Apple Pie Overnight Oats

It is so important to start the day in a good mood and what better way than to enjoy a yummy, comforting, nutritious and filling breakfast? Obviously I'd love to have more time during the weekdays to prepare an elaborated breakfast like decadent french toasts with coconut whipped cream, some baked apple crumble...or even pancakes! So I need what they call a throw-together breakfast, but being a food blogger and an avid healthy foodie means that I'm not gonna have a bowl of store-bought rice krispies mixed with cold milk and you'll never see me buying breakfast (or anyhting else, actually) at Starbucks. This is when overnight oats come to save my day! Even though these ones might look like they take more time to prepare don't worry, the oatmeal is prepared they night before and you can even make the caramelized apple the day before, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and simply mix everything together in the same bowl in the morning. 

I'm a fan of this type of make-ahead breakfasts that don't compromise flavor or nutrition. Plus I'm not a morning person so it's a win-win situation!

The weekend is right around the corner and I'm already thinking about what I'm going to have for breakfast, this time something more elaborated (aka more decadent). But what I actually should be thinking is what kind of cake I'll make for my dad's birthday which is this Sunday. I need some inspiration!

¡Receta en español en la web de El Granero Integral!

Apple Pie Overnight Oats
(1 serving)

Ingredients
- For the oatmeal:
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce.
1/2 cup sprouted rolled oats (or regular oats).
1 teaspoon agave syrup.
1/2 cup oat milk or almond milk.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice.
- For the caramelized apple:
1 golden delicious apple.
Coconut oil, for greasing the pan (1 tbsp approx.).
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
A pinch of pink Himalayan pink salt.
- Optional toppings:
Greek yogurt or creamy soy yogurt.
Chopped pecan nuts.

Directions

In a small bowl mix well all the ingredients for the oatmeal using a fork until combined. It is optional but you can also add a teaspoon of agave syrup (or pure maple/coconut syrup) for a sweeter flavor. This recipe also works well with spelt so replace the oats with the same amount of wholegrain rolled spelt flakes.

Transfer to a bowl, jar or container with a lid and let it set overnight.

Peel, core and chop the apple. In a small saucepan heat around one tablespoon of coconut oil and when it is hot and simmering add in the apple, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes approximately, stirring a few times, until the apple is soft and it has absorbed all the maple syrup. The apple should have a golden brown color with a slightly sticky texture.

Serve the oatmeal mixed with the caramelized apple and top with greek yogurt (or your favorite creamy soy yogurt) and some chopped pecan nuts.

If mixture is too thick add more milk until your reach the desired consistency.