A warm-spiced, naturally sweet, and protein-packed breakfast you can prep the night before. These apple cinnamon overnight oats are like apple pie in a jar—wholesome, satisfying, and perfect for busy mornings!
A Cozy Breakfast That Fuels Your Day
If fall flavors make your heart (and stomach) happy, you’re going to love this nourishing twist on a classic: High-Protein Apple Overnight Oats with Cinnamon.
It’s comforting like a bowl of warm apple oatmeal, but it’s made the night before, chilled in the fridge, and ready to go when you wake up.
This recipe was born from the simple need for a make-ahead breakfast that was high in protein, full of fiber, and kid-friendly—without sacrificing flavor.
And let me tell you, it delivers! It combines juicy diced apples, creamy Greek yogurt, hearty oats, and warm cinnamon spice with a scoop of vanilla protein powder to create a balanced, filling meal that keeps you energized all morning.
Whether you’re fueling up after a workout, packing a school-day breakfast, or just want to feel like you’re eating apple pie first thing in the morning—this recipe hits every mark.
It’s make-ahead friendly, easy to customize, and great for adults and little ones alike.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 small apple, diced (skin on or off)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 25g)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sautéed or raw diced apples
- Almond or peanut butter
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Granola
- Extra cinnamon or nutmeg
- Raisins or dried cranberries
Pro Tips
- Use a crisp, sweet apple – Honeycrisp or Fuji works well for sweetness and crunch.
- Dice apples small – Smaller pieces ensure even flavor in every bite and soften slightly overnight.
- Blend for a smooth texture – If you prefer your oats creamy, blend everything before chilling.
- Boost even more protein – Stir in collagen or use a high-protein plant-based yogurt for dairy-free options.
- Meal prep friendly – Make a few jars on Sunday night and enjoy breakfast all week long.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or sealable container
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (or mix directly in the jar)
- Spoon or small whisk
Substitutions and Variations
- No Greek yogurt? Use coconut or almond-based yogurt to keep it dairy-free.
- No protein powder? Add an extra ¼ cup Greek yogurt or 2 tablespoons nut butter.
- Lower sugar? Skip the maple syrup if your apple is sweet enough.
- More texture? Stir in chopped nuts or granola right before serving.
- Make it fall-inspired – Add a dash of nutmeg or clove for extra cozy vibes.
Make-Ahead Tips
These overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 4–5 days, making them perfect for weekday breakfasts.
For the best texture, prep in mason jars or containers with tight-fitting lids. Add toppings like apples, nut butter, and granola just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
You can also sauté the apples in a little coconut oil and cinnamon for a softer, pie-like topping.
How to Make High-Protein Apple Overnight Oats with Cinnamon
1. Prep the Base
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine oats, yogurt, almond milk, protein powder, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup (if using), and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the Apples
Fold in the diced apple and stir until evenly distributed. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent chia clumps.
3. Chill Overnight
Seal the jar or container and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) until thick and creamy.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, stir your oats and top with almond butter, nuts, extra apple, or whatever you love. Serve chilled or warm slightly if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
Store your oats in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if the mixture thickens too much.
Keep toppings like nuts and apples stored separately if you want to maintain texture and freshness. For warm oats, heat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Cozy, Satisfying, and Nutrient-Packed
These High-Protein Apple Overnight Oats with Cinnamon taste like dessert, nourish like a balanced meal, and are ready when you are. With layers of warm spice, juicy apple bits, and that satisfying creamy texture, they’re everything you need for a smart start to your day.
Give them a try and let me know—did you layer them into a parfait? Add extra spice? Try a different protein powder? I’d love to hear how you made them your own!
