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Who’s ready for a game-changing breakfast? I’m talking about single serve Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats that are so easy and delicious, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. But that’s not all; this post is also your go-to guide for mastering the art of overnight oats with multiple variations. Get ready to elevate your morning routine in the tastiest way possible!
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- What Are Overnight Oats?
- Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
- How To Make Overnight Oats
- Explore More Overnight Oats Flavors: Four Must-Try Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Expert Tips
- How To Store And Meal Prep Your Overnight Oats
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Overnight Oats For One Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe is a real winner for several reasons, and we’re not just stopping at one flavor! Here’s why this recipe (and its variations) should be your new go-to:
- Time-Saving: Prep it the night before, and wake up to a ready-to-eat, delicious breakfast.
- Customizable: Love apple cinnamon but want to mix it up? This post includes additional overnight oats variations to suit any taste preference.
- Nutrient-Rich: Oats are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making this a nutritious start to your day.
- Portability: Perfect for busy mornings, just grab your jar of overnight oats and head out the door.
- Versatile Ingredients: Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply not a fan of certain fruits or spices, this recipe offers plenty of substitution options to fit your needs.
What Are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are basically oatmeal’s chill cousin. Instead of cooking, you’re soaking oats in liquid to get that creamy, dreamy texture. When you add a classic combo like apple and cinnamon, you’re diving into the ultimate comfort in a jar.
Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this overnight oats recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Oats: Stick with old-fashioned or rolled oats for the ideal texture. Quick oats are generally too mushy for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats.
- Milk: You have choices here! Full-fat, 2%, or low-fat milk are all great. For a plant-based twist, opt for soy, almond, coconut, oat, or cashew milk. If you’re lactose intolerant, lactose-free milk is a solid alternative. While you can technically use water, milk options create a creamier texture.
- Yogurt: Regular yogurt gives a creamy and tangy kick, while also amping up the protein. For dairy-free options, try coconut or almond milk yogurt. If you’re not a fan of yogurt, cottage cheese can work in a pinch.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are our go-to for the apple cinnamon version. Feel like changing it up? Try a dash of pumpkin spice or even a pinch of cardamom for an exotic twist.
- Toppings: We’re using diced apples for this recipe, but the sky’s the limit. Think fresh berries, dried cranberries, or tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. For nut-free options, try sunflower seeds or chia seeds.
- Sweetener: Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup are our favorites. If you’re vegan, agave syrup works well. For a sugar-free version, stevia or monk fruit sweeteners are suitable substitutes.
The key here is adaptability. Every ingredient is a suggestion, so feel free to swap them out to fit your dietary needs or flavor cravings.
How To Make Overnight Oats
Creating the perfect batch of overnight oats is all about balancing the right ratio of ingredients. As a rule of thumb, I generally go with a 1:1 ratio of oats to liquid. That means for a single serving, you’ll want to use 1/2 cup of oats and 1/2 cup of your chosen milk. To that, add 1/4 cup of yogurt for creaminess, along with your choice of spices and fruit.
I’ve experimented with countless variations, but my go-to version is apple cinnamon overnight oats, packed with chunks of apples and the crunch of pecans.
How To Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats:
To make this delightful version, I start with my foundational oats-to-milk ratio. Then I stir in the yogurt, add diced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg, and finish it off with a dash of maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
Explore More Overnight Oats Flavors: Four Must-Try Variations
Ready to switch up your overnight oats routine? We’ve got you covered. Aside from our star apple cinnamon version, we offer four other incredibly tasty and easy-to-make overnight oats recipes. Whether you’re a fruit lover, a chocolate aficionado, or a nut butter enthusiast, there’s something for everyone here.
Peanut Butter Banana Bliss
To make this variation, combine 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 sliced banana, and 1 teaspoon of honey with 1/2 cup rolled oats and 1/2 cup milk.
