Applesauce Overnight Oats

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This applesauce overnight oats recipe is an easy and healthy way to start off your day. Flavorful, sweet, and creamy, this overnight oats made with applesauce is one of my favorite ways to start off the day.

If you haven’t tried adding applesauce to overnight oats, then you’re in for a treat. It adds so much creaminess, sweetness, and flavor to your overnight oats. I’m obsessed! Usually, I add yogurt for the extra creamy texture, but this time, applesauce steals the show!

A cup of applesauce overnight oats with a fresh raspberry on top with two more cups in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a healthy and nutritious way to start off the day! Between the rolled oats and chia seeds, you’ll have a nutrient-packed breakfast!
Rolled oats are a budget-friendly ingredient that you can buy in bulk, as it lasts at least a year when stored correctly.
This applesauce overnight oats recipe relies on pantry and fridge staples! It’s super easy to whip up without having to run out to the store.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make applesauce overnight oats.

rolled oats — make sure you are using old-fashioned rolled oats. Instant oats and quick oats do not hold up as well, so I do not prefer the texture compared to rolled oats.
chia seeds — chia seeds come in both black and white seeds, but there is no difference in nutritional content. They’re also an excellent source of plant-based protein! When they absorb the milk, it helps thicken the overnight oats.
applesauce — I use unsweetened applesauce that’s made with just apples with the skin still on. So, not only does this applesauce add apple flavors to the oatmeal, you get antioxidants and fiber. Have extra time or apples on hand, try my homemade unsweetened applesauce recipe.
brown sugar and maple syrup — you can use either one or both like I do. I like how dark brown sugar pairs with the applesauce, but I don’t want to overwhelm the overnight oats with the brown sugar flavor, so I pair it with maple syrup.
cinnamon — just a pinch to go with the applesauce.
milk — you can use any milk of your choice, from cow’s milk to non-dairy milk. I personally prefer whole milk, but it’s up to you!

How to Make Applesauce Overnight Oats

Set of two photos showing rolled oats, chia seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and applesauce added to a bowl.

To a bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Add the applesauce and maple syrup.

Set of two photos showing ingredients in a bowl mixed together.

Add the milk to the bowl.
Stir until well combined.

Set of two photos showing applesauce overnight oats set and in a container.

Cover with a lid or plastic and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
When ready to eat, serve with toppings of choice, such as jam, berries, and nuts.

Recipe Tips and Notes

Make sure you don’t add your toppings too early. I like to add the toppings right as I’m about to serve.
You can add a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt to add even more protein to the overnight oats and make it creamier.
For an on-to-go meal, I like to store the protein overnight oats in mason jars. 16-ounce wide-mouth mason jars are great if you plan on adding toppings, so you don’t spill anything. I also LOVE a good weck jar.
Make sure to stir the overnight oats well as chia seeds can clump up. You can give it a second stir after the overnight oats sit for a while in the fridge.
If you prefer a thinner consistency to your overnight oats, add more milk.

A slightly angled view of a cup of applesauce overnight oats with a raspberry on top.

Make Ahead Tips

Meal prep: store the overnight oats without any toppings in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezer: to freeze overnight oats, portion out the oats in small containers, then freeze! Thaw the overnight oats in the fridge for 6-8 hours/overnight before you’d like to eat them. You can store applesauce overnight oats in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Close up of a cup of applesauce overnight oats with a raspberry on top.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are a no-cook method of making oatmeal! It’s made by soaking rolled oats in some liquid overnight so they become soft and digestible.

Can I heat up overnight oats?

Not a fan of cold overnight oats? No biggie! You can microwave the overnight oats with protein powder until warmed through before enjoying it for breakfast.

Are overnight oats healthy?

I would consider overnight oats to be healthy as they’re rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They also contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals! Chia seeds are also rich in nutrients such as antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

While you can use steel-cut oats, keep in mind that they will need to be soaked longer and will be dense and chewy in comparison. This recipe, in particular, uses rolled oats, so I recommend following the recipe if this is your first time making overnight oats.