How to Make Overnight Oats + 5 Easy Recipes

Overnight oats have become a breakfast staple for many, offering a convenient, nutritious, and customizable meal that can be prepared ahead of time. By soaking oats overnight, they absorb the liquid and flavors of added ingredients, resulting in a creamy and satisfying dish ready to enjoy in the morning.

Common Ingredients in Overnight Oats

The beauty of overnight oats lies in their versatility. While recipes can vary, common base ingredients include:

• Rolled oats: Provide a hearty texture and are rich in fiber.
• Milk or milk alternatives: Oat milk, almond milk, or dairy milk softens the oats.
• Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a protein boost.
• Chia seeds: Adds nutrition and helps thicken the mixture.
• Sweeteners: Try honey or maple syrup for added flavor.
• Fruits and nuts: For texture, flavor, and additional nutrients.

How to Make Overnight Oats

Preparing overnight oats is straightforward:

1. Combine Base Ingredients: In a jar or airtight container, mix rolled oats with your choice of milk, yogurt, and chia seeds.
2. Add Sweeteners and Flavorings: Incorporate honey, maple syrup, or spices like cinnamon to taste.
3. Include Fruits and Nuts: Add fresh or dried fruits, nuts, or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
4. Refrigerate: Seal the container and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to allow the oats to absorb the liquid.
5. Serve: In the morning, stir the oats, add any desired toppings, and enjoy cold or warmed up.

5 Easy Recipes for Overnight Oats

No matter your taste or preferences, we have a recipe that’s perfect for you.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

A classic combination that brings the comforting flavors of apple pie to your breakfast bowl.

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
¾ cup almond milk, or milk of choice
1 pouch (or 3 oz) apple sauce
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt, or yogurt of choice
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Honey or maple syrup
Optional toppings: Yogurt, sliced banana, chopped almonds

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk to fully combine. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. In the morning, add optional toppings (if using) before serving.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

For those who crave a rich and indulgent breakfast, this recipe combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter.

Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats
⅓ cup oat milk
⅓ cup vanilla coconut yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon cacao powder
Toppings: Chopped peanuts, toasted coconut chips, sliced strawberries

Instructions

In a mason jar or airtight container, combine oats, oat milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey, peanut butter, and cacao powder. Stir well to combine and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, add desired toppings. 

Tropical Overnight Oats

Bring a taste of the tropics to your morning with this fruity and refreshing recipe.

Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats
⅓ cup oat milk
⅓ cup vanilla coconut yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1 mashed banana
¼ cup chopped mango
¼ cup chopped pineapple
2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut
Toppings: Berry granola, fresh raspberries

Instructions

In a container, mix oats, oat milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey, banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut. Stir well to combine and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, add desired toppings. 

Chai Granola Overnight Oats

This spiced version offers the warm flavors of chai tea in a hearty breakfast.

Ingredients

½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
⅓ cup dairy or non-dairy milk
⅓ cup vanilla coconut yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

Combine oats, oat milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey, applesauce, and spices in a jar. Stir well to combine and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, add desired toppings. 

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Experience the flavors of a classic dessert in a nutritious breakfast form.

Ingredients

2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 apple, grated, divided
2 heaping tablespoons chopped pecans, plus more to garnish
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more to sprinkle
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

The night before, mix the oats with the apple juice. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to soak overnight, or for at least one hour.

Right before serving, unwrap bowl of oats and stir in the rest of the ingredients, reserving some apple to garnish. Divide between bowls and garnish with grated apple, pecans, cinnamon, and honey, if desired.