Berry Burst Overnight Oats
For a berry-tastic experience, add 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a handful of your favorite berries to 1/2 cup oats and 1 cup milk.
The Pumpkin Spice Perfection
Incorporate a fall flavor by adding 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree, a pinch of nutmeg, 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup to 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup oats.
Chocolatey Dream Overnight Oats
Satisfy your chocolate cravings by adding 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder, 1 mashed banana, 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon of honey to 1/2 cup oats and 1/2 cup milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the creamiest and most flavorful results, aim to soak your oats for a minimum of 8 hours.
Absolutely, you can heat them up if you prefer. However, the classic way to enjoy overnight oats is cold, which many find surprisingly tasty. If cold isn’t your thing, a quick zap in the microwave will do.
Keep your prepared overnight oats in an airtight container and they’ll stay good for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Expert Tips
- Choose Mason Jars for Convenient Storage: Mason jars, especially the smaller sizes, are perfect for storing your single-serving overnight oats. They’re airtight and portable, making your mornings easier.
- Go Gluten-Free with Certified Oats: If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.
- Opt for Non-Dairy Milks for Vegan Options: If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, swap out the regular milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or cashew milk.
- Warm Up Your Oats Safely: Should you prefer your oats warm, make sure to transfer them into a microwave-safe jar if needed, remove the lid, and heat them up in the microwave.
How To Store And Meal Prep Your Overnight Oats
Preparing multiple servings of overnight oats is just as effortless as preparing a single serving in advance, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Whether you want to make your mornings easier or just have a healthy snack on hand, storing overnight oats couldn’t be more straightforward.
Storing Tips: After assembling your jars, you can keep your overnight oats in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just ensure you’re using airtight containers to lock in the flavor and texture.
Related: Simple Cooking For One Tips and Tricks
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you would like more information on the baking dishes I use in our single serving recipes, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
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Overnight Oats For One
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup milk (use your choice of regular, almond, soy or coconut)
- ¼ cup yogurt (use your choice of plain, vanilla or Greek)
- ¼ cup diced apples
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- walnuts for topping, (optional)
Instructions
- Add the oats to a container of your choice. Pour in the milk and add the remaining ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, add walnuts, additional apples and maple syrup or honey, if desired and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose Mason Jars for Convenient Storage: Mason jars, especially the smaller sizes, are perfect for storing your single-serving overnight oats. They’re airtight and portable, making your mornings easier.
- Go Gluten-Free with Certified Oats: If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.
- Opt for Non-Dairy Milks for Vegan Options: If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, swap out the regular milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or cashew milk.
- Warm Up Your Oats Safely: Should you prefer your oats warm, make sure to transfer them into a microwave-safe jar if needed, remove the lid, and heat them up in the microwave.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Question, i do not like cold oatmeal. Could I take this out of the refrigerator and warm it up before adding things?
If you prefer our overnight oats warm, remove the lid and microwave in a microwave-safe jar for 1-2 minutes.
What can you use in place of the yogurt?
You can use a little additional milk or add applesauce or mashed banana.
I plan to bump up the protein by adding a scoop of protein powder. I think I’ll add my daily scoop of unflavored collagen powder supplement as well.
I’m not fond of cold oatmeal. Could you heat this up in microwave before eating? Or will it be too mushy>
You can briefly heat it in the microwave if you’d like. It’s delicious.
Can you use quick oats for this?
I don’t recommend using quick oats. They will almost completely dissolve in the milk.
Thanks. I’ve put old fashioned oats on my grocery list.
How long do they last before you need to eat them?
Hi Debbie,
The overnight oats keep well in the fridge for 4 days. They will soften as they remain in the fridge which makes them extra creamy.
Joanie
Oh great, thank you so much. Anxious to try now and make a couple so as to use an entire apple!
I absolutely love making overnight oats. Your delicious Apple Spiced Overnight Oats contains so many wonderful breakfast flavors packed into a single fabulous dish. Yum, yum!