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Want a breakfast that tastes like a treat but keeps your morning simple? These apple peanut butter cinnamon oats use just real, good-for-you stuff. You'll taste cozy spice, creamy oats, and sweet apple chunks—all waiting in the fridge for you when you wake up.
This became our go-to fall breakfast after I whipped it up during my kid’s first back-to-school week. Now it’s a family favorite each year once the leaves start to turn.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Pinch of salt: wakes up all the flavors, go with sea salt for best pop
- Almond milk: makes it creamy, unsweetened or vanilla gives the nicest flavor
- Ground cinnamon: loads everything up with warm spice; fresh cinnamon is always boldest
- Rolled oats: old-fashioned oats give chew and lots of energy
- Apple: bright, sweet crunch—Honeycrisp or Gala are awesome here
- Vanilla extract: kicks flavor up a notch, try pure for a more natural taste
- Peanut butter: adds dreamy richness—stick to natural peanut butter for pure taste
- Honey or maple syrup: sweetens gently, use the real deal for best flavor
- Chopped nuts or more apple as topping: adds extras for crunch or color
- Choose whole oats for better texture and crisp apple so everything stays fresh and never mushy
Simple Step-by-Step
- Finish and Top:
- Scoop into bowls or snack right from your jar. Sprinkle more apples and chopped nuts on top if you’re after even more crunch.
- Morning Stir and Serve:
- Open your jar, mix things up well so it’s nice and smooth—add a bit of milk if you like it thinner.
- Chill Overnight:
- Spoon everything into a lidded jar or sealed container. Let it sit in the fridge for at least four hours, but overnight gets it extra creamy.
- Mix the Base:
- Stir oats, almond milk, apple bits, peanut butter, honey or syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and a dash of salt in a bowl until it’s all blended and smoothed together—check for no dry patches.
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I can’t skip apple here. The best ones come straight from a fall farmers market—those crisp, tangy slices make everyone smile. My kiddo loves pushing those apple pieces on before he digs right in!
Smart Storage
These oats stay fine in the fridge for four days. If things get too thick, just stir in a splash of milk. Keep a tight lid so no funky smells sneak in.
Swaps and Switches
Try any milk you like, dairy, oat, coconut—whatever works for you.
Not a peanut butter fan? Almond or sunflower seed butter works just as well here.
Mix things up by swapping honey for maple syrup, or even leaving sweetener out if you want it less sweet.
Add chia for more fiber, or use pears if apples aren’t handy.
Fun Serving Ideas
Dollop some Greek yogurt on top to make it even creamier.
Scatter on sunflower or pumpkin seeds to add crunch and boost nutrition.
Go wild—try toasted coconut or swirl in a little jam for a sweet pop.
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Where This Dish Comes From
Overnight oats are today’s spin on Swiss muesli—which folks made by soaking raw oats to soften before eating. Here, you get the classic American flavors of peanut butter and apples with cozy cinnamon tossed in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Is dairy-free possible here?
Totally! Just switch out the regular milk for oat, almond, or soy milk—whatever you’ve got.
- → Which oats should I toss in?
Rolled oats are your best bet since they hold up and turn really creamy by morning. Skip the instant ones—they don’t work as well here.
- → Can I swap the peanut butter?
Yep, go ahead and use cashew or almond butter if you want to shake up the flavor.
- → Anything else I can use instead of honey?
Definitely! Try agave syrup or drizzle in some maple syrup for that sweet hit.
- → What if I need more protein?
Mix in a bit of Greek yogurt or drop in a scoop of protein powder before chilling it. Easy way to bulk it up.