Apple Crumble Overnight Oats (Printer-Friendly)
Cinnamon-spiced apples layered with creamy overnight oats and a crunchy brown sugar-walnut topping for a cozy make-ahead breakfast.
# What You'll Need:
→ Oat Base
01 - 1 cup rolled oats
02 - 1 cup whole milk or plant-based milk
03 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
04 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
05 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Apple Layer
08 - 1 medium apple, cored and diced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
→ Crumble Topping
12 - 1/4 cup rolled oats
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
15 - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
16 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until evenly incorporated and the mixture is well blended.
02 - In a separate small bowl, toss the diced apple with fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup. Stir to coat the apple pieces evenly and set aside.
03 - In another small bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - Divide the oat base evenly between two jars or airtight containers. Spoon the apple layer over the oats, then sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each portion.
05 - Seal the jars or containers with lids and refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours, allowing the oats to soften and the flavors to meld together.
06 - Enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator, or let stand at room temperature for a few minutes. For a warm version, microwave briefly in 20-second intervals until heated through.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get all the comfort of a baked apple crumble without turning on the oven or waiting more than ten minutes of active effort.
- The layered texture means every spoonful hits creamy, fruity, and crunchy all at once, which keeps mornings interesting.
- It scales effortlessly so you can meal prep breakfast for the entire workweek in one session.
02 -
- Do not use quick oats or instant oats because they will dissolve into mush overnight and you will lose all texture.
- The crumble topping softens slightly by morning, so if you want maximum crunch, store it separately and add it right before eating.
- Gluten free certified oats work perfectly here with no other changes needed to the recipe.
03 -
- Toast the nuts for the crumble in a dry skillet for three minutes before using them, because that one small step deepens the flavor dramatically.
- A tiny pinch of salt in the crumble topping makes the brown sugar taste more complex and less one dimensionally sweet.