Sunday nights in my kitchen always look the same: five mason jars lined up on the counter, lids off, waiting to be filled.
I started making overnight oats a couple years ago when I realized I was skipping breakfast more than I'd like to admit.
The applesauce version changed everything for me.
It tastes like apple pie filling mixed into creamy oats, and I'm not exaggerating.
My wife tried one of my jars on a Monday morning and immediately asked me to make her a separate batch.
Now I prep enough for both of us every weekend.
What I love about this recipe is that you don't need any added sugar.
The applesauce brings all the sweetness you need, plus that warm cinnamon spice you'd expect from a slice of pie.
Five minutes the night before, grab a jar in the morning, and you're out the door.
It costs pennies per serving, and you can eat it cold or warm it up.
If you've got a jar of applesauce and some oats in the pantry, you're already halfway there.
I promise you'll wonder why you didn't start making these sooner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This is hands-down the easiest breakfast I make.
- Five minutes of hands-on time. Stir everything together and let the fridge do the rest overnight.
- No cooking required. Zero heat, zero stovetop, zero mess in the morning.
- Naturally sweetened with applesauce. You won't need maple syrup, honey, or sugar. The applesauce handles it.
- Tastes like apple pie for breakfast. Cinnamon and applesauce together give you that cozy, spiced flavor without any baking.
- Perfect for meal prep. Make 3 to 5 jars on Sunday and you're set for the whole work week.
- Budget-friendly pantry staples. Oats, applesauce, milk, and cinnamon. That's it. Under a dollar per serving.
What You Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to pull this together.
Oats
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
They soften overnight without turning to mush.
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but they get much softer and lose that pleasant chew.
Steel-cut oats won't soften enough, so skip those entirely.
Applesauce
Go with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce per serving for a real apple-forward flavor.
This is more applesauce than some recipes call for, and that's on purpose.
You want the apple flavor to be front and center, not just a background note.
Pro tip: If you use sweetened applesauce, skip any added sweetener completely.
Milk
Any milk works here: dairy, almond, oat, soy.
Use ½ cup to match the applesauce.
Whole milk gives you the creamiest result, but I've made these with almond milk plenty of times and they're fantastic.
Cinnamon
Start with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon per serving.
This is the ingredient that makes it taste like apple pie instead of just oats with applesauce.
I sometimes bump it up to ¾ teaspoon because I like that extra warmth.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chia seeds (1 tablespoon). They thicken the oats even more and add a nice boost of omega-3s.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon). Adds a subtle depth of flavor that rounds everything out.
- Maple syrup (1 to 2 tablespoons). Only if you want extra sweetness. Taste first, though. The applesauce may be sweet enough on its own.
How to Make Applesauce Overnight Oats
This comes together in about five minutes, and then your fridge does all the work.
Step 1: Combine Everything in a Jar
Add ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup milk, and ½ cup unsweetened applesauce to a mason jar or container with a lid.
Step 2: Stir in the Spices
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
Give it a good stir until everything is combined.
The salt is small but important. It makes the cinnamon and apple flavor pop.
Step 3: Cover and Refrigerate
Put the lid on and stick it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Overnight, so 8 to 12 hours, is ideal.
The oats absorb all that liquid and turn thick, creamy, and soft without ever touching a stove.
Step 4: Stir and Add Toppings
In the morning, pull the jar out and give it a stir.
If it's thicker than you'd like, add a splash of milk and stir again.
Add your favorite toppings and you're done.
Want it warm? Pop it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Either way works.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a great starting point, and you can spin it in a dozen directions.
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Add a pinch of nutmeg and a pinch of ground cloves along with the cinnamon.
Toss in some diced fresh apple for extra crunch.
It's like eating a slice of pie with a spoon.
Peanut Butter Apple Overnight Oats
Stir in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter when you add the applesauce.
The combination of peanut butter, apple, and cinnamon is ridiculously good.
Caramel Apple Overnight Oats
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce over the top in the morning.
Add a handful of chopped pecans for crunch.
This is more of a dessert-for-breakfast situation, and I'm here for it.
Make It Vegan
Use any plant-based milk: almond, oat, or soy all work perfectly.
