This apple pie overnight oats recipe brings the comforting taste of a favorite dessert to your breakfast table. It combines creamy, chilled oats with a warm-spiced apple compote for a satisfying and wholesome start to the day.
The best part is that you do all the work the night before. With just 15 minutes of active cooking and some mixing, you can wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast that is both convenient and delicious.
Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Cooking the apples first softens their texture and deepens their flavor, creating a sweet, jam-like topping that mixes beautifully with the oats.
- Soaking the oats and chia seeds overnight allows them to absorb the liquid, resulting in a thick, pudding-like consistency without any cooking.
- Using chia seeds not only helps to thicken the oats but also adds fiber and nutrients, making the breakfast more filling.
Apple Pie Overnight Oats Ingredients
- Apples: Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn hold their shape well when cooked.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are necessary for the right chewy-yet-creamy texture. Instant or steel-cut oats will not work the same way.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk is suitable. Oat milk complements the flavors well, while almond or cow’s milk also work great.
- Sweetener: You can easily substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor or to make the recipe vegan.
- Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt adds a pleasant tang and protein. For a sweeter version, use vanilla-flavored yogurt.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Step 1: Cook the Apples
First, make the spiced apple topping. Combine the diced apples in a small saucepan with honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Let this simmer over medium heat until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly, which should take about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Oats
While your apples are cooking, get the oat base ready. In a large bowl, simply stir together the rolled oats, your choice of milk, chia seeds, and the apple pie spice. Mix it well to make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Once the apples are soft, fold most of them into your oat mixture, but save a few spoonfuls for topping later. Cover the oat mixture and the reserved apples separately, then place them in the refrigerator to chill overnight. This allows the oats to soften and absorb all the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Spoon them into your favorite jars or bowls, then add your toppings. A dollop of yogurt, the reserved cooked apples, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, and an extra drizzle of honey will finish it off.
Storage Tips for Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture will soften over time. Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the oats.
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- To toast walnuts, spread them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan often, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- The consistency of the oats can be adjusted. If you prefer them thicker, use a little less milk. For thinner oats, add more milk before serving.
- This recipe is great for meal prep. Portion the finished oats into individual airtight containers for a quick breakfast during the week.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Overnight Oats?
These oats are a complete breakfast on their own. For extra refreshment, serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Apple Pie Overnight Oats Recipe FAQs
Can I use steel-cut or instant oats?
It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats. Steel-cut oats will remain too hard and chewy, while instant oats will become mushy.
How long do overnight oats need to soak?
For the best texture, they should soak for at least 4 hours, but soaking them overnight (about 8 hours) is ideal. This gives the oats and chia seeds plenty of time to absorb the liquid.
Can I make this recipe vegan and dairy-free?
Yes, it’s very easy to adapt. Use a non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or soy milk, replace the honey with maple syrup, and use a plant-based yogurt for topping.
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced, about 1 lb / 450g
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 63g
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 135g
- 1 3/4 cups milk any kind, 420ml
- 3 tbsp chia seeds 36g
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt for serving, 120g
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts toasted, for serving, 30g
- Extra honey or apple pie spice for topping
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the diced apples, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender.
- While the apples cook, prepare the oats. In a large bowl or container with a lid, stir together the rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, and apple pie spice until well combined.
- Once the apples are cooked, set aside about one-quarter of the mixture for topping. Fold the remaining cooked apples into the oat mixture.
- Cover the bowl of oats and the reserved apples. Refrigerate both for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- When you are ready to serve, stir the oats well. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Spoon the overnight oats into bowls or jars. Top with the reserved apple mixture, a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey.
