Few things feel as cozy and comforting as the flavor of apple and cinnamon together.
These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Chia combine warm, spiced flavors with creamy oats and crisp apples for a make-ahead breakfast that tastes like apple pie in a jar—but with nourishing ingredients that fuel your day.
This recipe takes just minutes to prepare and thickens overnight into a satisfying pudding-like texture.
It’s naturally sweetened, high in fiber, and full of nutrients thanks to oats, chia seeds, and apples. Perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or even a wholesome snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These overnight oats are packed with fall-inspired flavor. Cinnamon and vanilla pair beautifully with fresh apple chunks, while chia seeds give the oats a creamy texture. It’s like having dessert for breakfast—without the guilt.
They’re also balanced and filling, thanks to the fiber in oats and chia seeds plus the natural sweetness of apples.
You can make them dairy-free, vegan, or high-protein by adjusting the yogurt or milk you use.
Finally, this recipe is meal-prep friendly and customizable. Make multiple jars at once, store them in the fridge, and enjoy an easy grab-and-go breakfast all week. Add toppings like granola, nuts, or nut butter to make it your own.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- ½ cup diced apple (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Extra diced apple
- Granola or chopped nuts
- Almond butter drizzle
- A sprinkle of extra cinnamon
Pro Tips
- Use crisp, sweet apples – Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work great for flavor and texture.
- Add spices – Try nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for a deeper apple pie flavor.
- Stir twice – Mix once right after combining and again after 10 minutes to prevent clumping.
- Add toppings right before serving – This keeps nuts and granola crunchy.
- Warm it up – Heat briefly in the microwave if you prefer a cozy warm breakfast.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or whisk
- Refrigerator
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based yogurt or skip it for a lighter texture.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
- Extra protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and reduce oats slightly.
- Different fruit: Try pears instead of apples for a fun twist.
- Flavor boost: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or chopped dates for extra sweetness.
Make-Ahead Tips
These oats are ideal for meal prep. You can make up to 5 jars in advance and refrigerate them for the week.
If the oats get too thick, just stir in a splash of milk before serving. Add toppings like granola or nut butter right before eating to keep them fresh.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Chia
1. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Add Oats, Chia Seeds, and Apples
Stir in rolled oats, chia seeds, and diced apple until well combined.
3. Transfer and Chill
Spoon the mixture into a mason jar or container. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, stir the oats and top with extra apple, granola, and a drizzle of nut butter.
Leftovers and Storage
Store oats in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 5 days. If they thicken too much, stir in extra milk before serving.
Do not freeze, as the texture changes when thawed.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use cooked apples instead of raw?
Yes! Sauté apples with cinnamon and a bit of maple syrup for a softer, pie-like flavor.
2. Can I make this without chia seeds?
Yes, just add 1 extra tablespoon of oats for a thicker texture.
3. Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, steel-cut oats won’t soften enough for this recipe—stick to rolled or quick oats.
4. Can I heat these oats?
Yes! Microwave for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
5. Can I add protein powder?
Absolutely—vanilla protein powder works great. Just reduce oats slightly to keep the texture balanced.
Cozy, Creamy, and Packed with Fall Flavor
These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Chia are everything you want in a quick, nourishing breakfast—creamy, lightly sweet, and full of comforting flavors.
Make a batch this week, and you’ll have a ready-to-go breakfast that feels like dessert but keeps you energized all morning.
If you try it, leave a comment and share your favorite toppings—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
