Apple Pie Overnight Oatmeal is my little trick for mornings when I want something cozy but I do not want to cook. If you have ever stared into the fridge half awake, hoping breakfast will magically appear, this is for you. I started making it during a week when I was trying to keep breakfast simple while also learning how to keep my routine realistic, and I found some helpful guidance here: replace meals with smoothies safely tips for success. This recipe has that warm apple pie vibe, but it is chilled, creamy, and ready the second you wake up. You can make it in one jar, eat it at home, or toss it in your bag. 
Why I Love These Apple Overnight Oats
I love breakfasts that feel like a treat but still keep me full, and this one nails it. The apples and cinnamon give you that bakery smell without turning on the oven. Plus, it is easy to tweak depending on what you have in the kitchen, which is honestly how I cook most days.
Here is why it keeps ending up on repeat at my place:
It tastes like dessert but it is made from simple pantry stuff. It is meal prep friendly because you can make a few jars at once. And it is actually filling thanks to oats, yogurt, and chia.
If you are into apple cinnamon flavor in general, you would probably like this too: Delicious Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie. I make that when I want the same cozy vibe but in a sippable form.
One more thing I appreciate is that Apple Pie Overnight Oatmeal works in every season. In summer it feels like a cool, creamy breakfast. In fall and winter it feels like comfort food, especially if you warm the apples first.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Pie Overnight Oats
This is the part where you realize it is basically stir, chill, and eat. I will write it the way I actually do it on a weeknight when I am tired and just want future me to be happy in the morning.
What you will need
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened almond milk both work)
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or any yogurt you like)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional but helps it thicken)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (do not skip, it makes the flavor pop)
- 1/2 cup chopped apple (I like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- Optional: a tiny splash of vanilla extract
Mixing and layering
Grab a jar or a container with a lid. Add the oats, milk, yogurt, chia, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla if using. Stir really well, especially if you used chia seeds, because they like to clump if you do not mix enough.
Then fold in most of the chopped apple. I save a spoonful for the top because it looks nicer and gives a fresh bite in the morning. Pop the lid on and put it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.
In the morning, give it a quick stir. If it looks too thick, add a splash of milk. If it looks too thin, add a spoon of yogurt or a pinch more chia and give it a few minutes.
If you are on an apple kick, you might also enjoy this cozy sip: Warm Apple Pie Smoothie Delight. It hits that same dessert note when you want something warm instead of chilled.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Overnight Oats
I have made every little mistake with overnight oats, so here are the fixes I wish someone told me earlier.
Use rolled oats, not steel cut. Steel cut oats stay too chewy unless you cook them. Quick oats work, but the texture can get a bit mushy.
Do not go wild with liquid. If you like thick oats, start with a little less milk. You can always loosen it in the morning.
Salt is your secret weapon. Just a pinch makes the apple and cinnamon taste brighter.
Chop apples small. Big chunks feel awkward in a jar. Small pieces soften slightly and mix better.
Want a stronger pie flavor? Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Tiny is the key because it can take over fast.
Also, if you ever feel like your breakfasts are getting boring, swapping between oats and juice helps keep it fun. I will do oats most days, then a fresh juice on a weekend. This one is super refreshing when I want something lighter: Celery Fennel Apple Juice Recipe.
“I made this on Sunday night and ate it three mornings in a row. It seriously tastes like apple pie filling, and it kept me full until lunch. Even my kid asked for a bite, which never happens with my breakfast.”
Prepping and Storing
Apple Pie Overnight Oatmeal is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you have your life together, even if the rest of the week is chaos.
Here is how I prep it:
I usually make 3 jars at once. I line them up, add the dry ingredients first, then the wet ingredients, then apples, then stir. If you are making multiple, it is faster to measure everything assembly line style.
Storage tips that actually matter:
Fridge: It keeps well for about 3 days. Day 1 and 2 are perfect. Day 3 is still good, just softer.
Apples: If you hate even a tiny bit of browning, toss chopped apples with a few drops of lemon juice before adding. I usually do not bother because cinnamon hides a lot.
Grab and go: Use a jar with a tight lid, and pack toppings separately so they do not get soggy.
If you want to prep the apple part like a pie filling, you can quickly cook chopped apples in a pan with cinnamon and a splash of water for 3 to 5 minutes, then cool and add. It makes the whole thing taste extra cozy, especially in colder months.
And if you are stocking up on oats for breakfast, you might like having a smoothie option too. This one is a regular at my place: Creamy Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie.
Lets Talk Toppings!
Toppings are where you can make this feel like a real apple pie moment. I keep it simple during the week, then go a little extra on weekends.
My go to topping ideas:
Crunch: chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds
Apple pie energy: a sprinkle of cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, or a few raisins
More protein: extra Greek yogurt on top
Dessert vibe: a few granola clusters or a crumble made from nuts and oats
Sweet finish: drizzle of maple syrup
If you want a true pie vibe, try this: add crushed graham crackers on top right before eating. It sounds small, but it really gives that crust feeling.
Also, do not be afraid to warm it up. I know overnight oats are usually cold, but you can microwave the jar (make sure it is microwave safe) for 20 to 40 seconds and stir. The smell is unreal.
Common Questions
Can I make Apple Pie Overnight Oatmeal without yogurt?
Yes. Swap the yogurt for more milk, or use a dairy free yogurt. It will be a little less creamy, but still good.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
Nope. Chia thickens and adds a nice pudding vibe, but you can skip it. If you skip it, reduce the milk slightly or just accept a looser texture.
What apples are best?
Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are sweet and crisp. Granny Smith is more tart and gives a classic pie flavor. Use what you like.
Can I make it sugar free?
Yes. Leave out the maple syrup and rely on sweet apples, plus cinnamon and vanilla for flavor. You can also add a mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness.
Can I eat it right away?
You can, but it will feel like cereal. If you give it at least 2 hours, it starts to thicken. Overnight is where the magic happens.
A Cozy Breakfast You Can Actually Stick With
If you want a breakfast that tastes like comfort food but fits real life, Apple Pie Overnight Oatmeal is it. It takes about five minutes at night, and you wake up to something that feels thoughtful and satisfying. If you want to compare versions, I also like checking recipes like Apple Pie Overnight Oats – Skinnytaste for extra ideas and ingredient swaps. Make one jar tonight, play with toppings, and see what your perfect apple pie combo looks like. Future you is going to be very grateful. 
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, chilled breakfast option that tastes like apple pie, perfect for meal prep and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chopped apple (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
- Optional: splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla to a jar or container with a lid. Stir well to combine.
- Fold in most of the chopped apple and reserve some for topping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- In the morning, stir the mixture. Add a splash of milk if too thick, or more yogurt/chia if too thin.
- Top with reserved apples and any additional toppings you desire before serving.
Notes
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Toppings can be added to enhance flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg