Breakfast and oatmeal go hand in hand. Sometimes, though, cooking time is limited and you need something quick and ready to eat.
I’ve found a tasty, make-ahead alternative in overnight oats, similar to Bircher muesli or other preparations that let oats soak up liquids and flavors over time. I like to try out different combinations with various fruits and nuts.
The star among my overnight oats experiments features Cosmic Crisp® apples, one of the delicious foods developed by Washington State University. Combining the tart-sweet flavor of Cosmic Crisps with spices, nuts, and other additions makes a wonderful base.
Add granola on top, and it transforms into something like apple pie for breakfast.
Cosmic Overnight Oats
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups oat milk
1 Cosmic Crisp® apple, peeled or unpeeled, chopped into half-inch cubes
¼ cup almonds or other nuts
¼ cup raisins or dates
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup flaxseed meal
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash of salt
Granola, for garnish (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir together until fully mixed. Transfer oat mixture to Mason jars and seal them. Refrigerate the oat mixture for 12 hours or more.
Yield: This amount typically fills two one-pint jars and one half-pint jar.
Note: Overnight oats can last for up to five days refrigerated.
To serve: Place desired amount in a bowl, and sprinkle with granola, if desired.
Learn more
Oats (In Season, Fall 2023, Washington State Magazine)
More recipes for oats—from the past to the present
Oats then and now: A Q&A with an expert