Apples are my son’s favorite fruit. Since I’ve noticed he eats a more balanced diet when we share the same meals, I created a recipe we could both enjoy — apple overnight oats. Considering I don’t like apples myself — not even apple pie (so un-American of me, I know) — this was a challenge.

I first made these oats for my son as a simple, grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings before we rush out the door. They’ve since become a favorite snack — and even a healthy dessert. They’re easy, budget-friendly, and pantry-friendly, all bundled up in a cute little mason jar. 

Even though I’m not an apple lover, apples bring a lot of joy to kids. Think about it: applesauce is often one of their first foods, apple slices are a snack that sticks with them through childhood, and apple picking is a fun fall adventure for them — with endless options here in Rhode Island, I might add.

But if you can’t get to an orchard, you can always pick up a bag of apples from a local farm and make homemade applesauce with your kids. That same applesauce works beautifully in this recipe — and is why these oats come together so quickly, even on the busiest days. The rest of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, so just grab some apples and get cooking — this recipe will make the back-to-school rush easier, healthier, and tastier.

Apple Pie Overnight Oats recipe (no added sugar) 

Do your kids love apples? If so, make this apple pie overnight oats recipe for them. It's incredibly yummy, but also healthy. It can be eaten cold or warm. There are so many toppings you can add to make it even yummier. Let the kids help with that part …

Prep time: 5 minutes 

Cook time: 6 hours 

Servings: 1 

Ingredients 

1/2 cup rolled oats 

1/2 cup milk 

2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce 

1 teaspoon chia seeds 

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

Instructions 

1. Place all ingredients into a jar, stir and refrigerate overnight. 

2. Top with granola, walnuts, more cinnamon, a dollop of cool whip or maybe even some vanilla ice cream.