Do I need to cook the apples for apple cinnamon overnight oats?

No. Diced raw apple softens in the oats overnight. If you like it warmer, heat the jar for thirty seconds before eating.

How do I stop the apple going brown?

A squeeze of lemon juice on the diced apple helps. Browning doesn't change the taste much, so it's optional.

Overnight OatsContinental

Apple Cinnamon

The fall classic that works year-round. Simple, satisfying, and requires just three ingredients beyond the base. The natural sweetness of apples means you might not need additional sweetener. Perfect for beginners, busy mornings, or when you want something reliably delicious.

Time: 365 min
Method: Mix
Serves: 1
Energy: 570 kcal
Protein: 18 g

Go to the method

Glass jar of apple cinnamon overnight oats topped with diced apples, cinnamon and walnuts

Method

Step 1: Dice fresh apples and mix them into your DIY Oats base with a generous amount of cinnamon.
Step 2: Add chopped walnuts for texture and healthy fats.
Step 3: The apples will soften overnight but maintain some texture.
Step 4: The cinnamon flavor will intensify as it sits.
Step 5: Use crisp apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for best results.

Notes from the Department

Fall favorite

Nutrition

1 serving

570 cal | 18g protein | 15g fiber

2 servings

1140 cal | 36g protein | 30g fiber

Estimates. Not medical advice.

Why it works

This is the recipe for people who say they don't have time. Dice an apple, shake in cinnamon, add walnuts, close the lid. Overnight the apple softens but keeps a little bite, and the cinnamon gets stronger as it sits, so the jar tastes better in the morning than it did when you made it. Most apples are sweet enough that you won't need sugar.

Picking the apple

Crisp apples hold up best. Fuji or Honeycrisp work well; any firm, sweet local apple will do. Leave the skin on for colour and texture. A soft, floury apple will turn mushy, which is fine if that is what you like, and nobody needs to know.

Make it yours

Swap walnuts for almonds or pecans. Add a few raisins for extra sweetness, or a spoon of honey if your apple is tart. No DIY Oats jar? Soak rolled oats overnight in milk with chia and a few almonds, then follow the same steps.

Storage

Covered in the fridge, it keeps for a day. The apple may darken slightly at the edges, which affects looks, not flavour. Add the walnuts in the morning if you want maximum crunch.

Questions people ask

Do I need to cook the apples for apple cinnamon overnight oats?: No. Diced raw apple softens in the oats overnight. If you like it warmer, heat the jar for thirty seconds before eating.
How do I stop the apple going brown?: A squeeze of lemon juice on the diced apple helps. Browning doesn't change the taste much, so it's optional.

Department of Recipes