Easy Apple Pie Overnight Oats

I’ve never been a morning person. I hit snooze at least twice before I actually get out of bed. But I’ve learned that if I prep my breakfast the night before, I’m way more likely to eat something decent instead of grabbing whatever’s quick. That’s where overnight oats come in.

Apple pie overnight oats are my answer to those mornings when I want something cozy and filling without any work. I throw everything in a jar before bed, and when I wake up, breakfast is ready. The apples get soft and tender overnight, and the cinnamon makes my kitchen smell like fall.

Want something that tastes like dessert but counts as breakfast? This is it. Plus, you can make a few jars at once and have breakfast sorted for the whole week.

What Kind of Oats Should I Use?

For overnight oats, you’ll want to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats or steel-cut oats. Rolled oats have the perfect texture for soaking overnight – they soften up nicely while still maintaining a bit of chew, so you won’t end up with mushy oatmeal in the morning. Quick oats tend to get too soggy and lose their structure, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough without actual cooking. You can use regular or gluten-free rolled oats depending on your dietary needs, and both will give you the same great results.

Options for Substitutions

This breakfast is easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry:

• Almond milk: Any milk works here – regular dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk will all give you creamy overnight oats. Just stick with the same amount.
• Chia seeds: If you don’t have chia seeds, you can use ground flaxseed instead, which adds a similar texture and nutritional boost. Or skip them entirely – your oats will just be a bit less thick.
• Maple syrup: Honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar work as sweet alternatives. Start with the same amount and adjust to your taste.
• Walnuts: Pecans, almonds, or cashews make great swaps. You can also use any nut butter if you prefer a creamier texture instead of crunch.
• Apple: While apple is key to this recipe’s flavor, you can use pears for a similar taste and texture. Grate or dice them the same way you would the apple.
• Nutmeg: If you’re out of nutmeg, just add a bit more cinnamon or leave it out – the oats will still taste great with just the cinnamon and vanilla.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake people make with overnight oats is not using enough liquid, which leaves you with a thick, paste-like texture in the morning – make sure your oats are fully submerged in the almond milk mixture before refrigerating.

When cooking the apples, resist the urge to skip the covered step or crank up the heat, as this can leave you with hard, undercooked pieces instead of tender, caramelized apples.

Another common error is adding the cooked apples while they’re still hot, which can make your oats warm and mushy rather than cool and creamy, so let them cool to room temperature first.

Finally, if your overnight oats seem too thick in the morning, just stir in a splash of almond milk to loosen them up to your preferred consistency.

What to Serve With Apple Pie Overnight Oats?

Apple pie overnight oats make a pretty filling breakfast on their own, but I love adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for extra protein and creaminess. A drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter also works great if you want to make it even more satisfying and keep you full until lunch. If you’re serving these for brunch or want to make it feel more special, pair them with a side of crispy turkey bacon or breakfast sausage for a sweet and savory combo. You can also serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to really bring out those warm spice flavors.

Storage Instructions

Store: These overnight oats are perfect for meal prep! Keep them in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to make a big batch on Sunday so I have breakfast ready all week long.

Make Ahead: The beauty of overnight oats is that they’re meant to be made ahead. Just mix everything together the night before and let the oats soak up all those apple pie flavors while you sleep. They’ll be ready to grab and go in the morning, or you can add fresh toppings right before eating.

Serve: You can enjoy these straight from the fridge for a cool, creamy breakfast, or warm them up in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds if you prefer them hot. Add a splash of extra almond milk if they’ve thickened up too much overnight.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 500-600
• Protein: 11-14 g
• Fat: 17-22 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

For the apple layer:

• 1 1/2 apples (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup (I use Coombs Family Farms for best flavor)
• pinch of salt

For the oat mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated provides a much stronger aroma)
• 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 cup oats (I always use Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats)
• 3 tbsp walnuts (toasted and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces)

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Apple Compote

• 1 1/2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
• pinch of salt

Peel and dice the apples into 1/2-inch cubes.

In a small skillet or saucepan, combine the diced apples with 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.

Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes to soften the apples and allow the cinnamon to infuse.

Then uncover and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the apples begin to caramelize at the edges.

This creates a rich, concentrated apple filling that won’t water down your oats overnight.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts

• 3 tbsp walnuts

While the apples cook, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden.

Chop them into 1/4-inch pieces if not already done.

Set aside to cool slightly.

I like to toast walnuts separately because it deepens their flavor and creates a pleasant textural contrast against the creamy oats—it’s worth the extra minute of effort.

Step 3: Build the Oat Base Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 cup oats

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milk, 2 teaspoons chia seeds, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup.

Let this mixture sit for a minute so the chia seeds begin to absorb the liquid.

Then add 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats and stir until all the oats are evenly coated and moistened.

The nutmeg should be freshly grated right before adding—it makes a noticeable difference in aroma compared to pre-ground.

Step 4: Assemble the Overnight Oats in Jars

• oat base mixture from Step 3
• spiced apple compote from Step 1
• toasted walnuts from Step 2

Divide the oat base mixture from Step 3 in half.

Spoon half of the oat mixture evenly into two mason jars or serving containers, filling them about one-third full.

Top each jar with half of the spiced apple compote from Step 1, then divide the remaining oat mixture between the two jars.

Finish each jar with a layer of the toasted walnuts from Step 2 on top, reserving a few pieces if you’d like to garnish before serving.

The layering keeps the apples flavorful at the top and prevents the bottom from becoming too soggy.

Step 5: Chill Overnight and Serve

Cover the jars and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours, allowing the oats to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld together.

In the morning, give the oats a gentle stir and add a splash of almond milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Serve cold or warm up in the microwave for 60-90 seconds if you prefer them hot.

Easy Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Delicious Easy Apple Pie Overnight Oats recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 2 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the apple layer::

• 1 1/2 apples (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup (I use Coombs Family Farms for best flavor)
• pinch of salt

For the oat mixture::

• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated provides a much stronger aroma)
• 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 cup oats (I always use Bob's Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats)
• 3 tbsp walnuts (toasted and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces)

Instructions

 

• Peel and dice the apples into 1/2-inch cubes. In a small skillet or saucepan, combine the diced apples with 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes to soften the apples and allow the cinnamon to infuse. Then uncover and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the apples begin to caramelize at the edges. This creates a rich, concentrated apple filling that won't water down your oats overnight.
• While the apples cook, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Chop them into 1/4-inch pieces if not already done. Set aside to cool slightly. I like to toast walnuts separately because it deepens their flavor and creates a pleasant textural contrast against the creamy oats—it's worth the extra minute of effort.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milk, 2 teaspoons chia seeds, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup. Let this mixture sit for a minute so the chia seeds begin to absorb the liquid. Then add 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats and stir until all the oats are evenly coated and moistened. The nutmeg should be freshly grated right before adding—it makes a noticeable difference in aroma compared to pre-ground.
• Divide the oat base mixture from Step 3 in half. Spoon half of the oat mixture evenly into two mason jars or serving containers, filling them about one-third full. Top each jar with half of the spiced apple compote from Step 1, then divide the remaining oat mixture between the two jars. Finish each jar with a layer of the toasted walnuts from Step 2 on top, reserving a few pieces if you'd like to garnish before serving. The layering keeps the apples flavorful at the top and prevents the bottom from becoming too soggy.
• Cover the jars and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours, allowing the oats to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld together. In the morning, give the oats a gentle stir and add a splash of almond milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Serve cold or warm up in the microwave for 60-90 seconds if you prefer them hot.