If there’s one breakfast recipe I come back to again and again, it’s this applesauce overnight oatmeal. It checks every box: it takes 2 minutes to make, it’s ready when you wake up, and it costs almost nothing to make. I make it the night before, grab the jar from the fridge and eat it either cold or warm, by heating it up in the microwave for a minute. Simple, cheap, and genuinely delicious.

Oatmeal is one of the most budget-friendly breakfast staples you can keep in your pantry. A large container of rolled oats costs is affordable and provides weeks worth of breakfasts. For the budget cook, it’s hard to beat.

The challenge for most people is finding ways to make oatmeal interesting enough to eat regularly.

That’s where overnight oats come in.

About The Recipe: Applesauce Overnight Oatmeal

The beauty of overnight oatmeal is that it literally prepares itself.

You throw the ingredients in a mason jar, give it a stir, and let the oats soak overnight in the fridge. By morning, the oats have absorbed the liquid and softened into a creamy, pudding-like texture – no cooking required.

The applesauce is what makes this version special. It adds natural sweetness and a subtle apple flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.

You can use store-bought applesauce for convenience, or make your own in about 10 minutes using the microwave. I’ve included instructions for both below.

Make Your Own Applesauce In 10 Minutes

Making your own applesauce is easier than you might think. You can do it in under 10 minutes using the microwave.  

Simply chop an apple, microwave it with a splash of water until soft, then blend or mash until smooth. It’s fresher and cheaper than store-bought.

If you go the store-bought route, choose plain unsweetened applesauce and add a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice to give it more flavor.

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FAQs: Applesauce Overnight Oatmeal

Q: What kind of oats are best for overnight oatmeal?

A: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for overnight oatmeal. They soften overnight without turning mushy. Quick oats can become too soft, and steel cut oats won’t soften enough without cooking.

Q: Do you cook applesauce overnight oatmeal?

A: No cooking is required. The oats absorb the liquid in the refrigerator overnight. You can eat them cold or warm them in the microwave before eating.

Q: Can I use store-bought applesauce instead of homemade?

A: Yes. Plain, unsweetened applesauce works best. If your applesauce is very mild, adding cinnamon or apple pie spice helps boost the flavor.

Q: Is applesauce overnight oatmeal eaten cold or hot?

A: Either works. Many people enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, but it can also be microwaved for about 1–2 minutes if you prefer warm oatmeal.

Q: How long does overnight oatmeal last in the fridge?

A: Overnight oatmeal keeps well for 3–4 days when stored in a sealed container, making it perfect for meal prep.

Q: Can I make applesauce overnight oatmeal dairy-free or vegan?

A: Yes. Use water or a non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. This recipe is naturally vegan when made without dairy.

Q: Why is my overnight oatmeal too thick or too thin?

A: If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of milk or water before eating. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon or two of oats and let it sit for a bit longer.

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More Affordable Oatmeal Recipes

Oats are extremely affordable and can be prepared in so many different ways. Here are a few of my favorite oat-based recipes:

• Apple oatcakes (just $1 for two servings!)
• Simple baked oatmeal (just 46 cents per serving!)
• Baked oatmeal cups
• Muesli
• Crock Pot apple oatmeal
• How to make steel cut oats in the slow cooker
• Apple-cinnamon in-a-mug cake

Do you want to immediately start saving money on the food you make? Follow me on Instagram, where I post new recipe updates and money-saving tips. I’ve got a bunch of great ideas up my sleeve.

This is a guest post from Lauren, a.k.a. The Oatmeal Artist. Her blog is devoted exclusively to healthy and delicious oatmeal recipes.