I packed apple pie flavor into a protein-rich quinoa breakfast that’s vegan, gluten-free, and ready when you are. It’s the make-ahead jar I reach for when I want something sweet, satisfying, and actually filling.

Jump to Recipe

I’m obsessed with this Apple Pie Overnight Quinoa because it tastes like breakfast actually showed up with a plan. I love how the cooked quinoa gives it that hearty, chewy bite, while applesauce brings the whole apple pie thing without making it feel heavy.

And it keeps me full, which is basically my love language on busy mornings. No sad desk breakfast energy here.

Just sweet, spiced, creamy, spoonable goodness that I can grab and eat half-awake. But the best part?

It feels like a treat and still totally works for real life. Fast mornings.

Packed bags. Big appetite.

Done.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Quinoa makes it hearty, with a little protein so you’re not hungry immediately.
Almond milk keeps things creamy without making breakfast feel heavy.
Applesauce brings that cozy pie vibe, minus the actual pie effort.
Maple syrup adds gentle sweetness that tastes way better than plain sugar.
Vanilla makes everything warmer and more bakery-like.
Tiny splash, big difference.
Cinnamon is basically the apple pie signal.
You’ll smell it first.
Nutmeg adds that quiet spice in the background, like grandma knew what’s up.
Salt keeps the sweetness from tasting flat.
Weirdly important, honestly.
Fresh apple gives juicy bites, a little crunch, and real fruit energy.
Chia seeds help thicken it up, plus they sneak in some healthy fats.
Walnuts or pecans bring crunch, richness, and that “fancy breakfast” feeling.
Raisins or cranberries add chewy sweetness, with little pops of tart if you choose cranberries.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1 medium apple, peeled and grated or finely diced (about 1 cup)

1 tablespoon chia seeds

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans

2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. In a medium bowl combine 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.

2. Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt; stir to incorporate.

3. Fold in 1 medium apple peeled and grated or finely diced (about 1 cup).

4. Stir in 1 tablespoon chia seeds to help thicken the mixture.

5. Mix 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans and 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries into the quinoa mixture, reserving a small amount for topping if desired.

6. Divide the mixture into airtight containers or jars, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and chia seeds to set.

7. Before serving stir the quinoa to redistribute any settled liquid and check thickness; add a splash of plant milk if you prefer a looser consistency.

8. Serve cold or warm briefly in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, then top with the reserved chopped nuts and dried fruit if you set any aside.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Grater or box grater
4. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
5. Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
6. Cutting board and paring knife
7. Airtight containers or jars for refrigerating
8. Microwave safe bowl or ramekin for warming

FAQ

Can I make this with uncooked quinoa instead of cooked quinoa? Yes, but you must cook the quinoa first; this recipe assumes 1 cup cooked quinoa, which equals about 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa cooked in 2/3 cup water or broth and cooled before mixing.

How long should it sit and what is the best chilling time? Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor; overnight yields creamier, fully hydrated quinoa and intensified spices.

Can I use a different milk or sweetener? Yes, any plant milk or cow milk works and you can swap maple syrup for honey or agave to taste, adjusting sweetness as needed.

How do I adjust thickness if the mixture is too thick or too thin? If too thick, stir in more milk a tablespoon at a time; if too thin, add a teaspoon more chia or a tablespoon of cooked quinoa and refrigerate another 30 minutes to thicken.

Can I make this nut free and allergy friendly? To make it nut free, omit walnuts or pecans and use certified nut free plant milk; substitute sunflower seeds for crunch if desired.

How long will leftovers keep and how should I reheat them? Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; serve cold or warm gently in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring halfway through, or heat briefly on the stove with a splash of milk.

Apple Pie Overnight Quinoa Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup unsweetened almond milk: use 1 cup oat milk, soy milk or cashew milk for similar creaminess and neutral flavor
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: use 1/2 cup mashed banana or 1/2 cup plain unsweetened pumpkin puree to keep moisture and mild sweetness
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: use 2 tablespoons honey (if not vegan) or 2 tablespoons agave nectar for comparable sweetness and viscosity
1 tablespoon chia seeds: use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water to replicate the gel texture, or omit and add an extra tablespoon cooked quinoa for body

Pro Tips

1. For creamier texture, blend half the cooked quinoa with the plant milk before mixing everything together, then fold in the remaining whole quinoa so you keep a bit of bite.

2. To prevent the apple from releasing too much liquid overnight, toss the grated apple with a teaspoon of lemon juice or briefly pat it dry with a paper towel before folding it in.

3. Toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant, then cool and chop. Toasting brings out their flavor and keeps them from going soggy in the fridge.

4. If you like a warmer bowl in the morning, portion into jars the night before, let them set, then microwave for 40 to 60 seconds just before eating. Add a splash of milk and a quick stir to refresh the texture.

Apple Pie Overnight Quinoa Recipe

Recipe by Nikoli Athen

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

361

kcal

Equipment: 1. Medium mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Grater or box grater
4. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
5. Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
6. Cutting board and paring knife
7. Airtight containers or jars for refrigerating
8. Microwave safe bowl or ramekin for warming

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 medium apple, peeled and grated or finely diced (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries

Directions

In a medium bowl combine 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt; stir to incorporate.
Fold in 1 medium apple peeled and grated or finely diced (about 1 cup).
Stir in 1 tablespoon chia seeds to help thicken the mixture.
Mix 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans and 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries into the quinoa mixture, reserving a small amount for topping if desired.
Divide the mixture into airtight containers or jars, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and chia seeds to set.
Before serving stir the quinoa to redistribute any settled liquid and check thickness; add a splash of plant milk if you prefer a looser consistency.
Serve cold or warm briefly in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, then top with the reserved chopped nuts and dried fruit if you set any aside.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.