Spiced Apple Overnight Oats with Protein (Easy Vegan Breakfast)

I'm not typically a fan of overnight oats because I like to enjoy my oatmeal hot. In fact, there aren't too many things I find less appetizing than a bowl of cold oatmeal. But today's overnight oats are different. Many of the recipes out there use greek yogurt, which can easily curdle when heated. Does warm yogurt sound good for you? Yeah, me neither. So I just didn't include it. But I did include lots of delicious mix-ins and an optional boost of vegan protein that make spiced apple overnight oats not only perfect for fall but also delicious enough to enjoy during any season. Let's get into it.

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are oats soaked in liquid and chilled. They need at least four hours to absorb all the milk or whatever else you add and become tender enough to eat. Conveniently, you can make them a day or so ahead and let them just do their thang in the fridge until you're ready for breakfast. This recipe makes one serving but you can make a few bowls at a time to have breakfast for multiple days of the week in one go. And the flavor combinations are almost endless. More on that below.

What to Put in Overnight Oats

Spiced apple overnight oats are full of cinnamon, nutmeg, protein powder, apple chips, and walnuts then topped with golden raisins and more apple chips just before enjoying. You can add any nuts, seeds, fresh or dried fruits you desire to suit your preferences and nutritional needs. Chia and flax seeds are also popular mix ins. Here are a few more ideas to get you started:

• Applesauce
• Berry Compote or Jam
• Coconut Chips
• Dried Cranberries
• Fresh Berries
• Nut Butter
• Pears
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Protein Powder
• Pumpkin Puree
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Raisins
• Sliced Almonds
• Sunflower Seeds

Can I Heat Up Overnight Oats?

Absolutely. Or else, you wouldn't see this recipe here at all. I'm just not into cold oatmeal and only share food I would actually eat! They take just a minute or two to heat, depending on your microwave, and it really doesn't get more comforting than warm oatmeal in the morning, does it? I'm actually looking forward to chilly mornings just so I can curl up in my plush robe with a steaming bowl of spiced apple overnight oats. This is a great way to switch things up from my go-to homemade instant oatmeal.

How to Make Spiced Apple Overnight Oats

To make overnight oats, simply add all ingredients to a sealable container like Tupperware or a Pinterest-y mason jar and seal it up. I like to include a spoon of protein powder and recommend Naked Nutrition's Pea Protein! From there, stick the container in your fridge for a few hours or overnight. Any time you need a quick, make-ahead breakfast, try these spiced apple overnight oats. They come together in under five minutes then chill out in the fridge overnight (hence the name) until you're ready to reach for them the next morning. And you can eat them hot (my preference) or cold. Instructions for either option are included in the recipe card below. And here's a video for my fellow visual learners!

I hope you enjoy this recipe and recommend you check out my banana nut oatmeal protein muffins, next. Sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe to Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

P.S. You'll also like these:

• Vegan Harvest Banana Bread
• Cranberry Maple Oatmeal Muffins
• Meal Prepping 101