Wake up to a bowl of cozy, creamy goodness with these overnight steel cut oats! Packed with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple, this make-ahead breakfast is as easy as tossing everything together and letting the fridge work its magic.
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During the week, breakfast is a chore… a way to fill my stomach before heading out the door for the day. This overnight steel-cut oats recipe was created from my struggle to make weekday breakfasts enjoyable! This recipe is fast, can be made in large batches, and keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days.
A mix of tangy-sweet apples, warm cinnamon, crispy chia seeds, toasty walnuts, and a touch of honey is not only delish but just what you need to keep you going throughout the whole day. Bonus for my friends with kiddos: they’ll love it too!
If you’re in love with this recipe’s cinnamon-apple flavors, I also recommend my recipes for Apple Crumble, Baked Apples, Apple Fritters.
Steel-Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats
Oats are just oats, right? Not quite! The difference between steel-cut oats and rolled oats comes down to how they’re processed, and it makes a big impact on texture, cooking time, and flavor for overnight oats.
- Steel-Cut Oats: These are the least processed form of oats. The oat grains are chopped into coarse pieces with steel blades, giving them a hearty, chewy texture. Their nutty flavor and firm bite make them perfect for soaking overnight and not getting too mushy!
- Rolled Oats: Also called old-fashioned oats, these are steamed and flattened with rollers to create thin, soft flakes.
For this recipe, we’re using steel-cut oats for that extra chewiness and hearty bite. But if you only have rolled oats on hand, no worries—they’ll still make a delicious bowl of overnight oats!
What You Need for Overnight Steel Cut Oats
- Quick steel-cut oats – the tiny but mighty steel-cut oats soak up all the other goodness overnight, giving you a chewy, hearty base that’ll keep you full and happy till lunch. No cooking required—just a little patience!
- Unsweetened coconut or almond milk – your liquid gold! This dreamy addition softens the oats while adding a subtle creaminess. Coconut milk brings a slightly floral vibe, almond milk is light and nutty, and regular milk keeps it classic.
- Walnuts – toasted to perfection, these crunchy additions provide a nutty bite. Cinnamon – a warm hug; cinnamon just ties it all together.
- Chia seeds – these tiny powerhouses thicken your oats into a luscious pudding-like texture while sneaking in some extra nutrients.
- Natural honey – a drizzle of liquid sunshine! Acting as a natural sweetener, honey balances the tangy apple and earthy oats, making every bite a little sweeter.
- Honeycrisp apple – crisp, juicy wedges of apple add a fresh crunch and a sweet-tart zing. Go with Honeycrisp for that perfect snap, or mix it up with your personal favorite variety!
How to Make Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Step 1: In a cereal bowl or mason jar, add oats and milk. Stir.
Step 2: Add honey, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Stir again. Add ¼ cup toasted walnuts and stir.
Step 3: Cover and store overnight in the fridge (or at least 6 hours).
Step 4: In the morning, cut up the apple, place slices in a small bowl, and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Microwave for 15 seconds and stir so cinnamon coats the apples.
Step 5: Add apples and the remaining walnuts to oats. Enjoy!
More Fun Topping Ideas
Want to spice up your overnight oats even more? The toppings are where the real magic happens! Here are some more ideas to try when you’re not feeling cinnamon and apples:
- Nut Butter: A swirl of almond butter, Homemade Peanut Butter, or cashew butter adds creamy decadence and a protein boost.
- Granola: Sprinkle on your favorite granola for an extra crunchy texture.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted or raw, they bring a tropical vibe.
- Dried Fruit: Think raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for a chewy, sweet pop.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Because chocolate for breakfast is always a good idea!
- Yogurt Swirl: Add a dollop of yogurt for creaminess and a tangy twist.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring a burst of color and juicy sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overnight oats will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the texture may soften over time, so they’re best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal taste and texture.
Yes! You can freeze overnight oats in single-serving containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to eat the next morning.
Store your overnight oats in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. Mason jars are a popular choice because they’re portable, eco-friendly, and just the right size for a single serving.
Overnight oats need at least 6 hours to soak and soften, but letting them sit for a full 8 hours (overnight) ensures the best texture. If you’re in a rush, you can eat them after 2-3 hours, though the oats may still be a bit chewy.
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If you’ve tried this Overnight Steel Cut Oats Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Cinnamon Apple Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup unsweetened coconut, almond, or regular milk
- 1 cup quick steel cut oats
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, plus more to garnish
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ Honeycrisp apple cut in wedges, or your favorite kind!
Instructions
- Bake in 300℉ oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly toasted.
- In a bowl or mason jar, add oats and milk. Stir. The consistency should be liquidy.
- Add honey, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and chia seeds. Stir again. Add ¼ cup toasted walnuts and stir.
- Store, covered, overnight in fridge (or at least 6 hours).
- In the morning, cut up apple into slices. Place slices in a small bowl and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Microwave for 15 seconds. Stir so cinnamon coats apples. Add apples to oats. Add remainder of walnuts and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use regular rolled oats if preferred but the texture will be creamier/mushier.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wow this is SOO good!
Yay!! Thanks for letting me know.
Grace