Apple Crumble Overnight Oats (Printable version)
Sweet cinnamon apple layers with creamy oats and crunchy walnut topping, prepped the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast.
# What you need:
→ Oat Base
01 - 1 cup rolled oats
02 - 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
04 - 2 tbsp chia seeds
05 - 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
→ Apple Layer
08 - 1 medium apple, diced
09 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
10 - 1/2 tsp cinnamon
11 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
→ Crumble Topping
12 - 1/4 cup rolled oats
13 - 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
14 - 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil, melted
15 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
16 - 1/4 tsp cinnamon
# How To:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is well blended.
02 - In a small bowl, toss the diced apple with lemon juice, cinnamon, and maple syrup until the apple pieces are evenly coated.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix together until the mixture becomes crumbly and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
04 - Divide the oat base mixture evenly between two jars or airtight containers. Layer the seasoned apple pieces on top of each oat portion, then sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple layer.
05 - Seal the jars or containers with lids and place them in the refrigerator. Allow the oats to chill for at least 6 to 8 hours or overnight so the oats absorb the liquid and the flavors meld together.
06 - In the morning, enjoy the oats cold straight from the refrigerator, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. For a warm and cozy option, microwave briefly for 30 to 60 seconds before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It legitimately tastes like dessert for breakfast but keeps you full until lunch, which feels like cheating the system in the best way.
- The crumble topping stays surprisingly crunchy overnight, and that textural contrast against the creamy oats is something most overnight oat recipes completely miss.
02 -
- Do not skip the lemon juice on the apples or you will open the jar to sad brown pieces that look thoroughly unappetizing despite tasting fine.
- Pressing the crumble down too firmly turns it into a dense puck instead of a crumbly topping, so a gentle hand makes all the difference.
03 -
- Toast the nuts in a dry skillet for three minutes before adding them to the crumble and you will unlock a depth of flavor that makes people ask what your secret is.
- If you want the crumble extra crunchy, store it in a separate small container and sprinkle it on top right before eating rather than chilling it with the oats.