Applesauce Overnight Oats (With Cinnamon and Peanut Butter)

Ingredients

• 45 g (½ cup)rolled oats
• 120 ml (½ cup)unsweetened almond milk, or another dairy-free milk
• 120 g (½ cup)unsweetened applesauce
• 12 g (1 tablespoon)chia seeds
• 16 g (1 tablespoon)unsweetened natural peanut butter
• 7.5–15 ml (½–1 tablespoon)pure maple syrup
• 1 g (½ teaspoon)ground cinnamon
• 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon), optionalvanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the ingredients

   Add the oats, dairy-free milk, applesauce, chia seeds, peanut butter, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla, if using, to a lidded jar or container. Stir until combined.

2. 2

   Chill overnight

   Cover the container and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 3–4 hours. Before eating, drizzle with extra peanut butter, add chopped walnuts and a dash of cinnamon, then serve.

What are applesauce overnight oats?

Overnight oats are rolled oats softened in liquid in the fridge rather than cooked on the hob. They are a convenient make-ahead breakfast, with roots in the Swiss muesli tradition of soaking oats before serving.

Here, applesauce adds fruit flavour and moisture, while cinnamon gives the mixture a warm, familiar note. Chia seeds help it thicken as it rests, and peanut butter brings a rich, nutty finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 412 calories, 12g protein, 58g carbs, 16g fat.

The oats and applesauce provide most of the carbohydrates, while peanut butter and chia seeds contribute much of the fat; oats, chia and peanut butter also supply protein. To balance the bowl, serve it with fresh fruit or add a source of protein alongside it.

Choose the right oats and milk

Rolled oats: these soften overnight while keeping some texture. They are the intended choice here; finer oats can turn softer and thicker.

Dairy-free milk: unsweetened almond milk keeps the flavour mild, but another dairy-free milk can be used. A sweeter milk will change the final sweetness, so adjust the maple syrup to taste.

Get the texture right

Chia seeds: stir them through thoroughly so they hydrate evenly instead of clumping. They absorb liquid during chilling and help give the oats a spoonable consistency.

Before serving: if the mixture is thicker than you like, loosen it with a splash of milk and stir again. If it seems loose, give it more time in the fridge.

Balance the sweetness

Applesauce: unsweetened applesauce gives the oats apple flavour without making the sweetness hard to control. Taste the mixture before adding the full amount of maple syrup.

Cinnamon and vanilla: cinnamon adds warmth, while vanilla is optional and rounds out the flavour. Use the maple syrup amount that suits your applesauce and preference.

When to make it

The recipe needs at least 3–4 hours in the fridge, though an overnight rest makes it especially handy for a busy morning. Mix it in the same lidded jar you plan to eat from for easier storage and fewer dishes.

The oats should be soft and the chia seeds hydrated when ready. Stir once more before serving to bring the applesauce and peanut butter through the mixture.

Toppings and serving ideas

The suggested finish is a drizzle of extra peanut butter, chopped walnuts and a little cinnamon. Add toppings just before eating to keep the nuts from softening in the fridge.

For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit. A cup of tea or coffee makes a simple accompaniment without distracting from the apple-and-cinnamon flavours.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a jar with enough room to stir the ingredients without spilling.
• Mix the chia seeds in well so they hydrate evenly.
• Taste before adding maple syrup, as applesauce sweetness can vary.
• Stir in a splash of dairy-free milk if the oats thicken more than you prefer.
• Add the walnuts and extra peanut butter just before serving for a fresher topping.

Variations

• Try another milk: use your preferred dairy-free milk in place of almond milk.
• Make it sweeter: add maple syrup gradually until it tastes right to you.
• Add walnuts: scatter chopped walnuts over the oats just before serving.
• Boost the apple flavour: add a little extra applesauce and loosen with milk if needed.
• Skip the vanilla: leave it out for a simpler cinnamon-and-apple flavour.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding too much syrup at first: applesauce adds sweetness too, so taste and adjust before chilling.
• Leaving chia clumps: stir thoroughly so the seeds hydrate evenly throughout the mixture.
• Expecting instant readiness: chill for at least 3–4 hours so the oats and chia can soften.
• Serving it too thick: stir in a splash of dairy-free milk to loosen the oats.
• Adding toppings too early: wait until serving to add the walnuts and extra peanut butter.

How to store

Keep the covered oats refrigerated and eat within 3 days for best texture. Stir before serving; if they have thickened, loosen with a little dairy-free milk. They are intended to be eaten chilled, so reheating is not necessary.

Frequently asked questions