If apple pie is your favorite dessert, this breakfast will become your new habit. These Apple Pie Overnight Oats bring all the comforting flavors of crisp apple, warm cinnamon, and a hint of sweetness for a quick, nutritious start to your day.
It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but actually supports your busy mornings. The best part? No need to cook. Just mix, cool, and wake up to a ready-to-eat meal that makes mornings feel easier (and tastier).
apple. Cinnamon. milk. A little agave or honey. Nuts add chewiness. What else do you need?
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How to Make Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Overnight oats require no cooking! All you have to do is prepare the oats with a liquid (usually milk), place it in the refrigerator, and let the oats “soak” overnight.
Overnight oats can be prepared up to four days in advance. No, milk will not go bad in the refrigerator.
If you’re worried about the fruit turning brown (which, by the way, doesn’t mean it’s gone bad), add fresh fruit in the morning or add a little lemon juice to the apples. Lemon juice helps prevent oxidation, which prevents browning. (Thanks, science!)
The beauty of overnight oats is how quick they go in the morning. All you need to do is grab a container from the refrigerator and enjoy. Honestly, there’s no faster breakfast.
So, if you are someone who has a busy morning, then overnight oats are perfect for you. They’re also a great choice for kids before they go to school because they’re very hassle-free. Let’s face it, most kids love oatmeal, and they also like it a little sweet. I mean, why not?
Still skeptical about overnight oats? Dig deep into our archives to find this meal prep assistant’s master recipe, the Overnight Oats Master Recipe. Maybe apple and cinnamon aren’t your favorite flavors, and that’s okay!
Plus, we have more breakfast recipes here!
How to customize this recipe
Overnight oats are one of the most flexible meal prep breakfast options.
Try these simple swaps and plugins:
- Use oat milk, almond milk or any non-dairy product
- Add bananas, pears or berries for extra flavor
- Add almond butter or peanut butter for richness
- Swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds or pumpkin seeds
- Add chia or flax seeds for texture
- Mix in a little vanilla extract for extra sweetness
If you like an easy breakfast like this, check out our beginner’s meal planning guide for more ideas.
Meal exchange (vegan/dairy-free/gluten-free)
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milks and maple syrup instead of honey
- gluten free: Use certified gluten-free oats
This recipe is naturally flexible and easily adaptable to your needs.
Ingredients description or reminder
Some simple tips will make your overnight oats even better:
- To prevent browning: If preparing in advance, add a little lemon juice to the apples
- Texture matters: Adjust the milk depending on how thick or creamy you like your oats
- Sweetness: Taste and adjust with honey, maple syrup or agave
Want more budget-friendly breakfast ideas? Find out how to create a food budget.
Also, be sure to read our Breakfast Masterlist post to give you all the breakfast inspiration you need!
How to store and reheat
Overnight oats are great for making ahead.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Safe to store at room temperature for up to 4 hours
eat:
- Enjoy a cold drink straight from the refrigerator
- If you like it hot, you can also heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
- You can also reheat on the stovetop
If the oats seem too runny after heating, let them sit for a few minutes – they will thicken.
Looking for more grab-and-go ideas? Explore our cold lunch/no-heat meal prep options.
FAQ
No! Oats will soften after soaking in liquid overnight. That’s why this recipe is so easy and perfect for meal prep.
They keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days, making them perfect for preparing multiple breakfasts at the same time.
Yes! Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop. They’re great hot or cold.
They may be mild, but this is normal and safe to eat. To prevent browning, toss them in a little lemon juice or add them fresh in the morning.
Oatmeal works best. Quick oats may become too soft, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough without cooking.
Absolutely. They’re one of the quickest breakfasts…just grab a container and go.
Not eating overnight oats? Try some other apple pie inspired recipes!
Don’t forget to try our other delicious free breakfast recipes!
Apple Pie Inspired Overnight Oats
instruct
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In each of three small containers or glass jars, add 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup apple, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup nuts.
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Then add 3/4 cup milk and 2 teaspoons agave to each container. Stir with a spoon.
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Store overnight for up to three nights. The oats will “cook” by absorbing the liquid!
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The day you eat your oats, you can eat them cold or heat them on the stove or in the microwave for one minute.