Looking for an easy and delicious breakfast that the whole family will love? Look no further! Our applesauce overnight oats recipe is nutritious, affordable, and perfect for busy mornings.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare a healthy meal ahead of time that everyone will enjoy.
Next time try Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal if you prefer a warm bowl of oatmeal.
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ affordable
✔️ make ahead
✔️ This creamy oatmeal is completely delicious!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
This Overnight Oats Recipe can be a total brunch thing - cute and deliciously served in small jelly jars and easily stored in the refrigerator.
- steel cut or old-fashioned oatmeal
- use your favorite milk - regular milk, almond milk, coconut milk or cashew milk
- sweetened or unsweetened apple sauce, homemade applesauce - your choice
- brown sugar, pure maple syrup or a drizzle of honey for sweetness
- nuts and fruit
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Combine Ingredients: Measure equal parts oats and milk into a sealable container.
- Add Flavors: Stir in applesauce, sweetener, and cinnamon.
- Refrigerate: Seal the container and refrigerate overnight.
- Serve: In the morning, top with your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds.
FAQ's
Actually you can eat them either way. The trick is - you simply mix up the oatmeal the night before and tuck it in the fridge. The next day, enjoy!
Easy overnight oats will last in the refrigerator up to five days. If you make them in small mason jars, you can even screw on the lid and tuck them into your purse or lunch bag. No need to skip breakfast now!
Steel cut oats are the least processed and are considered more nutritious. They take a little longer to cook and taste nuttier than rolled oats, but they are delicious!
Rolled oats (often called old-fashioned oats) are processed a bit more than the steel cut. (very inexpensive!) Instant Oatmeal is processed the most and often has added sugars and preservatives. (quick and easy).
Deb's tips
- Use rolled oats for a creamier texture.
- For a protein boost, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- Customize the sweetness to your taste by adjusting the amount of honey or maple syrup.
Variations
Serve with your favorite toppings, like sliced fresh fruit - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, sliced bananas, all are delicious!
- Top the overnight oats with a drizzle of cream or milk, though oat milk or almond milk would be yummy as well.
- Nut butters - peanut butter, almond butter, etc. add a creamy texture.
- Hemp seeds, protein powder, coconut flakes, dried fruits, are all great additions!
- If you prefer, use plant-based milk (oat milk is my personal favorite!).
- Apple pie spice would add even more flavor. Slices of fresh apples would be delicious. Or top it with fried apples, yum!
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with a splash of vanilla extract? My favorite edition.
Related recipes
- This make ahead breakfast parfait is easy to make and delicious! They are a great make-ahead breakfast that is perfect for breakfast or brunch!
- Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Bake - easy to make this casserole is perfect for breakfast, brunch or dinner!
- This Papaya Breakfast Bowl is filled with yogurt and topped with crunchy granola.
- Speaking of granola have you ever made your own? This recipe for Cranberry Orange Homemade Granola It's much more affordable and tastes 100 times better than store-bought!
Serve with
Are you making brunch and wondering what to serve with this lovely meal? Here are my suggestions!
- For beverages, serve homemade Strawberry Lemonade or if it's cold, then why not Crockpot Hot Chocolate? Both are so lovely and special!
- Sliced quick breads like Banana Nut Bread or this easy to make Zucchini Bread Recipe are wonderful because they are a great make-ahead option.
- Both these Easy Egg Muffins and this recipe for a Frittata are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Making sure you won't be spending all morning in the kitchen!
- Potatoes are always delicious on your buffet, so this cheesy potato casserole side dish would be amazing! Or Breakfast Potatoes or even these Crispy Smashed Potatoes - these are ridiculously good!
- And of course there has to be dessert! Easy to make Cheese Danish or Pull-Apart Monkey Bread - YUM! Yes either would be delicious!
What a spread! I hope you've found some yummy new recipes for that buffet!
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Easy Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats or old fashioned oatmeal
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup applesauce
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup granola
- 2 teaspoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Split the raw oatmeal between two bowls stir and add ½ cup of milk to each bowl.
- Add the sweetener and cinnamon. Whisk to combine. Cover it and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, slice and chop your favorite fruit. Top the oatmeal with granola, chopped nuts and/or a spoonful of chia seeds and serve. It's really that easy!
