Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (2024)

Overnight oatmeal: it’s a creamy, delicious no cook breakfast that’s super versatile. If you haven’t tried it yet, here’s some inspiration to do so! And if you’re already a fan, here are some easy overnight oats recipes to mix up your current routine.

This is is such an easy and yummy breakfast, especially as the weather gets warmer. Just pop it in the fridge the night before and wake up to cool, refreshing breakfast ready and waiting!

(Also, our microwave just broke yesterday, so I’m glad I have a no-microwave needed variation of my favorite microwave banana oatmealat the ready!)

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (1)

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I think the best thing about overnight oats are that they’re so fast and easy to make.

A couple minutes of prep in the evening will mean breakfast is ready in the morning. Being too busy to make breakfast is no longer an excuse! The less thinking and cooking first thing in the morning, the better, right?!

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (2)

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes

Step One: Make the basic overnight oats recipe.

All you have to do is combine rolled oats (gluten free certified if necessary), ground flax and milk (dairy or nondairy) in a jar and shake. (Or, stir together in a bowl or snapware container.)

For one serving, I’d suggest is 1/2 cup old fashioned oats + 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) of choice + 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed. Feel free to multiply this for extra servings.

Boom, that’s it for the oats base!

As for the milk, you can really use any kind you like! A couple great non-dairy milk alternatives for overnight oats include coconut milk (so creamy and adds a light coconut flavor) or almond milk (like in these almond milk oats with berries).

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (3)

Step Two: Add flavor/sweeteners.

There are lots of ways to switch up the flavor of your oats (in addition to adding toppings).

I love stirring in cocoa powder (chocolate for breakfast = fun), honey, maple syrup, vanilla, and/or cinnamon in my overnight oatmeal. But feel free to get creative with other spices or extracts!

For example, my coconut carrot cake overnight oats uses a combination of cinnamon and ginger to add spice and flavor, but it would also be delicious with a shake of nutmeg, too.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (4)

Step Three: Add healthy fats (and crunch!).

A handful of nuts or seeds and/or a spoonful of any nut butter adds flavor, crunch, and satisfying healthy fats to overnight oatmeal.

Use your favorites! Some of my favorite nuts include almonds, pecans, and walnuts. As for seeds, I love flaxseed, chia seeds, hemp seeds, or sunflower seeds. Pumpkin seeds would be fun in the fall!

The same goes for nut butter: they’re all tasty in their own way! Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter – whatever you have on hand.

A spoonful or two of Greek yogurt is another fabulous addition to overnight oats! It makes them extra creamy and filling, with added protein.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (5)

Step Four: Top your overnight oatmeal with fruit.

Fruit adds sweetness and volume, not to mention fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to overnight oatmeal.

Any fresh or frozen fruit works great. Sliced banana, berries, mango, etc. You can even add shredded veggies, like carrots or zucchini, for a carrot cake or zucchini bread-inspired oats flavor.

I love how frozen fruit defrosts overnight and creates a juicy sauce for your oatmeal in the morning! Fresh fruit is best added in the morning just before you dig in to your oats, so the fruit doesn’t get soggy.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (6)

Storage Tips

How you store your overnight oats depends on how you plan to eat them.

If you’re making oatmeal for your entire family and you plan to eat it at home, you can make your overnight oats in a large mixing bowl, then cover with saran wrap or a re-usable bowl cover and place it in the fridge. Just multiply the recipe for the correct amount of servings!

If you’re planning to eat your oatmeal on the go, it’s best to store the oats in individual containers like a mason jar (Amazon affiliate link) or re-purposed jam jar.

Glass or plastic snapware containers work just fine, too.

Overnight oats should last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, so they’re great for meal prep! They will soften over time, so oats that have been in the fridge longer may be slightly mushier. I prefer to eat mine within 2-3 days for that reason, but you do you!

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (7)

What are the best type of oats to use?

I recommend using old-fashioned oats (also known as rolled oats), as they soak up just the right amount of liquid and have the perfect texture for overnight oats. Quick oats and steel-cut oats won’t have the same texture.

How to Make Overnight Oats Dairy Free

To make these oats dairy free, you have to do is swap out the milk for a non-dairy milk variety, such as almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Coconut milk would be absolutely delicious, too, adding a bit of extra thickness and a hint of coconut flavor. Yum!

I highly recommend trying these carrot cake overnight oats with coconut milk. So tasty!

How to Make Overnight Oats Vegan

Just swap out the milk for a plant-based milk (mentioned above) and be sure to use maple syrup as a sweetener instead of honey.

Next, there are lots of ways to spruce up basic overnight oats. They’re fun because you can get really creative with the toppings. The combinations are endless, but here are six of my favorite easy overnight oatmeal recipes!

Recipe Variations

Let me know which of these flavor combinations you enjoy most – or which different winning combinations you come up with yourself! I’d love to try them. 🙂

Almond Milk Overnight Oats with Berries

Replace dairy milk with almond milk (if desired). Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon honey to the base. Top with fresh or frozen mixed berries and sliced almonds.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (8)

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Overnight Oats:

Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon honey to base.

Top with peanuts, banana, and chocolate chips. 🙂

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (9)

Tropical Mango Overnight Oats:

Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to base.

