When it comes to starting your day off right, nothing beats a quick, nutritious breakfast that tantalizes your taste buds. Enter Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats! This delicious recipe is not only convenient, but it also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. Imagine waking up to a creamy, sweet blend of oats, apples, and spices—all ready and waiting in the fridge for you. With its delightful combination of textures and tastes, apple cinnamon overnight oats are sure to become a cherished breakfast staple in your home.
Why We Love This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
There’s so much to love about apple cinnamon overnight oats. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to prepare. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—you can whip it up in just a few minutes the night before, letting the ingredients meld together as they chill overnight. This means you can enjoy a healthy, satisfying breakfast in the morning without the fuss of cooking!
Secondly, this recipe is loaded with health benefits. Oats are a great source of fiber, which keeps you feeling full and satisfied. The addition of apples adds vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice. Furthermore, with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the rich flavor of cinnamon, you can indulge your sweet tooth without sacrificing health.
Lastly, the versatility of this recipe is unmatched. You can easily customize your overnight oats according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to swap out the almond milk for another plant-based option or add in nuts for extra crunch, the options are endless!
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to create your delicious apple cinnamon overnight oats:
- 1 cup oats: Use rolled oats for the best texture.
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk: You can choose any non-dairy milk you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: This adds a lovely sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds: Great for added fiber and a slight texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives that classic apple pie flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter substitute: For cooking the apple compote.
- 1 large apple: Peeled, cored, and diced for the compote.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For the apple mixture.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Sweetens the apples beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps to cook the apples.
- 1 teaspoon corn starch: To thicken the apple mixture.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Creating these apple cinnamon overnight oats is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps to prepare a delicious breakfast that you will love waking up to:
Start with the Oats: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of oats, 1 cup of vanilla almond milk, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together well, ensuring that the oats are fully coated in the creamy mixture.
Chill Overnight: Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in your refrigerator. Allow the oats to soak overnight—this step is crucial as it helps the oats absorb the flavors and soften perfectly.
Prepare the Apple Compote: In the morning, start by making the apple compote. Take a medium saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the peeled and diced apple, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Stir the mixture, allowing the apples to soften for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Thicken the Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of water and 1 teaspoon of corn starch until smooth. Pour this into the saucepan with the apple mixture. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and the apples are tender and beautifully coated.
Cool Down: Remove from heat and let your apple compote cool completely. This step allows the flavors to meld even further and creates a delightful contrast when served on top of the cool oats.
Combine and Serve: To serve, take your prepared overnight oats and spoon them into a cup or bowl. Top generously with the warm apple compote, and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Serving your apple cinnamon overnight oats is as simple as it is satisfying. Here are a few ideas to elevate your breakfast experience:
Layer and Garnish: Consider layering the oats and apple compote in a clear glass to create a visually appealing presentation. It’s not only a feast for the taste buds but you’ll enjoy the beautiful sight of oats and apples together!
Extra Toppings: While the recipe is delicious as is, you can sprinkle some nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top for added crunch and nutrition. Additionally, fresh fruits like sliced bananas or blueberries can add more flavor and color.
Yogurt Delight: For an even creamier texture, feel free to add a dollop of your favorite yogurt on top of the oats before adding the apple compote.
Smoothies: If you find yourself in a rush, blend the overnight oats with some additional almond milk to create a smoothie instead. Portable and nutritious, this option will keep you on track with your busy lifestyle!
Expert Tips: Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
To ensure your apple cinnamon overnight oats turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
Choose Quality Oats: Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats. They maintain their texture better and give a creamier consistency.
Soak Time is Crucial: Allowing the oats to soak overnight is essential for the best texture. This helps ensure they become soft and absorb all the flavors.
Apples Matter: Use flavorful, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the compote. Their sweetness and texture will greatly enhance the dish.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet breakfast, you can reduce the syrup in both the oats and the apple compote.
Customizable Spice Levels: Don’t hesitate to tweak the cinnamon to suit your preference. If you love a strong cinnamon flavor, increase the amount slightly!
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Storing your apple cinnamon overnight oats is straightforward, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Here’s how to do it right:
Air-tight Containers: After preparing your oats, transfer any leftovers into air-tight containers. This prevents them from absorbing any unwanted odors in the fridge.
Refrigeration: Your overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The longer they sit, the more the flavors develop, making it a convenient option for busy mornings.
Apple Compote Storage: Store any leftover apple compote in a separate container in the refrigerator. It can last for a similar time. When ready to enjoy, you can gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Variations of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
While this recipe is amazing on its own, there are countless variations you can try. Here are a few ideas to keep things exciting:
Nutty Delight: Add in your favorite nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) to the oats for an extra dose of creaminess and protein.
Dried Fruits: Substitute the diced apple in the oats with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture and varied flavor.
Different Milks: Experiment with different types of milk, including coconut milk or oat milk, to find a flavor profile that works best for you.
Spice It Up: For a little excitement, incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon to give a warm and aromatic twist.
Chocolate Lovers: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the oat mixture for a chocolatey version of your overnight oats. Top it with sliced bananas for a dessert-like treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats?
Apple cinnamon overnight oats are a nutritious breakfast option made by soaking oats in liquid (like almond milk) and mixing in flavors such as apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup. This dish is prepared the night before and allows for a quick, delicious morning meal.
How long should I let Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats sit?
For the best results, allow the oats to sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight. This gives the oats time to absorb the liquid and flavors, resulting in a creamy texture.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead?
While steel-cut oats are heartier and have a chewier texture, they require a longer soaking time. If you’re using steel-cut oats, consider soaking them overnight with a little more liquid, or cook them briefly before mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the recipe?
You can easily adjust the sweetness of the overnight oats by varying the amount of maple syrup you use or substituting with another sweetener of your choice.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Simply ensure you are using plant-based butter or skip it altogether when preparing the apple compote.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Medium Saucepan
- Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk or any non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan substitute
- 1 large apple peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the apple mixture
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup to sweeten apples
- 1 tablespoon water to help cook apples
- 1 teaspoon corn starch to thicken apple mixture
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine oats, almond milk, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
- In the morning, make the apple compote. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Stir and cook for about 3-5 minutes until apples soften.
- In a small bowl, whisk together water and corn starch until smooth. Add to the apple mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve the overnight oats in a bowl or jar topped with warm apple compote.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!