Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Ingredients

• Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats): 1 cup – These are the star, providing a chewy texture and soaking up the liquid beautifully. Do not use instant oats, as they will become too mushy.
• Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): 1 cup – Use your favorite! Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or regular cow’s milk all work wonderfully.
• Plain Yogurt (Optional, for creaminess): 1/4 cup – Greek yogurt adds extra protein and a delightful tang, but regular plain yogurt works too. For a vegan option, use a dairy-free yogurt or omit.
• Chia Seeds (Optional, for thickness and nutrition): 1 tablespoon – These little powerhouses help thicken the oats and add omega-3s and fiber.
• Apple: 1 medium, finely chopped or grated – Choose a crisp, sweet variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Grating the apple helps it meld into the oats more.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (or to taste) – The quintessential warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional): 1-2 tablespoons (or to taste) – For a touch of sweetness. Adjust according to the sweetness of your apple and personal preference. Agave nectar or date syrup are also great alternatives.
• Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all the other flavors.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch to bring out the sweetness and complexity of the flavors.
• Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), extra apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of nut butter, or a dollop of yogurt.

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Apple: Wash, core, and finely dice or grate your apple. If dicing, aim for small pieces (about 1/4 inch) so they soften nicely and distribute evenly. If you’re worried about browning and prepping ahead, you can toss the apple pieces with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice, though it’s usually not necessary if mixing immediately.

2. 2

   Combine Wet Ingredients (Optional First Step for Smoothness): In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt (if using), maple syrup or honey (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth. This step helps ensure the sweetener and yogurt are evenly distributed.

3. 3

   Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate larger bowl (or directly into your storage container if it’s large enough), add the rolled oats, chia seeds (if using), ground cinnamon, and the pinch of salt. Give them a quick stir to combine.

4. 4

   Mix Everything Together: Pour the wet ingredients (if mixed separately) into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the prepared chopped or grated apple. Stir everything thoroughly until all the oats are moistened and the ingredients are well combined. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to incorporate everything.

5. 5

   Portion into Jars/Containers: Divide the oat mixture evenly among 2-3 individual serving jars or airtight containers (mason jars work perfectly). This recipe typically makes two generous servings or three smaller ones.

6. 6

   Chill Overnight: Seal the jars or containers tightly with lids. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (6-8 hours). This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, soften, and for the flavors to meld together beautifully.

7. 7

   Serve and Enjoy: In the morning, give your overnight oats a quick stir. If they seem too thick for your liking, you can add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency. Add your favorite toppings (see “How to Serve” section for ideas) and enjoy your delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast!