Imagine the warm, spiced flavor of apple crumble, but transformed into a healthy, grab-and-go breakfast. That’s the magic of no-cook apple crumble overnight oats! This recipe takes all the cozy flavors of fall—tender, spiced apples and crunchy topping—and pairs them with creamy, fiber-rich oats. It’s the ultimate make-ahead meal that feels like a decadent dessert but is actually a nutritious way to start your day.
If you are a busy home cook or a dedicated meal prepper, this recipe is a game-changer. You assemble everything the night before, and in the morning, a delicious, filling breakfast is waiting for you. The combination of the sweet, soft apples, the cool, creamy oats, and the crunchy crumble topping provides a satisfying mix of textures and is guaranteed to make your mornings brighter and much less hectic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Make-Ahead: Prep takes just 10 minutes the night before, giving you a ready-to-eat breakfast for up to five days.
- Fiber and Protein Packed: Full of hearty rolled oats, chia seeds, and yogurt, this breakfast keeps you full and energized for hours.
- Ultimate Fall Flavor: It captures the comforting taste of baked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a healthy, no-bake format.
- Perfect Portion Control: Served in individual jars, they are easy to customize and grab-and-go for quick mornings.
- Customizable Temperature: Enjoy them cold straight from the fridge or warmed up slightly for a cozier start to your day.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Oat Base (Per Serving)
- 1/2 cup (45 g) rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
- 1 tbsp (10 g) chia seeds
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup or honey (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Spiced Apple Layer (Per Serving)
- 1/4 cup (40 g) diced apple (Fuji or Gala work well)
- 1 tsp butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Quick Crumble Topping (Per Serving)
- 2 tbsp (15 g) rolled oats
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chopped pecans or walnuts
Equipment
- 10–12 oz (300–350 ml) jars (like Mason jars)
- Small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl)
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Spiced Apple Layer
- Cook Apples: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or coconut oil. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. The sugar should be caramelized.
- Cool: Remove the apples from the heat and set them aside to cool completely. You can do this step for up to four servings at once.
2. Mix the Oat Base
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are wet and the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
3. Assemble and Chill
- Layer: Spoon the cooked and cooled spiced apple layer into the bottom of your jar(s).
- Add Oats: Pour the oat mixture over the apples, making sure the contents of the jar are even. Leave a little space at the top for the crumble.
- Chill: Place the lids on the jars and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or, ideally, overnight. The chia seeds and oats will absorb the liquid and thicken the mixture.
4. Add Topping and Serve
- Make Topping: The next morning, quickly mix the rolled oats, brown sugar, and pecans/walnuts for the crumble topping in a small bowl.
- Serve: Remove the jar from the fridge. Spoon the crumble topping over the oats just before eating (this keeps it crunchy!). You can eat the oats cold, or if you prefer them warm, remove the lid and microwave for 30–60 seconds.
Substitutions and Variations
- Oats: Always use rolled oats (old-fashioned). Instant oats become too mushy, and steel-cut oats will not soften enough in the refrigerator.
- Sweetener: You can use honey, agave, or stevia to replace the maple syrup. Adjust the amount to your taste, but a little sweetness is needed to balance the spices.
- Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or an equal amount of cottage cheese blended smooth for a protein boost.
- Vegan Option: Ensure you use a plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy) and coconut oil instead of butter for the apples. The recipe is naturally vegan otherwise.
- Nut-Free: Simply omit the pecans/walnuts from the crumble topping. You can substitute them with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are the secret to that thick, pudding-like consistency. They absorb a lot of liquid and prevent the oats from becoming runny.
- Use Cooled Apples: Make sure your spiced apples are cool before you add them to the oat mixture. If they are warm, they can cause the dairy to sour or prevent the oats from setting properly.
- Stir Well: Before chilling, stir the oat mixture very well to ensure the chia seeds and oats are fully distributed. If they settle at the bottom, the mixture will be uneven.
- Adjust Consistency: If your oats are too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk. If they are too thin, you can add another teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Reheating
- Make-Ahead: These overnight oats are perfect for meal prep. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. The texture actually improves after the first day!
- Storage: Always store the oats in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Store the crumble topping separately at room temperature to keep it crunchy.
- Freezing: We do not recommend freezing overnight oats. The freezing and thawing process can significantly change the texture, making them watery or gummy.
- Reheating: While best cold, you can easily warm them. Remove the lid and microwave on high for 30–60 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
The crumble topping is the final necessary step! Beyond that, you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce or almond butter right before serving. A few fresh apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon also make for a beautiful presentation.
Approximate Nutrition
- Yields: 1 serving
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
Note: These are approximations and can vary based on the type of milk, yogurt, and sweetener used.
FAQs
Q: Why are my overnight oats too runny?
A: The mixture is usually too runny if you skipped the chia seeds or didn’t allow enough time for chilling. Make sure to use the recommended amount of chia seeds and give the oats at least 6 hours to fully absorb the liquid.
Q: Can I use instant oats?
A: We do not recommend using instant (quick-cooking) oats. They break down too quickly in the liquid and will result in a mushy, less satisfying texture. Use old-fashioned (rolled) oats for the best result.
Q: Can I skip the yogurt?
A: You can, but the yogurt adds a crucial element of creaminess and a boost of protein. If you skip it, you may need to reduce the amount of milk by about 1/4 cup and add a little more chia seeds to ensure the mixture thickens properly.
Q: Can I add the topping the night before?
A: No, do not add the topping the night before. If you do, it will soak up moisture from the oats and become completely soggy. Always add the crumble topping right before you plan to eat the oats.
Q: How can I make a larger batch for the week?
A: To make four servings, simply multiply all the ingredients by four. Mix the oat base in a large bowl, then divide the mixture evenly among four jars. Cook the apple topping in one batch and divide it evenly among the four jars.
No-Cook Apple Crumble Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Mason jars (10–12 oz)
- small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Mixing Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (45 g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 tbsp (10 g) chia seeds
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (40 g) diced apple (Fuji or Gala)
- 1 tsp butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar (for apples)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for apples)
- 2 tbsp (15 g) rolled oats (for crumble)
- 1 tsp brown sugar (for crumble)
- 1 tsp chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt butter or coconut oil over medium heat. Add diced apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook 3–5 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Remove apples from heat and let cool completely before assembling.
- In a bowl, whisk milk, yogurt, sweetener, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir in rolled oats and chia seeds until well mixed.
- Spoon spiced apple layer into jar(s). Pour oat mixture on top, leaving space for crumble. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
- The next morning, mix rolled oats, brown sugar, and pecans for crumble. Add on top of oats before serving.
- Serve cold or warm briefly in microwave. Garnish with caramel drizzle, nut butter, or extra apple slices if desired.
