Ready for a breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels your day with wholesome goodness? The Salted Caramel Apple Overnight Oats is just the thing you didn’t know you needed. Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, sweet caramel, and a hint of salt—all tucked into creamy, satisfying oats. Trust me, this is a game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and healthy, and it couldn’t be easier to make!
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Overnight Oats
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making your mornings a little brighter. Whether you’re rushing out the door or just enjoying a leisurely breakfast, this dish brings a little bit of joy to your day. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Sweet Meets Savory: The combination of caramel sweetness and a dash of salt is the perfect balance, creating a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Prep Ahead: The beauty of overnight oats is that they’re made ahead of time, saving you precious minutes in the morning. Just mix it the night before, and you’re good to go!
Nutrient-Packed: Oats are a fantastic source of fiber, and the apples bring in some vitamin-packed goodness. This is a breakfast that’ll keep you full and energized.
Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or extra fruit for even more texture and flavor. It’s easy to make it your own!
Perfect for Busy Mornings: Quick to prepare and even quicker to eat. This breakfast is ideal for anyone who needs to get out the door but still wants to enjoy something delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this sweet and salty breakfast bowl:
Old-Fashioned Oats: These are the base of your overnight oats, providing a hearty, filling texture.
Milk: Whether you use dairy or a non-dairy alternative, milk gives the oats the creaminess you’ll love.
Greek Yogurt: Adds a tangy richness that makes the oats extra creamy.
Apple: A fresh apple, chopped and spiced with cinnamon, adds the perfect touch of sweetness and warmth.
Caramel Sauce: A small drizzle of caramel sauce brings that irresistible, sweet flavor to the oats. You can use store-bought or homemade!
Salt: A pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
Chopped Nuts (Optional): Walnuts or pecans add a little crunch and nutty flavor that’s perfect alongside the creamy oats.
Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and spice that makes the apples really shine.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get these oats ready for a delicious morning:
Combine the Oats, Milk, and Yogurt: In a jar or container, combine the oats, milk, and Greek yogurt. Stir until everything is well mixed and the oats are evenly soaked.
Add the Apples and Cinnamon: Chop your apple into small pieces and stir them into the oat mixture. Add a pinch of cinnamon to bring that cozy fall flavor to the bowl.
Drizzle with Caramel and Salt: Drizzle a little bit of caramel sauce over the top of the mixture, and then add a pinch of salt. Stir it all together gently.
Chill Overnight: Cover your jar or container and let the oats sit in the fridge overnight, or for at least 6 hours. The oats will soften and soak up all the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: In the morning, give everything a quick stir and top with extra caramel sauce, nuts, or even more chopped apple if you like. Enjoy your ready-to-eat, indulgent breakfast!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Overnight Oats
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate the experience:
Top with Extra Caramel: Drizzle more caramel sauce on top before serving for that extra indulgence.
Add Crunchy Nuts: Toss on some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an added crunch.
Fresh Apple Slices: Add a few fresh apple slices for texture and freshness to balance the sweetness.
Yogurt Swirl: Swirl a bit of extra yogurt on top for a creamy touch and more protein.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make It Vegan: Use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Use Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you’re feeling extra, homemade caramel sauce adds a special touch and can make the dish even more decadent.
Sweetness Level: If you prefer your oats a little sweeter, feel free to add a little honey, maple syrup, or extra caramel sauce.
Meal Prep: Make a batch of these oats and store them in individual containers for an easy grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.
Add More Protein: For an added protein boost, mix in some protein powder or hemp seeds.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this without Greek yogurt?
A1: Yes! You can use regular yogurt, or even skip it entirely and just use milk for a lighter version.
Q2: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A2: Steel-cut oats will take longer to soak and may need a bit more liquid. Old-fashioned oats are ideal for overnight oats because they absorb the liquid perfectly.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! That’s the beauty of overnight oats. Just prep the night before and they’ll be ready to eat in the morning.
Q4: Can I use a different fruit?
A4: Yes! You can swap in pears, bananas, or berries for a different fruit twist.
Q5: How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
A5: They last for up to 4-5 days in the fridge, so you can prep several servings in advance.
Q6: Can I make this recipe without caramel sauce?
A6: Yes, you can skip the caramel and add a little more honey or maple syrup for sweetness if you like.
Q7: Can I warm up overnight oats?
A7: Of course! If you prefer warm oats, just pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds before serving.
Q8: Can I add protein powder to the oats?
A8: Yes, you can stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra protein boost.
Q9: Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A9: You can, but instant oats tend to become mushier and may not hold their texture as well after soaking overnight.
Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Salted Caramel Apple Overnight Oats is a sweet, satisfying breakfast that feels like a treat but is packed with all the good stuff to start your day right. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and totally customizable. Whether you’re making it for yourself or prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face every morning!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Overnight Oats
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Overnight Oats are a decadent and satisfying breakfast that combines the sweet taste of apples with the rich flavor of salted caramel. A deliciously creamy, high-protein meal that’s easy to prepare the night before. Perfect for busy mornings, this is a great healthy breakfast recipe or quick lunch idea that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 apple (diced)
- 1 tablespoon salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, additional caramel sauce, or extra apple slices
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients: In a jar or airtight container, mix together the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add the apple and caramel: Gently fold in the diced apple pieces and drizzle in the salted caramel sauce. Stir to combine or layer them on top for a decorative effect.
- Refrigerate overnight: Seal the container and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours).
- Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir and add your favorite toppings, such as chopped nuts, more caramel sauce, or additional apple slices. Serve cold or heat in the microwave for 30 seconds if preferred.
Notes
- You can use store-bought salted caramel sauce or make your own by simmering butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or caramel sauce to taste.
- For extra texture, top with granola or nuts like pecans or almonds.
- These oats can be made up to 3 days in advance for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg