Apple crumble overnight oats
When breakfast tastes like dessert, you are in for a treat with these apple crumble overnight oats. Start your day with warm, familiar flavours of traditional apple crumble. Cinnamon, almonds, and maple syrup (or honey) create a light sweetness balanced by creamy oats, apple, and chia seeds. Make this breakfast in advance for a comforting, fulfilling meal to set you up for the day ahead.
Ingredients
Overnight oats
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150 g
Rolled oats
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35 g
Chia seeds
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1 tbsp
Hemp seeds
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1 tsp
Cinnamon
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¼ tsp
Salt
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1
Large apple (about 200 g)
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200 ml
Water
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Crumble
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1 tsp
Butter
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50 g
Rolled oats
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40 g
Almonds, roughly chopped
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15 g
Chia seeds
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2 tbsp
Maple syrup or honey
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Getting the texture right for overnight oats can be a little difficult, especially when making them for the first time. After combining the ingredients, test the consistency of the mixture. If it is too thick and gloopy, add a splash of extra milk or water. If the texture is too thin and runny, gradually add more oats or chia seeds.
It goes without saying that all apples are delicious and carry their own joyful flavour and texture, but firm, tart varieties work best in this recipe. The firm texture of Granny Smith apples helps maintain shape even when coarsely grated and mixed with the oats. It is not the end of the world if Granny Smiths are not in your kitchen, as other varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn also work well.
FAQ: Questions about apple crumble overnight oats
Perfecting your apple crumble overnight oats may take some practice, but our FAQs are here to help you. We answer some of the most-asked questions about these overnight oats, so you can get the best results.
Can I prepare the crumble topping ahead of time?
Yes, the crumble topping can be made in advance, and when time is tight, this is the best measure to take. Prepare the crumble topping as directed in the recipe, and allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming soggy. The topping will keep fresh at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the fridge for 1 month, or in the freezer for 3 months. However, it is best to enjoy it within the 2 weeks to maintain the best quality.
Can I bake the crumble instead of toasting it?
Yes, the crumble topping can be baked instead. Preheat the oven to 150–160 °C and prepare the ingredients. Combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, chia seeds, melted butter, and maple syrup or honey in a bowl before spreading the mixture evenly on a tray lined with baking paper. Bake the mixture for 10–12 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning, or for a deeper colour, bake for 25-30 minutes. Give the crumble time to cool completely and achieve a crispy texture before adding it to your overnight oats.
How long do the apple crumble overnight oats need to chill?
Let the apple crumble overnight oats chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight so the oats, chia seeds, and hemp seeds soak up the creamy liquid, creating a dessert-like texture. This also gives the oats ample time to absorb the flavours of cinnamon and apple. Some recipes suggest a short chilling time, but for the best flavour and texture, overnight is best.
How do I store apple crumble overnight oats?
To store apple crumble overnight oats, divide the mixture into 4 well-sealed, airtight glass jars or containers and leave them in the fridge. This keeps the oats fresh for 3–5 days, but they taste best when eaten within the first 3 days. It is best to store the crumble topping separately in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks. It can also be stored in the fridge, where it will keep for 1 month until needed.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
175 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 7.8 g |
| Protein | 11.6 % | 5 g |
| Fat | 60.6 % | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27.8 % | 12 g |
Savour these apple crumble overnight oats with a hint of cinnamon
Start your morning as you mean to go on, by giving the humble oat a new lease of life! Our apple crumble overnight oats recipe feels like a hug for the soul, uniting sweet cinnamon with creamy oats and sharp apple. Chia and hemp offer a subtle nutty flavour and familiar texture that complements the crumble topping. The contrast of a cool, creamy oat base and crunchy maple-sweet topping is a joy to dive into, making breakfast a heartwarming celebration of food.
Wonderfully creamy with vanilla-flavoured skyr and milk
With a little bit of love, oats become a delight, absorbing flavours like a dream. Vanilla-flavoured skyr and milk create lusciously creamy oats that taste more like pudding than breakfast. If you are unsure of the texture you would like your overnight oats to be, start by adding a small amount of milk and skyr to test the consistency. You can then gradually add more depending on your preference for thicker or looser overnight oats.
Toasted oat and almond crumble with a pleasant sweetness
If the smell of toasted oats and almonds fails to entice you, maybe the addition of cinnamon, maple syrup (or honey) and butter will do the trick! Warming the oats and almonds deepens their flavour and brings out a mild nuttiness, creating an enjoyable counterpoint to the creamy oat base.
Almond and apple are a classic and popular pairing, and in these overnight oats, that combination comes through with a familiar, pleasant sweetness. The crumble topping adds a lightly buttery finish and a bit of crunch that mirrors the flavours of a traditional homemade apple crumble.
A delicious make-ahead breakfast
Free time in the morning is a rarity, but starting the day with a wholesome meal will help push you through until lunch. Setting time aside the evening before to prepare these overnight oats will make your future self ecstatic, since there is no food preparation to do in the morning when chaos unfolds! Make this breakfast ahead of time and breathe easy knowing there is a tasty bowl of goodness just waiting to be enjoyed.
For more breakfast inspiration, check out our recipes for carrot cake overnight oats, protein-baked oats, chocolate overnight oats, and high-protein bagels. Plenty of options, all made to start the day well.
Customise your apple crumble overnight oats
Customising these apple crumble overnight oats is a fun way to experiment with new flavours and ingredients you already have on hand. Substitute apples for pears, or even use both fruits for a fruity medley. Dried fruits are also perfect for overnight oats, as they plump up during soaking. Dried cranberries and raisins offer a tart contrast that works well with spices like nutmeg, clove, or ginger.
You can replace skyr with Greek or plain yoghurt for a similar creamy texture. Use about 300 g of yoghurt, ideally vanilla-flavoured to match the apple and cinnamon. If the yoghurt is thinner, reduce the amount slightly and add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds to help the oats set overnight.
Maple syrup and honey can be swapped out for brown sugar syrup, agave nectar, or molasses. Brown sugar syrup works particularly well thanks to its rich, caramel-like flavour that complements the tangy apple and warm cinnamon. Simply dissolve 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in 2 tablespoons of water and use it as normal. Agave nectar has a mild, neutral sweetness, while molasses may need thinning with a little bit of water before using. Use these substitutes in a 1:1 ratio to keep the crumble topping sticky and crisp.