Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 3/4 cup crisp, sweet apple, cut into small bite-size pieces (peeling optional, Honeycrisp recommended)
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt
Oat Mixture
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 – 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp creamy unsalted cashew or almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Apples: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped apples, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to evenly distribute the cinnamon.
- Simmer the Apples: Cover the pan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the apples are soft and tender.
- Reduce the Liquid: Remove the lid, increase heat to medium, and cook for 2-3 more minutes while stirring constantly to evaporate excess juice and create a syrup coating the apples. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Oat Mixture: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix almond milk, chia seeds, 1/2 to 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, nut butter, and vanilla bean paste. Stir in the oats until well combined.
- Assemble Oats and Apples: Use two small mason jars or bowls with lids. Layer about one-quarter of the cooked apple mixture at the bottom, add half the oat mixture next, then top with the remaining cooked apples.
- Chill Overnight: Refrigerate the jars or bowls overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow oats to soak and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy the overnight oats chilled or at room temperature. Best eaten within 12-24 hours, though they keep well up to 2-3 days refrigerated. Not suitable for freezing.
Notes
- Use crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.
- Peeling apples is optional; leaving the peel adds texture and nutrients.
- Adjust maple syrup amount for sweetness preference.
- Overnight oats are best eaten within 1 day for optimal freshness.
- Not freezer friendly—texture changes when frozen and thawed.
- Use certified gluten-free oats if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Vanilla bean paste adds deeper vanilla flavor but extract can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
