If apple pie is your favorite dessert, this breakfast is about to become your new routine. These apple pie overnight oats bring all those cozy flavors, crisp apples, warm cinnamon, a hint of sweetness, into a quick, nourishing start to your day.
It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but in a way that actually supports your busy mornings. The best part? There’s no cooking required. Just mix, chill, and wake up to a ready-to-eat meal that makes mornings feel a whole lot easier (and more delicious).
Apples. Cinnamon. Milk. A dash of agave or honey. Nuts for an added crunch. What more could you need?
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How to make Apple Pie Overnight Oats
There’s no cooking necessary for overnight oats! All you do is prep the oats with liquid (usually milk), stick it in the fridge, and let the oats “soak” overnight.
Overnight oats can be prepped for up to four days in advance. No, the milk won’t spoil when kept in the fridge.
And if you’re worried about fruit getting brown (this doesn’t mean it has gone bad, by the way) add the fruit fresh in the morning or add a little lemon juice to your apples. The lemon juice helps prevent oxidation and therefore, browning. (Thanks, science!)
The beauty of overnight oats is how fast they are in the morning. You literally just take one of your containers out of the fridge and dig in. Honestly, there’s not a faster breakfast out there.
So if you’re someone who has crazy mornings where you’re rushing around overnight oats are perfect for you. They are also a great option for kids before school because they are so hassle-free. And let’s face it, most kids like oatmeal and like it a bit sweet, too. I mean, why not?
Still skeptical about overnight oats? Dig wayyy back into our archives for this master recipe for this meal prep helper, Overnight Oats Master Recipe. Maybe apples and cinnamon aren’t your favorite flavor of choice, and that’s ok!
Plus, we have more breakfast recipes here!
How to Customize This Recipe
Overnight oats are one of the most flexible meal prep breakfasts out there.
Try these easy swaps and add-ins:
- Use oat milk, almond milk, or any non-dairy milk
- Add bananas, pears, or berries for a flavor twist
- Stir in almond butter or peanut butter for extra richness
- Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds
- Add chia seeds or flax seeds for texture
- Mix in a splash of vanilla extract for extra sweetness
If you love easy breakfasts like this, check out our Meal Planning for Beginners guide for more ideas.
Dietary Swaps (Vegan / Dairy-Free / Gluten-Free)
- Vegan/Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats
This recipe is naturally flexible and easy to adapt to your needs.
Ingredient Notes or Tips
A few simple tips will make your overnight oats even better:
- Prevent browning: Add a splash of lemon juice to apples if prepping ahead
- Texture matters: Adjust milk based on how thick or creamy you like your oats
- Sweetness: Taste and adjust with honey, maple syrup, or agave
Want more budget-friendly breakfast ideas? Check out How to Make a Food Budget.
Also, be sure to read our master list of breakfasts post to give you all the breakfast inspo you need!
How to Store and Reheat
Overnight oats are perfect for prepping ahead.
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Safe at room temperature for up to 4 hours
To eat:
- Enjoy cold straight from the fridge
- Or microwave for 1–2 minutes if you prefer it warm
- You can also reheat on the stovetop
If the oats seem too liquidy after heating, just let them sit for a few minutes—they’ll thicken up.
Looking for more grab-and-go ideas? Explore our Cold Lunch / No-Reheat Meal Prep.
FAQs
Nope! The oats soften as they soak in liquid overnight. That’s what makes this recipe so easy and perfect for meal prep.
They last up to 4 days in an airtight container, making them ideal for prepping multiple breakfasts at once.
Yes! Microwave them for 1–2 minutes or warm them on the stovetop. They’re great both warm and cold.
They might slightly, but that’s normal and safe to eat. To prevent browning, toss them in a little lemon juice or add them fresh in the morning.
Rolled oats work best. Quick oats can get too soft, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough without cooking.
Absolutely. They’re one of the fastest breakfasts… just grab a container and you’re ready to go.
Not into overnight oats? Try some of these other apple pie-inspired recipes!
- Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
- Apple Pie Parfaits
- Skillet Apple Pie Biscuits
- Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
- Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies
And don’t forget to try out our other delicious free breakfast recipes!
- Horchata Overnight Oats
- Easy Pumpkin Muffins
- Freezer-Friendly Veggie Breakfast Burritos
- Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
- Berry Parfaits With Homemade Granola
Apple Pie Inspired Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats divided
- 1 1/2 cup apple chopped, any kind, divided
- 2 1/4 cup milk of your choice divided
- 3 tsp cinnamon divided
- 6 tsp agave, maple syrup or honey divided
- 3/4 cup walnuts or pecans, divided
Instructions
- In three small container or glass jar, add 1/2 cup of the oats, 1/2 cup apples, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 cup nuts to each.
- Then add 3/4 cup milk and 2 tsp agave to each container. Stir with a spoon.
- Store overnight for up to three nights. The oats will “cook” by soaking up the liquid!
- On the day you eat the oats, you can eat them cold or heat on the stove or in the microwave for a minute.
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