These Apple Pie Overnight Oats are a hearty, healthy and nourishing breakfast for those busy mornings when we are rushing out the door. It’s a quick and easy overnight oats recipe that can be prepped ahead and doubles down as a heartwarming dessert with all the right toppings.

Why you’ll love these overnight oats with apple

Healthy and dietary-friendly! There are so many overnight oat recipes out there and they are all certainly healthy, but we are taking it a step further by making these babies without yogurt and relying solely on plant-based milk. In other words, this recipe is completely dairy-free, gluten-free (with certified gluten-free oats, of course), vegetarian and vegan.

Breakfast or dessert – you choose! One of the best parts about overnight oats is the customized toppings you choose. When I have these for breakfast, I simply top them with an extra helping of apples, pecans and maple syrup. But if I am craving these for dessert, I love them with a good dollop of whipped cream, maple syrup and even a drizzle of caramel.

Perfect for meal prep! I love a scrumptious, filling breakfast, but with such a busy schedule, I don’t always have the time. That’s the beauty of oats that have to sit in liquid for an extended period of time. You can make these on Sunday or Monday and have breakfast all week long. The oats will get softer as the days pass, but I find the crunch of pecans adds just the right amount of textural balance.

Ingredients for apple cinnamon overnight oats

Old fashioned rolled oats
Almond milk
Chia seeds
Pecans
Cinnamon
Maple syrup
Apple

How to make apple overnight oats

Make the oat mixture: Add old-fashioned rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, chopped pecans, cinnamon, maple syrup and diced apple to a mixing bowl. Mix well until combined.
Transfer and store: Transfer mixture to 2-4 mason jars or to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Let sit overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Top and enjoy: When ready to enjoy, top with more apples, pecans and maple syrup before serving.

Overnight oats ratio

I have found the best “base” recipe for overnight oats is an oats-to-liquid ratio of 1:1.5. This always results in oats with the perfect consistency – not too thick, not too liquidy. For the liquid, I prefer non-dairy milk, my favorite being almond milk. But you could use whatever milk you have on hand – cashew, coconut, oat or even dairy milk.

If you’re feeling up for it, you could even try fruit juice. Apple cider would be a fun twist to really highlight the fall season.

How long do overnight oats need to soak?

Contrary to their name, overnight oats actually don’t have to soak overnight, but I do recommend at least 4 hours. This gives the oats enough time to absorb some of the liquid and soften to a tender, chewy consistency. I find the texture is best on days 1-3.

How to store

The oats will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it the ultimate meal prep recipe since they will last all week long. I prefer to portion them out into about 4 small glasses or jars with tight-fitting lids. But on the days I am in a rush, a large 32-ounce mason jar does the trick. All I have to do is scoop out the amount I need when I want to enjoy them.

Tips for the best overnight oats:

Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats. Instant/quick and steel-cut oats don’t work well because they do not absorb liquid the same way rolled oats do. And make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe free of gluten.
Apples: I love sweet Gala or Honeycrisp apples for their added crunch and texture. Feel free to peel the apple, if you prefer.
Topping: Finish these little guys off with freshly sliced apples, extra pecans, maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an Instagram-worthy breakfast. Or, go super decadent for dessert with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and pecans.

Looking for more easy recipes for breakfast? Check these out!

If you make this Apple Pie Overnight Oats recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!