A creamy, naturally sweet breakfast made with fresh apples, rolled oats, and authentic Ceylon cinnamon. Perfect for meal prep, busy mornings, and anyone looking for a wholesome breakfast that’s ready when you wake up.
Quick Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Chilling Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: Overnight
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Course: Breakfast
- Cuisine: International
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe combines crisp apples, creamy oats, and the delicate sweetness of authentic Ceylon cinnamon into a breakfast that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Unlike stronger varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon has a naturally mild, slightly citrusy aroma that complements apples without overpowering their flavor. The result is a balanced breakfast that’s rich in texture and naturally aromatic.
Whether you’re preparing breakfast for a busy workweek or looking for a healthy make-ahead meal, this recipe comes together in just a few minutes.
Why Use Authentic Ceylon Cinnamon?
Not all cinnamon tastes the same.
Authentic Ceylon cinnamon, grown in Sri Lanka, is known for its soft texture, delicate sweetness, and light citrus notes. These characteristics pair beautifully with fresh apples and oats, creating a more refined flavor than stronger cinnamon varieties.
At Cinnelon, we recommend freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon whenever possible for the best aroma and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or your preferred plant-based milk)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings
- Fresh apple slices
- Chopped walnuts
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Raisins
- Pumpkin seeds
- Extra Ceylon cinnamon
- Drizzle of honey
Ingredient Notes
Rolled Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best creamy texture after soaking overnight.
Apples
Sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work especially well.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Using authentic Ceylon cinnamon gives the oats a naturally sweet, warm flavor that blends beautifully with fresh apples.
Chia Seeds
These help thicken the oats while adding texture.
Instructions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, ground Ceylon cinnamon, and sea salt.
Step 2
Pour in the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3
Fold in the diced apple.
Reserve a few apple pieces for garnish if desired.
Step 4
Transfer the mixture into airtight jars or containers.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 5
The next morning, stir well before serving.
Top with fresh apples, chopped walnuts, and a light sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon.
Enjoy chilled.
Expert Tips
- Dice the apples into small pieces so they soften evenly overnight.
- Adjust the sweetness with additional maple syrup or honey if desired.
- For extra creaminess, increase the Greek yogurt slightly.
- Add the crunchy toppings just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon offers the best flavor and aroma.
Variations
Protein Boost
Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
Vegan Version
Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk.
Extra Fruit
Add blueberries, pears, or sliced bananas.
Nut-Free
Skip the nuts and use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to four days.
Stir before serving, as the oats naturally continue absorbing liquid during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer than rolled oats.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or another plant-based alternative together with dairy-free yogurt.
Can I prepare several jars at once?
Yes. This recipe is ideal for meal prep and can be made in multiple portions for the week.
Which apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Braeburn all work well.
Why use Ceylon cinnamon instead of regular cinnamon?
Authentic Ceylon cinnamon has a naturally delicate flavor that complements fruit without becoming overpowering. It also contains significantly lower levels of coumarin than Cassia cinnamon, making it a preferred choice for many people who regularly cook or bake with cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Fresh berries
- Greek yogurt
- Toasted almonds
- Walnut pieces
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- A drizzle of maple syrup
Nutrition
Nutrition will vary depending on the ingredients used.
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 8 g
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cinnamon Banana Bread
- Cinnamon French Toast
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Cinnamon Granola
- Cinnamon Oatmeal
Final Thoughts
Simple recipes often become everyday favorites, and this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe is a perfect example. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and the naturally delicate flavor of authentic Ceylon cinnamon, you can prepare a satisfying breakfast in minutes and wake up to a meal that’s ready to enjoy.
If you try this recipe, experiment with different apple varieties and toppings to make it your own. Small changes can create entirely new flavor combinations while letting the warm, gentle character of Ceylon cinnamon remain the star of the bowl.