How to Make Overnight Oats (Base Recipe with Flavor Ideas!)

These easy Overnight Oats are a simple, nutritious, and time-saving breakfast option that can be prepared the night before and enjoyed in the morning with minimal work! 

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This basic overnight oats recipe is highly customizable.  Mix in your favorite fruits, nuts, protein powder, seeds, or sweeteners to please your palate. Perfect for busy mornings, overnight oats offer a delicious, grab-and-go meal packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients to kick-start your day!

While overnight oats are typically enjoyed straight out of the fridge, you can certainly warm this up in the microwave for a few minutes if you prefer.

The Players for Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• Old-Fashioned Oats – You’ll need plain old-fashioned rolled oats for this easy base recipe. If you’re interested in trying other types of oats, scroll down to the bottom for my recommendations. 
• Chia Seeds – Chia seeds are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making them not only a nutritious option, but it makes the oats more filling and nutritious. 
• Flaxseed – Adding flax seeds to our oats provides plant-based protein and additional fiber.  It’s best to use ground flaxseeds (milled flaxseeds) rather than whole flaxseeds, as the ground version is easier for the body to digest and absorb. 
• Vanilla – A splash of vanilla extract provides a slight warmth and sweetness to this easy overnight oats recipe.
• Cinnamon – Adds a warm, aromatic sweetness and is rich in antioxidants.
• Milk – Some liquid is needed to soak the oats in. Use your favorite milk of choice such as oat milk, vanilla or unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or low-fat milk.
• Optional: Protein Powder – For additional protein, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make Overnight Protein Oats!  You’ll need to add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk to help maintain the creamy texture of your overnight oats.

Tools:

• Containers – To make a batch of oats, you’ll need mason jars, jelly jars, small bowls, or single-serve yogurt jars.  I love using these 8-ounce Mason Jars to make these best overnight oats.  I also have my eye on these gorgeous Glass Mug Sets with Bamboo Lids!

How to make Overnight Oats

In a mason jar, pour in your oats, chia seeds, flaxseed, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.  Pour in your milk and mix well with a spoon.  Place the lid on top and place it in the fridge overnight for at least 8 hours.

In the morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy the oats cold or warmed up in the microwave, if you prefer.

Storage Instructions for Overnight Oats

Overnight oats typically last up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.  The longer they sit, the mushier they become, which is why I recommend eating them within this time frame.  

For best results, add your toppings right before eating the overnight oats to keep them crisp and fresh.

Are Overnight Oats Better than Regular Cooked Oats?

While this is a personal preference, overnight oats might be a better choice than cooked oatmeal for a few reasons:

• Nutrient-Dense: Since no heat is being used, overnight oats may retain more nutrients, like vitamin B and antioxidants.
• Digestion Benefits: Soaking the oats overnight helps to break down starches and reduce phytic acid, making it easier for the body to digest.
• No Cooking: No stove or microwave is required for overnight oats. Just mix the ingredients, refrigerate, and they’re ready to go!
• Convenient for Meal Prep: You can prepare several servings of oats at once, making it perfect for meal prep for the week!
• Refreshing and Cold: Unlike warm oatmeal, these oats are eaten cold, making them a lovely option, especially in warmer weather.  But if you prefer warm oats, you can always heat the cold oatmeal in the microwave for a few minutes in the container you prepped them in, as long as it’s microwave-safe.

Can You Use Different Types of Oats?

You can definitely use different types of oats!  Each type of oat offers a slightly different texture and flavor and may require more or less soaking time:

1. Steel Cut Oats – Steel-cut oats offer slightly more protein and fiber than regular oats, so they might keep you fuller longer. They texture will be hearty and chewy. These types of oats require longer soaking at 10-12 hours. You might even consider using steel cut oats for meal prep for the end of the week, as they will need more time to absorb the milk.
2. Quick Oats – This is a good option if you forgot to prep your oats the night before, but still have some time to wait before eating.  Quick-cooking oats require 4 hours or less of soaking, but may lack the chewiness that you would find in regular rolled oats.  
3. Instant Oats – While not particularly recommended for overnight oats due the extremely soft, almost pudding-like texture, you can instant oats in a pinch.  Instant oats require 2 hours or less of soaking. 

Delicious Topping Options

The best part about making overnight oats, is the endless topping ideas!  Here are some popular favorites:

• Maple syrup
• Peanut butter
• Pumpkin seeds
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh fruit like fresh berries
• Hemp seeds
• Coconut milk
• Dark chocolate chips
• Cocoa powder
• Brown sugar
• Sunflower seeds
• Non-dairy yogurt

Overnight Oat Flavor Combinations

Needing some overnight oats inspo? Here are a variety of flavor combinations for both kids and adults:

Sweet and Kid-Friendly Flavors:

1. Peanut Butter & Jelly
   • Oats + milk + peanut butter + a swirl of strawberry preserves + fresh strawberries.
2. Chocolate Banana
   • Oats + milk + mashed banana + cocoa powder + a dash of maple syrup, honey or chocolate syrup.
3. Apple Pie
   • Oats + milk + chopped apple + cinnamon + a drizzle of honey + chopped walnuts or pecans.
4. Berry Bowl
   • Oats + yogurt + mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) + a touch of vanilla extract + honey or fruit preserves.
5. Cinnamon Roll
   • Oats + milk + cinnamon + a little vanilla extract + a swirl of cream cheese + sweetened with honey + chopped pecans.

Healthier and Adult-Friendly Flavors:

1. Blueberry Almond
   • Oats + almond milk + almond butter + fresh or frozen blueberries + maple syrup.
2. Dark Chocolate Mocha 
   • Oats + almond milk + a teaspoon of instant coffee or cooled espresso + dark cocoa powder + a drizzle of honey.
3. Maple & Pecan
   • Oats + milk + chopped pecans + a drizzle of pure maple syrup + ground cinnamon.
4. Tropical Oats
   • Oats + coconut milk + chia seeds + fresh or frozen mango chunks or pineapple chunks + a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
5. Pumpkin Pie
   • Oats + almond milk + 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree + 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice + pumpkin seeds + vanilla extract + maple syrup.

Pin it for Later!

If you end up trying these easy Overnight Oats, leave me a comment with you favorite flavor combination!  I’d love to chat with you.

Looking for other breakfast recipe ideas?  Check these out next!

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• Healthy One Bowl Dark Chocolate Chip Muffins
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• Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf Recipe
• Homemade Mini Pop Tart Bites
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