Apple Pie Overnight Oats is a simple fall recipe that’s easy to make and good for your health. This recipe is gluten-free, but if you prefer, you can use regular old-fashioned oats or quick oats. This is the basic recipe that I like, but I have substitutions to help you customize it to your preferences. Whether you prefer dairy-free or sugar-free options, I have all the alternatives you need.You can make them the night before or prepare them in batches to enjoy throughout the week!
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Gluten-free oats ensure this recipe is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Rolled oats are preferred for their creamy texture when soaked.
- Milk of Choice: The liquid used to soak the oats. You can use dairy milk or non-dairy options like almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk depending on your preference. This hydrates the oats and creates a creamy base.
- Cinnamon, Ginger, and Nutmeg
- Sea Salt:
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds absorb liquid, thickening the mixture while adding fiber, protein, and omega-3s. They also create a pudding-like consistency.
- Honey: Acts as the natural sweetener for the oats. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference or substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Yogurt
Topping Ingredients
- Plain or Vanilla Yogurt: Used as a topping for added creaminess and flavor.
- Apple, Diced: Freshly diced apple provides a sweet, crisp, and juicy topping, mimicking the apple component of an apple pie. Any apple variety works, but crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are ideal.
- Optional Drizzle of Honey: Enhances sweetness and creates a glossy finish on top of the oats.
How To Make Apple Pie Overnight Oats
1. Prepare the Overnight Oats Mixture
- Start with the Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl or directly in a jar, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, your milk of choice, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt).
- The spices are essential for creating the apple pie flavor, so ensure they are evenly distributed for a consistent taste.
- Add Sweeteners and Binders: Stir in the pure vanilla extract, chia seeds, and honey.
- The chia seeds will expand as they soak, giving the oats a pudding-like consistency, while the honey provides a natural sweetness.
- Incorporate Yogurt: Mix in the vanilla yogurt to enhance the creaminess of the oats.
2. Divide and Refrigerate
- Portion the Mixture: Divide the prepared oat mixture evenly between two jars, bowls, or containers with lids.
- Using containers with lids allows for easy storage and transport if you plan to take this breakfast on the go.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Cover the containers and place them in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4 hours. This resting time allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, softening the oats and thickening the mixture.
3. Morning Preparation
- Check the Consistency: In the morning, remove the containers from the refrigerator and give the oats a good stir.
- If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk and stir until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Taste Test: Adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
4. Add the Toppings
- Top with Yogurt: Spoon a generous dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt on top of each serving. This adds creaminess and a cooling contrast to the spiced oats.
- Add Diced Apples: Sprinkle freshly diced apples over the yogurt. The crisp texture and natural sweetness of the apples bring the “apple pie” element to life.
- Optional Finishing Touch: For added sweetness and presentation, drizzle a small amount of honey over the apples.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly diced apples in the morning to ensure they retain their crispness and juiciness.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey based on your personal preference or the natural sweetness of the apples you use.
- Prep in Advance: These oats can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Choose Your Apples Wisely: For a true “apple pie” flavor, use a sweet-tart apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you prefer a softer texture, you can sauté the apples briefly with a touch of cinnamon and honey before adding them as a topping.
- Make It Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt.
- Experiment with Add-Ons: Feel free to customize the toppings! Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, raisins for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of granola for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
- These Apple Pie Overnight Oats are best served chilled straight from the fridge. However, if you prefer a warm breakfast, transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for 30-60 seconds, then add the toppings.
- Pair with a warm beverage like spiced tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast experience.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
- Substitute almond milk with oat milk or any nut-free alternative.
- Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutrition.
- If you want to make this apple pie overnight oats gluten free use gluten free oats.
- If you make it dairy free, use dairy free milk or yogurt.
- For making more protein full oat, use vanilla protein powder instead of sweetener.
- If you don’t prefer sweetener or want sugar free, you can use stevia.
More Recipes
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Apple Pie Overnight Oats is a simple fall recipe that's easy to make and good for your health. This recipe is gluten-free, but if you prefer, you can use regular old-fashioned oats or quick oats. This is the basic recipe that I like, but I have substitutions to help you customize it to your preferences. Whether you prefer dairy-free or sugar-free options, I have all the alternatives you need.You can make them the night before or prepare them in batches to enjoy throughout the week!
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups milk of choice almond, coconut, oat
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1-2 tbsp honey adjust to taste
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt For the Topping:
- ½ cup plain or vanilla yogurt
- 1 apple diced
Instructions
- In a bowl or jar, combine gluten-free rolled oats, milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, sea salt, vanilla extract, chia seeds, and honey, stirring well to combine.
- Divide the mixture evenly between two containers, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir and adjust the consistency by adding more milk if desired.
- Top each serving with a generous dollop of yogurt and diced apples.
- Drizzle with additional honey if desired, and enjoy your cozy breakfast!