Antoinette M says
I would use the Amazon gift card for a TV.
Bowl Me Over says
oooh how fun! Good luck Antionette!
Robin Creager says
I'd use the $300 Amazon gift card to buy my grandson gifts from Nat'l Geographic Kids.
PATRICIA says
My daughter swears by steel-cut oats! Now, you've convinced me to try them!!
Bowl Me Over says
Most definitely Patricia! It's a wonderful breakfast, enjoy!
Liza says
What an amazing an easy recipe! I always rush in the morning and this one is a life-savior!
Charissa N. says
If I won, I would buy a new cat tree for my kitties.
Bowl Me Over says
Oh how fun and what a GREAT treat for the kitties, love it Charissa!!!
Kavey Favelle says
I've still not tried overnight oats, really must though may wait till it's cooler as we're in a hot spell here just now!
Bowl Me Over says
I love how easy they are and pulling them outa the fridge on a busy morning makes them even yummier! Thanks Kavey!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
I love the idea of doing the work the night before. I LOVE a grab and go option!
Bowl Me Over says
Mornings are always such a crazy rush, being able to grab-n-go works for us too - thanks Dorothy!
peter @Feed Your Soul Too says
I have yet to try this and every time I see this kind of recipe, it gives me a kick in the pants to be healthier. Thx for the push - now I need to follow through. It has to be good with the fruit and honey added.
Bowl Me Over says
Good luck Peter! I know we all strive to be healthier and some things are easier than others. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Angela says
Drool worthy breakfast right there! I've still not tried overnight oats! I need to try this!
Bowl Me Over says
You need to Angela - overnight oats are delicious, enjoy!! 🙂
Beth says
i have never made overnight oats before but these bowls look just delicious!
Bowl Me Over says
Add it to your routine Beth - so good and so good for you!!
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says
I love overnight oats! This looks wonderful!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Marsha, I appreciate you stopping by!!
Kristen says
These really look wonderful! I <3 overnight oats!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Kristen, enjoy and have a terrific day!!
Mary // Chattavore says
I've been looking for a way to break out of my breakfast rut, and this sounds like a great place to start - especially with all the fresh summer fruits that are available or will be soon!
Bowl Me Over says
Oh yes, what a great way to break up your routine - enjoy Mary!
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
I love overnight oats since they're so customizable and easy to make. It's great waking up to breakfast already made. These look so Yummy!
Bowl Me Over says
You know I think you really hit on it there - wake up to a beautiful breakfast! Best part, have a great day Stephanie!!
Brian Jones says
I've never tried this obviously seen it loads though, I generally prefer my porridge hot and warming, lovely flavours in the topping.
Bowl Me Over says
Never know Brian, you might find out you really like overnight oats - I hope you give it a try!
Amanda | Chew Town says
Overnight oats are the perfect way to eat a quick breakfast and get out the door. I always used to make them in jars and grab one to eat when I got to work. Love it!
Bowl Me Over says
I so agree Amanda! And making them in jars is the perfect grab 'n go breakfast!!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
I love overnight oats 🙂 This looks so delicious-- the drizzle of honey on top! Beautiful.
Bowl Me Over says
Love the idea of jars Michelle, grab 'n go always works in my house!
Sara says
These look perfect for breakfast! I can't wait to try this recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
So yummy, enjoy Sara and thank you for stopping by!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I didn't think steel cut oats would soften up enough overnight to be edible. I mean, old fashioned, yes, but steel cut are the whole oat and chaff... do they really soak up the moisture?
Bowl Me Over says
I've made this with old fashioned & steel cut - the texture is different with the steel cut Lisa, but they tasted great too. They soaked up everything so it's really personal preference. Thank you so much for leaving a note!
Liza says
Oh, this is PERFECT! 1. I am NOT a morning person, so something that can be done overnight for a breakfast - is the BEST! 2. Oats are so good for us! 3. This recipe looks SO YUMMY!!!! 🙂 Thanks, Debra!!! 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Ha! I am totally the opposite Liza - I can accomplish a ton before 11am - after that... well I do my best! 🙂 Gotta love a recipe that is good and good for you too - enjoy Liza! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment!!