Top with banana, mango, kiwi, and toasted coconut.

Cherry Chocolate Almond Overnight Oats:

Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to base.

Top with frozen dark cherries, sliced almonds, and chocolate chips.

Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats:

Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to base.

Top with fresh or frozen strawberries and chocolate chips.

Banana Bread Overnight Oats:

Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to base.

Top with bananas and pecans.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (13)

I hope you enjoyed these easy overnight oatmeal recipes!

Have you ever tried overnight oatmeal? What are your favorite flavorings and toppings?

If you liked this, check out more of my easy make-ahead breakfast recipes:

  • Gluten Free Hard Boiled Egg and Cheddar Muffins
  • Simple Baked Oatmeal
  • Scrambled Egg Muffins

Easy Overnight Oats (+ Flavor Ideas!)

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (14)

February 11, 2019 by Anne

A basic overnight oats recipe, plus 6 flavor variations with toppings and mix-in ideas to add to this base!

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time5 minutes

Yield

1 serving

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Ingredients:

Basic Overnight Oats

  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (certified GF if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon ground flax
  • 3/4 cup milk (dairy or nondairy)

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

  • Base overnight oats ingredients AND:
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 banana, sliced
  • 2-3 Tbsp chopped pecans
  • **see Notes for more flavor ideas

Instructions:

  1. Combine oats, flax, and milk (plus any desired spices or sweeteners) in a one-pint jar (or bowl). Add desired base flavorings, screw on the lid, and shake.
  2. Top with desired healthy fat additions and fruit toppings (if frozen). Put the lid back on or cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 3-4 hours).
  3. When ready to serve, add additional toppings and/or fresh fruit. Enjoy!

Notes:

More flavor ideas:

  • Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Oats
  • Berry Almond Milk Overnight Oats
  • Tropical Mango Overnight Oats
  • Cherry Chocolate Almond Oats
  • Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats
  • Coconut Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Tasty Flavors!) | fANNEtastic food (2024)

FAQs

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

What is the trick to overnight oats? ›

Tips & Tricks For Making Delicious Overnight Oats
  1. Start with the Oats. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. ...
  2. Add Seeds, Nuts or Fruit. ...
  3. Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats. ...
  4. Stir In Spice & Sweetener. ...
  5. Refrigerate Overnight.

What makes overnight oats taste good? ›

Just like with regular stove top oats, there are some classic add-ins like vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, maple syrup (or honey) and a pinch of sea salt that really elevate the flavor and make overnight oats super tasty.

What makes overnight oats unhealthy? ›

Overnight oats can be a healthy option if made with nutritious ingredients. They are a good source of fiber and protein, and can be made with a variety of healthy ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and seeds. However, if they are made with added sugars or unhealthy ingredients, they can be unhealthy.

Why shouldn't you put overnight oats in the fridge? ›

If you soak your oats overnight at room temperature (do not put them in the fridge!) between 7-15hrs it allows the natural enzymes and other helpful organisms to begin fermenting the grain and this will neutralise a large portion of the phytic acid.

What is the best liquid for overnight oats? ›

Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture. Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.

Why add yogurt to overnight oats? ›

Yogurt: Greek yogurt lends richness, flavor, and lots of protein to help you take on the day.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

How do you thicken overnight oats? ›

Chia seeds.

These absorb liquid and help thicken the overnight oats. Chia seeds are also a source of healthy fats and high in fibre, with 5g of fibre per tablespoon. Nutritionally, both black and white chia seeds are the same, so either option works.

Do you eat overnight oats cold or warm? ›

Though typically served cold, overnight oats can be eaten warm if you wish. But it is usually eaten cold; that's why it's a grab-and-go breakfast. If you prefer warm oats in the morning, just place them in the microwave for a minute.

Why is my overnight oats slimy? ›

It's normal if your overnight oats are slightly slimy. Oats become “slimy” when they sit overnight because the starches in the oats release liquid over time. To avoid unappetizing, slimy oatmeal, stick to the 1:1 ratio.

How long must overnight oats soak? ›

That soaking process allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften them enough to eat uncooked. You only need to let the oats soak and rest in the fridge for 2 hours. But, it's ideal if you soak it overnight…hence the name overnight oats!

What's the difference between old fashioned and overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are prepared by soaking oats in liquid and flavorings overnight, resulting in a soft, creamy texture, while regular oatmeal is cooked oats with a thicker, traditional porridge-like consistency. The main differences are in preparation method, texture, and convenience.

Are overnight oats a healthy option? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Can you mess up overnight oats? ›

Another mistake people make is not adding enough liquid to their overnight oats. If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat.

Can you make overnight oats wrong? ›

Using the wrong oat-to-milk ratio: If you don't add enough milk, some of the oats will soak up all of the liquid before the rest of the oats can absorb any, creating an uneven texture. Some oats will be very soft while others might still be chewy.

Can overnight oats be bad? ›

Overnight oats are not fattening, but if the ingredients you mix into them are high in fat, yes, they may cause you to gain weight. So, it is important to choose the things you put into your overnight oats. There are tips already mentioned in this blog about what to put into your overnight oats.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats have a low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels compared to refined carbohydrates. This slow release of glucose into the bloodstream helps prevent spikes in blood sugar, promoting stable glycemic control.

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