Skip honey if you use it as a sweetener and go with maple syrup instead.
Make It Higher Protein
Stir in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.
You can also add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
Topping Ideas
Toppings are where you can really make each jar your own.
- Sliced fresh apple and granola. Adds crunch and reinforces that apple flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans. Nutty, crunchy, and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
- Drizzle of nut butter. Almond butter or peanut butter both work. Stir it in or let it sit on top.
- Dried cranberries or raisins. A little chewiness and a touch of tartness.
- Dollop of Greek yogurt. Makes it extra creamy and adds protein to boot.
- Extra cinnamon sprinkle. Because you can never have too much cinnamon. Well, maybe you can, but I haven't hit the limit yet.
Tips for the Best Overnight Oats
A few simple tricks make a big difference in how these turn out.
- Use rolled oats, not instant. Instant oats get mushy and lose all their texture. Rolled oats stay pleasantly chewy even after soaking all night.
- Expect them to thicken overnight. The oats absorb liquid as they sit. If they're too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk until you hit the consistency you like.
- Taste before adding sweetener. The applesauce may already be sweet enough for you. I usually skip maple syrup entirely.
- Add toppings in the morning, not the night before. Granola, nuts, and fresh fruit stay crunchy and fresh this way. If you add them the night before, they'll get soggy.
- Use a mason jar for easy transport. Screw the lid on and toss it in your bag. It's the perfect grab-and-go breakfast.
Storage and Meal Prep
This recipe is practically built for meal prep.
- Refrigerator. Sealed jars keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. They actually get better after the first night as the flavors develop.
- Weekly meal prep. Make 4 to 5 jars on Sunday night for the whole work week. One jar of applesauce, one container of oats, a jug of milk, and you've got breakfast handled for under five dollars total.
- Add toppings fresh each morning. Keep granola and nuts in a separate bag and sprinkle them on right before you eat.
- Not recommended for freezing. The texture changes when frozen and thawed. Stick with fridge storage for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of oats work best for overnight oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the way to go. They soften to a creamy, slightly chewy texture overnight without turning to mush. Quick oats get too soft and lose their structure. Steel-cut oats won't soften enough and you'll end up with crunchy, hard bits.
Do you eat overnight oats cold or warm?
Either way works. Most people eat them cold straight from the fridge, which is great for hot mornings or when you're in a rush. But you can also microwave them for 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer a warm breakfast. Both are delicious.
How long do overnight oats need to soak?
A minimum of 4 hours will get you decent results. Overnight, so 8 to 12 hours, is ideal. The longer they soak, the creamier and softer the oats become.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but skip any added sweetener like maple syrup or honey. The sweetened applesauce already provides plenty of sugar on its own. You won't miss it.
Why are my overnight oats too thick?
The oats absorb liquid overnight, which is normal. Just add a splash of milk in the morning and stir until you reach the consistency you prefer. Start with a tablespoon at a time.
Can I use water instead of milk?
You can, but the oats won't be as creamy. If you go with water, use a ¾ cup water to ½ cup oats ratio for the best results. Milk gives a richer, more satisfying texture.
Recipe
Applesauce Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup milk of choice dairy, almond, oat, or soy
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds for extra thickness
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup if you want extra sweetness
Instructions
Make the Overnight Oats
- Add the rolled oats, milk, unsweetened applesauce, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a mason jar or container with a lid. Add any optional add-ins at this point.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight (8 to 12 hours) for best results.
- In the morning, remove from the fridge and give it a good stir. If the oats are too thick, add a splash of milk and stir again.
- Add your favorite toppings (granola, sliced apple, chopped nuts, nut butter) and enjoy cold, or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer them warm.
Notes
- Oat type: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats get too mushy. Steel-cut oats won't soften enough.
- Sweetener: Taste before adding maple syrup or honey. The applesauce usually provides all the sweetness you need.
- Meal prep: Make 4 to 5 jars on Sunday for the whole week. They keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
- Toppings: Add granola, nuts, and fresh fruit in the morning to keep them from getting soggy.
- Warm option: Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer a warm breakfast.
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