Here is my favorite apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe, with grated apples, warming spices, chia seeds, and a touch of maple syrup that you prep the night before for an easy breakfast.

These overnight oats are my go-to on busy mornings when I need something ready to grab from the fridge. I make a big batch on Sunday nights so my family can have breakfast sorted for the week. Nothing better than waking up to breakfast that’s already made, right?

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Quick 10-minute prep – Just mix everything together the night before, and you’ll wake up to a ready-made breakfast that saves you precious morning time.
Healthy and filling – Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds, plus protein from Greek yogurt, these overnight oats keep you satisfied until lunch.
Simple pantry ingredients – You probably already have most of these staples in your kitchen, making this an easy go-to breakfast option.
Naturally sweet – The combination of fresh apples, raisins, and a touch of maple syrup gives you that cozy fall flavor without loads of added sugar.
Perfect for meal prep – Make several jars at once and you’ve got grab-and-go breakfasts ready for the entire week.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

For overnight oats, you’ll want to pick an apple that holds up well and doesn’t turn to mush after sitting in the fridge overnight. Firmer varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work really well because they keep their texture and add a nice crunch to your oats. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, go with Honeycrisp or Gala, but if you like a bit of tartness to balance out the maple syrup and cinnamon, Granny Smith is your best bet. You can leave the skin on for extra fiber and nutrients – just make sure to give your apple a good wash and dice it into small, bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout your oats.

Options for Substitutions

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

Oats: Stick with rolled oats or old-fashioned oats for this recipe – they’re what give overnight oats their creamy texture. Quick oats will turn mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough overnight.
Milk: Any milk works here. Try almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. The consistency stays pretty much the same.
Greek yogurt: Regular yogurt, skyr, or even a few extra tablespoons of milk can replace Greek yogurt. Just note that Greek yogurt adds extra protein and creaminess.
Raisins: Swap these with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries. You can also use fresh berries if you prefer, though they’ll add more moisture.
Chia seeds: Ground flaxseed works as a substitute and adds similar nutrition. Use the same amount, though your oats might be slightly less thick.
Maple syrup: Honey, agave nectar, or a mashed banana can replace maple syrup for sweetness. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Almonds: Any nuts you have on hand work great – walnuts, pecans, or cashews all add that nice crunch on top.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake with overnight oats is not using enough liquid, which leaves you with a thick, paste-like texture instead of creamy oats – aim for a 1:3 ratio of oats to milk, and remember you can always add more liquid in the morning if needed.

Another common error is skipping the chia seeds or using too many, since they help thicken the mixture but can turn it gummy if you go overboard with more than a tablespoon.

Don’t add your fresh apple toppings the night before, as they’ll turn brown and mushy – save the sliced apple and almonds for the morning to keep them crisp and fresh.

If your oats seem too thick after sitting overnight, simply stir in a splash of milk to loosen them up before adding your toppings.

What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats?

These overnight oats are pretty filling on their own, but I love adding a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a spoonful of almond butter on top for some added richness. If you’re looking for more protein to keep you full until lunch, a hard-boiled egg or two on the side works surprisingly well with the sweet flavors. You could also pair them with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea to round out your breakfast. For days when you need something more substantial, try serving them alongside some turkey sausage links or a slice of whole grain toast with butter.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Overnight oats are meant to be made ahead, so just keep them in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, which makes them perfect for prepping a few breakfasts at once. I like to make 3 or 4 jars on Sunday night so I’m set for the busy week ahead.

Serve: You can eat these straight from the fridge, which is how I usually enjoy them on warm mornings. If you prefer them less cold, just let the jar sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before eating. Add your fresh toppings like extra apple slices, yogurt, and almonds right before serving so they stay crunchy and fresh.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy
Servings	1 serving

Estimated Nutrition

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

Calories: 600-700
Protein: 15-20 g
Fat: 15-20 g
Carbohydrates: 100-110 g

Ingredients

For the oats:

1 large apple (grated or finely diced)
90 g oats
320 ml milk (dairy or non-dairy)
40 g raisins
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon (I use McCormick Ground Cinnamon)
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

For Toppings (optional):たっぷりの:

Greek yogurt
apple (sliced or additional grated apple)
almonds (sliced or chopped)

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Base and Combine Dry Ingredients

1 large apple, grated or finely diced
90 g oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Grate or finely dice the large apple directly into a medium bowl or container—I prefer grating because it distributes the apple flavor more evenly throughout the oats.

Add the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl with the apple.

Stir these dry ingredients together to combine evenly, ensuring the spices are well distributed throughout the oats.

Step 2: Build the Overnight Oat Base

dry ingredient mixture from Step 1
320 ml milk
2 tsp maple syrup
40 g raisins

Pour the milk into the bowl with the dry ingredient mixture from Step 1, then add the maple syrup and raisins.

Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure all the oats are submerged and the mixture is well combined.

The liquid should cover the oats slightly—if it seems too thick, add a splash more milk.

This ensures the oats will soften and absorb the flavors evenly overnight.

Step 3: Chill and Infuse Flavors

Cover the bowl or container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.

The overnight rest allows the oats to fully absorb the milk and soften while the cinnamon, apple, and raisins infuse the entire mixture with flavor.

I find that letting it sit overnight creates the best texture and taste—the oats become creamy rather than crunchy.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve with Toppings

overnight oat mixture from Step 3
Greek yogurt
almonds, sliced or chopped
apple, sliced or grated

Remove the overnight oat mixture from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir, adding a splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Transfer to a serving bowl or eat directly from the container.

Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a handful of sliced or chopped almonds, and thin slices of fresh apple or additional grated apple for brightness and texture contrast.