These applesauce overnight oats are easy to make and naturally sweetened with homemade applesauce. The ideal healthy make-ahead breakfast.
Overnight applesauce oats are a staple in my house. They're perfect for busy mornings and make a wholesome, grab-and-go breakfast.
If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious breakfast, you'll love these applesauce cinnamon overnight oats. It almost tastes like dessert for breakfast! What a great way to kickstart your day!
Love sweet and healthy treats? Try my Healthy Apple Chips or my delicious Strawberry Banana and Chocolate Smoothie.
Can you use applesauce in overnight oats?
Absolutely! Applesauce is amazing in overnight oats. It adds natural sweetness and a really smooth texture.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick and easy to make: Easy to prep in just a few minutes the night before, and ready to enjoy in the morning.
- Healthy and wholesome: These overnight oats with applesauce are packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein.
- No added sugar: It's naturally sweetened with homemade applesauce.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. You can also make it vegan by using dairy free milk.
- Meal-prep friendly: I love making this ahead of time for enjoy healthy breakfasts all week long.
What you need to make this recipe
Ingredients for the overnight oats
- Old fashioned rolled oats: The perfect choice for a creamy texture that holds up overnight.
- Milk: You can use your favorite dairy or plant-based milk. I've made this with almond milk and regular milk and it always comes out great.
- Unsweetened applesauce: For this recipe, I make my own applesauce because it's so easy! And I love how it brings so much flavor and natural sweetness without added sugar.
- Pure vanilla extract: It adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon: It really compliments the apple flavor.
- Pinch of salt: It enhances the overall flavor.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.
Equipment you'll need
- mason jar or airtight container
- microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
- immersion blender or food processor
How to Make Applesauce Overnight Oats
Step-by-step Instructions
First, make the applesauce.
1. Peel, core, and dice the apple and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the water and cinnamon and stir to coat all the apple pieces.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and pierce a few holes on top.
3. Then microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the apple pieces are soft. Use an immersion blender to mash the apples.
4. You can adjust the consistency. Add a teaspoon of water if it's too dry, then let it cool.
Assemble the Overnight Oats
1. Combine the oats, milk, applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a sealable jar.
2. Stir everything until it's well-combined.
Cover and then refrigerate overnight. The next morning, give the oats a stir and add your favorite toppings.
Recipe notes
Substitutions
- Oats: Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Milk: Swap out dairy milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk.
- Sweetener: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you prefer sweeter oats.
- Applesauce: Use store-bought applesauce if you’re short on time, or substitute with mashed bananas for a different flavor.
Storage Tips & Freezing Instructions
Store overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent meal-prep option.
I don't usually freeze overnight oats, but it can be done. Just portion the oats into freezer-safe containers and let them absorb the liquid overnight. Then put them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2- 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before eating.
Variations
- Nut butter: Make overnight oats with applesauce and peanut butter. Just add 1 or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and mix with the other ingredients. You could also use almond butter.
- Chia Seed: Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber.
- Nuts: Top with chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Berries: Mix in fresh or frozen berries for a burst flavor.
- Spices: Instead of ground cinnamon, you could easy add apple pie spice, instead.
- Sweeter: Make these overnight oats sweeter by adding 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar or honey.
- Yogurt: You could add some Greek yogurt as a topping if you want a tangier flavor.
Tips for success
- Choose the Right Oats: I think old fashioned rolled oats are best for overnight oats because they soften perfectly while still retaining a satisfying texture. I would avoid using instant oats, which can become mushy, or steel-cut oats, as they may not soften enough overnight.
- Adjust the Liquid: If the mixture feels too thick when you’re ready to serve, simply stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Sweetness and Customizations: Taste the mixture before refrigerating and adjust to your liking. Add more cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup to match your preferred level of sweetness and spice.
- Add Toppings Just Before Serving: To keep nuts, granola, or fresh fruit from getting soggy, add these toppings just before you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely. They’re high in fiber and protein, making them a great choice for a balanced breakfast. And this recipe is healthy since it doesn't have any sugar at all.
Technically you could, but the texture will be too soft and they oats become mushy. For me, old fashioned rolled oats are the best option.
Yes! I just pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes and then add my favorite toppings. This recipe is delicious warm.
I love chopped apples dusted with some ground cinnamon. You could also add chopped nuts, some peanut butter, chia seeds, or granola. Honey and maple syrup are amazing on top, too.
More healthy recipes to try!
Did you make this recipe? If so, please let me know how it turned out and leave a rating and review below! I'd love to hear from you! ❤️
Recipe
Applesauce Overnight Oats
Equipment
- microwave-safe bowl
- immersion blender (or potato masher or food processor)
- mason jar or airtight container
Ingredients
For the applesauce (makes 125g or ½ cup)
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the overnight oats
- ½ cup old fashioned oats (50g)
- ½ cup milk of choice (125ml)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Note:
For best results, please read through the full post before beginning the recipe.
Instructions
Make the applesauce
- Place the chopped apples, cinnamon and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and pierce a few holes on top.1 medium apple, 1 tablespoon water, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the apple pieces are soft and tender. If you don't have a microwave, combine the applesauce ingredients in a saucepan, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to mash the apple pieces in the bowl. You could also use a food processor or potato masher. Set it aside to cool.
Assemble the overnight oats
- In a sealable jar or container, combine the oats, milk, cooled applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.½ cup old fashioned oats (50g), ½ cup milk of choice (125ml), ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, pinch of salt
- Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Secure the jar or container with a lid (or cover tightly with plastic wrap) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to enjoy, uncover and give the oats a good stir. If they're too thick, you can add a splash of milk.
- Serve chilled with your favorite toppings, or warm in the microwave for about a minute.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: They soften perfectly without getting mushy. Avoid instant or steel-cut oats.
- Adjust the Liquid: Stir in a splash of milk if the oats feel too thick.
- Customize Sweetness: Taste and tweak with cinnamon, maple syrup, or other spices before chilling.
- Add Toppings Last: Keep nuts, granola, and fruit fresh by adding them just before serving.
Diana
This was so good! Full of apple flavor and just sweet enough, even though it’s sugar free. Definitely a keeper!
Voula
Thank you! I'm so happy it was a success!❤️