Caramel Apple Overnight Oats
Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Overnight Oats, a breakfast that combines convenience with indulgence. Imagine the classic caramel apple, but reimagined into a creamy, spiced, and satisfying start to your day.
Each spoonful delivers the tang of Greek yogurt, the sweetness of caramel, and the crunch of fresh apples. Apple pie spice and apple cider bring a warming autumnal touch, perfect for crisp mornings.
Prep these oats the night before, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Customize with candy, nuts, or coconut for added texture and fun!
Caramel Apple Overnight Oats Ingredients
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The heart of this recipe, providing a wholesome, creamy base with a tender texture that softens overnight.
- Apple Cider: Infuses a natural sweetness and tang, capturing the essence of fresh apples in every bite.
- Greek-Style Yogurt: Adds a rich, velvety layer that balances the sweetness with a touch of tanginess.
- Caramel Sauce: A luscious indulgence, bringing warmth and a deep, buttery sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
- Granny Smith Apples: Crisp and tart, these fresh apples bring balance and texture, enhancing each bite with a bright, juicy crunch.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best in this recipe, providing the perfect texture after soaking. Avoid instant or steel-cut oats as they either absorb too quickly or remain too firm, altering the desired creamy consistency. Rolled oats also release natural starches that thicken the mixture overnight, creating a hearty base that pairs beautifully with the apples and caramel.
- Enhance with Fresh Apple Cider: Use quality, unfiltered apple cider if possible, as it imparts a robust apple flavor and natural sweetness to the oats. Avoid apple juice, as it lacks the depth and seasonal warmth that cider offers. If cider isn’t available, you can use a blend of water and a touch of apple juice, but add a pinch of cinnamon to recreate the spice.
- Layer the Caramel for Extra Flavor: To maximize the caramel experience, drizzle a bit on the inside of your jars before adding the oat mixture. This not only enhances the flavor but also creates a visually appealing effect as the caramel melds with the oats. After soaking, you can add another drizzle on top for extra indulgence when serving.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Overnight Oats
- Warm Maple Latte: Pair these oats with a comforting maple latte to echo the caramel and apple flavors. A warm latte brings a cozy balance, adding an aromatic finish that enhances the oat’s sweetness without overpowering the fall-inspired spices.
- Toasted Nut Granola: A small serving of toasted nut granola complements the creaminess of the oats with a crunchy texture, while nuts like pecans or almonds add a rich, buttery note. Sprinkle a little on top for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Fruit Salad with Pear and Pomegranate: A side of fruit salad with pears, pomegranate seeds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon offers a refreshing contrast. The sweet pears and tart pomegranate complement the caramel and apple flavors, adding brightness and color to your breakfast spread.
FAQ
- Can I make these oats dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond milk yogurt. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors. - How long do these oats last in the fridge?
Caramel Apple Overnight Oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them ideal for meal prep. - Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
While possible, apple juice may lack the rich, spiced flavor of cider. Add a small pinch of cinnamon if using juice to capture the autumnal flavor. - Are there other toppings that work well?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toasted nuts, shredded coconut, or a handful of dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
Caramel Apple Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- Plain whole-milk Greek-style yogurt
- Apple cider
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Chia seeds
- Caramel sauce plus extra for drizzling
- Apple pie spice
- Unpeeled Granny Smith apples finely chopped and divided
- Optional toppings: chopped mini candy-coated chocolate pieces shredded coconut, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients in preparation.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, apple cider, yogurt, caramel sauce, chia seeds, apple pie spice, and 1 cup of the chopped apples. Stir until all elements are well incorporated.
- Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce along the interior of four 12-ounce jars.
- Evenly distribute the oat mixture into the prepared jars, filling each to approximately 1 1/4 cups. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 4 days.
- When ready to serve, add 1/4 cup of the remaining chopped apples to each jar. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce as desired, and top with optional garnishes.