Imagine everything you love about apple crisp in the form of a wholesome breakfast. That’s exactly what you get with these quick and easy Apple Crisp Overnight Oats! They’re super convenient and simply guaranteed to kick off your day on a great note.
This Easy Overnight Oatmeal Tastes Like Dessert!
There’s nothing like a satisfying make-ahead breakfast that’s ready to go a few minutes after you roll out of bed. Busy mornings become a breeze and sunrise grumpiness goes out the window. Peace is restored to a household that’s normally chaotic and full of commotion.
Clearly, this apple crisp overnight oatmeal is a lifesaver. Not only is it fast, simple and downright delicious, but it’s also full of nutrients from the protein-packed oats, the antioxidant-rich apples, and all of the other good-for-you ingredients incorporated. If you’re tired of hectic mornings and seeking a way out where everyone wins, this recipe couldn’t have come at a better time!
What Are Overnight Oats?
Before we get into what you’ll need, let’s go over exactly what overnight oats are in the first place. Normally, oatmeal is either baked in the oven or simmered over the stove, but there’s also a way to prepare it with no cooking involved. If the oats soak in liquid overnight, they’ll soften as if they were simmered to perfection. And that, my friends, is the beauty of overnight oatmeal!
Recipe Ingredients
Gather the following items and get ready to discover your new go-to breakfast. The amounts you’ll need are included in the recipe card beneath this post.
For the Overnight Oatmeal
- Muesli: This mixture of oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit is a little more exciting than your average oats. I use Bob Mills Old Country Style Muesli. If needed or preferred, you can use your favorite gluten-free rolled oats instead. Just don’t use quick or steel-cut oats.
- Ground Cinnamon
- Pinch of Allspice: You’ll want to use less than ⅛ teaspoon to avoid overpowering your oatmeal.
- Almond Milk: Or another plant-based milk of your choice.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Or honey.
- Apple: Grated coarsely. I like to use a Pink Lady apple.
For the Crisp Topping
- Sliced Almonds
- Walnut Pieces: Chopped.
- Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
- Pure Maple Syrup
Extra Toppings to Include
- Sliced Almonds
- Applesauce
- Greek-Style Yogurt: If you’re not dairy-free or vegan, go ahead and use regular Greek yogurt if you’d like.
- Apple: Thinly sliced – I usually use the second half of the apple that I shredded for the oatmeal. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it while the oats soak overnight.
How to Make Apple Crisp Overnight Oats
This oatmeal is one of the easiest things I’ve ever made. I’m sure you’ll feel the same way on your end!
- Combine Oatmeal Ingredients: Mix together the muesli, nut milk, grated apple, spices and maple syrup in a serving bowl.
- Let Soak: Cover the bowl and leave the oatmeal in the fridge to soak overnight.
- Heat Oven: When you’re ready to serve your oatmeal, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Make Crisp Topping: Combine the ingredients for the crisp topping and spread the mixture out on a baking tray. Bake it for about 2 minutes, stir it around, then bake it for an additional 2 minutes, or until it’s golden and crisp. Watch it carefully to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Top Oatmeal & Enjoy! Transfer the oatmeal to a serving dish and top it with the applesauce, yogurt, sliced apple and crisp topping.
Tips for Success
Don’t start mixing up your oatmeal until you’ve reviewed these handy tips and tricks.
- Multiply the Recipe: This recipe makes a single serving of overnight oatmeal. If you need to feed more bellies, feel free to double, triple or quadruple it accordingly.
- Spread the Topping in an Even Layer: Don’t just dump your crisp topping onto the cookie sheet and bake it – spread it out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You also might want to line the pan to minimize cleanup.
- Swap Out the Crisp Topping for Granola: Want to make this recipe even quicker, easier and oven-free? Use your favorite granola in place of the crisp topping.
Storage Instructions
Leftover baked oatmeal should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days, but the crisp topping will lose its crunchiness over time. If you’d like to revive the crunchy element, top your leftover oatmeal with a handful of granola before you dig in.
Can I Freeze Overnight Oatmeal?
You can – but you have to do so as soon as you combine the oatmeal ingredients. Freeze the mixture in an airtight jar or container for up to 3 months, leaving at least an inch of space in the container to allow for expansion. Thaw out your oatmeal in the fridge overnight and it’ll be ready to go the next day!
If you do decide to freeze your oatmeal, I recommend using regular rolled oats and leaving out the grated apple. Nuts and fruits (even if they’re dried) won’t have the best texture if they’re frozen and thawed. Stir in the apple slices after the oatmeal is done and add more cinnamon as needed to make up for any loss in flavor.
More Healthy Breakfast Ideas
- Lemon Raspberry Muffins
- Yogurt Protein Cups
- Paleo Cauliflower Avocado Egg Bowl
- Strawberry Mascarpone Mint Toast
Apple Crisp Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Fridge
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Apple Oatmeal
- ⅓ cup muesli or gluten-free rolled oats (not quick or steel-cut). I use Bob Mills Old Country Style Muesli.
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- pinch allspice (less than ⅛ teaspoon)
- 1/2 cup almond milk or another plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 apple grated coarsely (I use Pink Lady)
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 tbsp sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp walnut pieces chopped
- 1 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
- ½ tbsp pure maple syrup
Extra Toppings to Include
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
- spoonful applesauce
- 2 tbsp Greek-style yogurt dairy free if needed
- 1/2 apple thinly sliced
Instructions
- Mix the Muesli, nut milk, grated apple, spices, and maple syrup in a serving bowl.
- Cover and leave to soak in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Combine the ingredients together and spread out on a baking tray. Bake for about 2 minutes, stir and bake an additional 2 minutes or until golden and crisp, watching carefully.
- To serve, divide the overnight oats between serving dishes or pots and top with a spoonful of apple sauce and yogurt, sliced apple and crisp oat crumble (or granola).
Notes
- To Store: Keep leftover oatmeal refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The crisp topping will lose its crunchiness over time, so if you'd like to revive the crunchy element, top leftover oatmeal with a handful of granola before enjoying.
- To Freeze: Freeze oat mixture in an airtight container just after combining, leaving at least an inch of free space to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw oatmeal in the fridge overnight and enjoy the next day as usual. I recommend using regular rolled oats and leaving out the grated apple until oatmeal is done. Add more cinnamon as needed to make up for any loss in flavor.
