I have been a little slow to embrace the overnight oats movement. I tried overnight oats a long time ago and didn’t really care for it. The texture was odd and the flavor seemed chalky and it wasn’t for me.
But I realized later that I had purchased almond milk to use for the overnight oats and the one I choose was the culprit- it was a little thick and bland tasting. So I decided to give overnight oats a second shot and this time it was so much better!
Overnight oats are a great option if you want a change from standard oatmeal or you want to try something that is literally grab n go in the morning. This is a super hearty breakfast and you can adjust the ingredients to really suit your personal taste.
This is a very simple Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe and it can be eaten cold in the jar or you can pop it in the micro for a few seconds and warm it up.
To make overnight oats you simply pop all the ingredients into a container before bed and when you wake up it will be ready to eat! You just stir and you are on your way.
If the kiddos like this one you might consider adding it in a thermos to lunchboxes. A little maple syrup would be a great addition for children or maybe a sprinkle of brown sugar.
- ½ cup rolled oats or steel cut oats
- ½ cup milk or almond milk
- 2 tablespoons applesauce (or chopped apple)
- pinch of cinnamon (about ⅛ teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey or agave (optional- I don't add this to mine)
- Add all ingredients into a container.
- Stir well.
- Refrigerate for at least 5 hours for rolled oats or 12 hours for steel cut oats.
- *If you are using fresh apples and not applesauce I would add the chopped apple right before serving.
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And you can certainly tweak this recipe to your taste. You might add a pinch of nutmeg or some raisins or nuts. I think you could probably do a little ground flax too or chia seeds if you like.
So give this a shot and see what you think- it is certainly a hearty and healthy way to start the day.
And here are a few other recipes you might like:
Maple and Brown Sugar Crock Pot oatmeal–– this is a more traditional, comforting recipe for warm oatmeal.
Homemade Crock Pot applesauce— this is crazy easy to make and tastes amazing!
Homemade Bisquik– super easy to just all the ingredients to a jar or Tupperware and just add water when you are ready for pancakes!
5 STAR recipe 🙂
Thank you for this quick, easy and healthy recipe.
I made it for my 6 year old and he ate an entire bowl before going to school today. I did sprinkle some chocolate on top 🙂
Oh you are so sweet Sky! I am so glad he liked it :). Cold oatmeal can be a little weird but I thought it was yummy too- without an extra sugar for my taste. A little sprinkle of brown sugar for my kiddos.
Thank you for this delish and very simple recipe! I didn’t add any sugar but I did put in some raisins and let it all soak overnight. My 5, 11 and even 20 yr had some this morning and they all loved it! Already have a doubled up batch in the fridge for tomorrow 🙂
I don’t need extra sugar either– the applesauce was enough for me. SO glad you liked it 🙂
Can’t wait to try ! Especially for my grandson!
Thank you!
Which kind of almond milk do you recommend?
Hi Pam–
This brand is my favorite:
http://www.califiafarms.com/products/almondmilk/
I used to get it at Target and now I can only find it at Costco or Whole Foods 🙂 I had Silk once and found it really thick and chalky.
Can one substitute lactose free milk for the almond milk? Almond milk tends to be expensive in my area and I am not a big fan of the flavor so I don’t want to get a carton that would end up in the trash after 7 days.
Hi Jen,
Sorry I am not familiar with lactose free milk. You can always try a very small portion and see what you think 🙂
Do you have an estimate on how many calories this is per serving? Thanks!
I would do this when I drove school bus, I would have to leave the house by 5:30 am and wouldn’t want to eat before leaving grab and go and eat after my morning run to pick up the kids for school.
Yup– so nice to plan ahead and have something delicious when you are ready. Smart Mary 🙂