) seeds, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, and optional vanilla. Stir completely to blend.
- Portion mixture into one large or two small sealable jars. Top with apple slices and seal. Place in the fridge overnight (or for at least four hours). See tips for speeding up this process in the post above!
- Serve warm or cold with additional toppings as desired.
Cindy Lightblum says
These are so delicious and easy to make! Thanks so much!!
Emily says
Thank you Cindy, I really appreciate you leaving a comment!