How to make overnight oats

Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy breakfast option that doesn’t require early-morning prep? Overnight oats are your answer! Packed with fiber, protein, and endless customization options, this no-cook breakfast is perfect for busy mornings. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to make overnight oats in two delicious ways using simple ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds, whole milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.

What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a no-cook method of preparing oatmeal. They involve soaking rolled oats in liquid overnight. By morning, the oats absorb the liquid and soften, creating a creamy and hearty breakfast. They are easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for meal prep.

Overnight Oats is like eating dessert for breakfast. I’ve been enjoying mine for at least 7-8 years. I like to vary the flavors every time I prepare it. You’d be surprised by how creative you can get with flavor combinations. My favorite has always been chocolate – no surprises there, as I’m a chocoholic.

My 4-year-old loves the plain vanilla one, and looks forward to them every morning. They’re a healthy way to meet his protein, calcium, and nutrient needs. I pair them with fruit, and they turn into a hearty and healthy meal. On the days he must eat another breakfast, I notice how picky he is and how little he eats. I don’t complain; I just give him his favorite overnight oats every morning and keep it easy for all of us.

In this post, I’ll walk you through two recipes: my all-time favorite coffee overnight oats and kid-friendly classic vanilla overnight oats topped with fruits. The base recipe is the same for both, and I’ll show you how you can tweak the flavor combinations and come up with your own recipe!

Why You’ll Love Overnight Oats

• Time-saving: No cooking required! Just mix and refrigerate.
• Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
• Portable: Perfect for on-the-go mornings.
• Versatile: Endless flavor combinations to suit every taste.

Check out other healthy breakfast recipes from my blog

Vegetable Oatmeal

Chocolate Oatmeal

Breakfast Lentil Crepe (Adai)

Protein-rich Bombay Sandwich

Basic Ingredients for Overnight Oats

To make overnight oats, you’ll need just a few pantry staples:

Rolled oats

 The base for your overnight oats. Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. This recipe will not work with steel-cut oats.

Chia seeds

These tiny seeds add a nutritional boost of fiber, protein, and omega-3s.

Whole milk

Provides a creamy texture and richness. You can substitute it with any milk of your choice, like almond or oat milk.

Vanilla extract

 Vanilla extract adds a subtle hint of sweetness and flavor.

Maple syrup

 A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with the oats. You can substitute it with honey or any sweetener of your choice.

Coffee

You can either use brewed coffee or instant coffee powder mixed in hot water.

How to Make Overnight Oats: Two Recipes

1. Classic Vanilla Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions:

1. In a clean jar or bowl, add the rolled oats. I like to use mason jars with lids. Then add the chia seeds.
2. Then, add the milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine. If you don’t stir the mixture, chia seeds tend to clump up and it won’t be very pleasant to eat.
3. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. I recommend refrigerating for at least 6 hours for the oats to become soft.
4. In the morning, give it a good stir and top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or granola. Enjoy chilled or warm it up if preferred. Our top favorite fruits would be bananas, blueberries, apples, and mangoes.
5. If you want to warm it up, microwave for 40 -60 seconds. My son always likes his warm, and I like mine cold. Which team are you on?

2. Coffee Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1.5 tablespoons of brewed coffee(or ½ teaspoon of instant coffee +2 tablespoons of water)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 cup sliced bananas
• 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. In a clean jar or bowl, add the rolled oats. I like to use mason jars with lids. Then add the chia seeds.
2. You can either use brewed coffee or take ½ teaspoon of instant coffee and add 2 tablespoons of hot water to it.
3. Then, add the milk, coffee, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine. If you don’t stir the mixture, chia seeds tend to clump up and it won’t be very pleasant to eat.
4. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. I recommend refrigerating for at least 6 hours for the oats to become soft.
5. In the morning, give it a good stir and top with sliced bananas and chopped walnuts. Bananas and walnuts pair wonderfully with coffee. My husband describes this coffee version as the perfect morning pick-me-up.
6. If you want to warm it up, microwave for 40 -60 seconds.

Tips for Perfect Overnight Oats

• Customize your toppings: Try nuts, seeds, nut butter, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips.
• Adjust sweetness: Add more or less maple syrup to suit your taste.
• Prep in bulk: Prepare several jars at once for a week of effortless breakfasts.
• Experiment with flavors: Swap vanilla for almond extract or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Make it protein-rich : Add a scoop of protein powder to make it a high protein breakfast.

They are a game-changer for busy mornings. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Classic Vanilla or the caffeine kick from the Coffee, these recipes are easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Give them a try and start your day on a healthy note!

Have a favorite overnight oats recipe? Share it in the comments below!

FAQs About Overnight Oats

1.       How long can overnight oats be stored?

 They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For the best texture and flavor, consume them within 2-3 days.

2.       Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

 Instant oats can be used, but the texture may be mushier. Rolled oats are recommended for the best results.

3.       What if I don’t have chia seeds?

You can omit chia seeds or replace them with ground flaxseeds for a similar nutritional boost.

4.       Can I make overnight oats dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice.

5.       Can I warm up overnight oats?

 Yes, simply microwave them for 30-60 seconds or heat them on the stove until warm.