Overnight Oats Recipe - Lauren's latest recipe

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This Overnight Oats Recipe is the easiest breakfast recipe known to mankind. Only four ingredients needed, no cooking required! Serve warm or cold and adjust as you like.

I’m always looking for a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast on those busy weekday mornings before I send my kids to school and this recipe hits the spot for me. I make my base recipe in a large bowl the night before and let my kids choose their toppings in the morning. It’s the perfect, nutritious meal that adapts easily from day to day. Serve with delicious bacon or egg muffins for a balanced, extra filling breakfast.

individual glasses of overnight oats on tray

But first, what are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are made from rolled oats, liquid, and other ingredients that are mixed together and soaked in the refrigerator overnight. The oatmeal will soften and absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamy, mushy consistency. Typically served cold or at room temperature, overnight oats can be topped with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds. They’re a convenient and easy-to-prepare breakfast option that can be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed on busy mornings.

Many people prefer the simplicity of this recipe and the taste and texture of the soaked, uncooked oats over cooked oats.

What kind of oats can I use?

The best oatmeal is simply the oatmeal Old-fashioned oats. Old-fashioned oats soak up liquid without getting too mushy. Quick oats get too mushy when soaked in milk. Steel cut oats often do not soften enough.

How much does this recipe make?

This recipe makes four servings, which I stir together in a large bowl and refrigerate overnight. Many overnight oats recipes call for the use of small mason jars. While I don’t think this is strictly necessary, it certainly makes for a cuter presentation. I find this 8 oz. Glass baby food jars ensure the perfect portion.

How to make overnight oats

You will die for how easy this recipe is to make. All you need is a bowl to mix and 5 minutes (or less!) of work time. For full recipe details see the printable recipe card below. Here’s what you can expect when preparing this recipe:

Measure oatmeal

Measure oatmeal into a large bowl.

Stir in remaining ingredients

stir in milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch Salt (Optional). Make sure the oats are well submerged in the milk.

Refrigerate 6+ hours

cover and Store in the fridge for 6+ hours to overnight.

individual bowls of overnight oats on tray

Add toppings + serve

Remove from fridge, portion, add optional toppings.

How to serve overnight oats

The beauty of overnight oats is that they come across as warm or cold. To serve it cold just spoon something into a bowl or a glass, garnish with fruit, nuts or seeds, and Serve.

Serve warmjust spoon some into a bowl and Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute or until hot. Top with any toppings and serve.

My favorite ingredients

Here are some of them our favorite ingredients we love adding to any overnight oats concoction. The combinations are endless!

raspberries
blueberries
sliced strawberries
sliced bananas
coconut flakes
Apple cubes and cinnamon
extra maple syrup or honey
an extra splash of milk
chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, or cashews
Chia seeds, pepitas or flaxseeds
shredded carrots and pineapple pieces
nut butter

variations

Man oh man, there are a thousand ways to make overnight oats! A few different options are listed here, but almost anything you can think of would work here!

milk: If you don’t want to use cow’s milk, an unsweetened almond, soy, or coconut milk would work just as well!
Fruit: Add some fresh or frozen fruit to the classic oat mix for a flavor boost. Berries, apples, and bananas are good options.
nuts and seeds: Try adding walnuts, almonds, pecans, pepitas, flaxseeds, or chia seeds for textural variation.
sweetener: I used real maple syrup for my easy overnight oats recipe, but feel free to reduce the amount or substitute honey, agave, sugar, brown sugar, or an artificial sweetener if you prefer. Always add to taste.
Spices: I use cinnamon because it’s a classic oatmeal add-in, but try mixing it with nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom. Try peeling a lemon or orange for a light flavor.
nut butter: Stir in a little peanut, cashew, or almond butter to add a protein-packed twist and a creamy bite. My favorite is Peanut Butter Banana!
Chocolate: Mix in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a decadent, chocolaty treat.
Protein: Boost the protein content of your oats by stirring in some protein powder or adding a scoop of Greek yogurt.
Savory: Oats don’t have to be sweet! Try making savory oats by mixing in some savory ingredients like cooked veggies, cheese, and herbs.
Carrot cake: Add classic carrot cake ingredients like shredded carrots, crushed pineapple and pecan chunks.
Oats without oats: For a grain-free version, try using oats made from other grains like quinoa or oats made from seeds like chia and flax.

How long do overnight oats last?

As long as it stays chilled, I like it at least 4 days. The oatmeal tends to lose more texture the longer it sits in the milk. If that doesn’t bother you they can last longer than 4 days, but I’ve found we like them best 4 days or sooner.

Overnight Oat flavors to try

Not very creative? Don’t worry, here are some delicious flavor combinations to try:

carrot cake: Stir in 1/2 cup finely grated carrot, 1/4 cup drained and chopped pineapple, and 2 tablespoons walnuts or pecans into your mixture before letting sit overnight.
Peanut Butter Banana: Stir 1/4 cup natural peanut butter into the oat mixture overnight and let sit overnight. Top with lots of fresh banana.
lemon blueberry: Add 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest and 1 cup fresh blueberries to the overnight oat mixture before refrigerating.
coconut cream: Make your overnight oats with coconut milk and stir in 1/2 cup grated coconut before refrigerating. Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and extra toasted coconut.
blueberry and vanilla: Mix together the oatmeal, milk, vanilla extract, and a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries.
chocolate and peanut butter: Mix together the oatmeal, milk, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
strawberry and cream: Mix together the rolled oats, milk, vanilla extract and diced strawberries.
banana and cinnamon: Whisk together the oats, milk, mashed bananas and a pinch of cinnamon.
apple and caramel: Mix together the rolled oats, milk, diced apples and a dash of caramel sauce.
coconut and mango: Mix together oatmeal, coconut milk, diced mango and a pinch of grated coconut.
lemon and poppy: Mix together the rolled oats, milk, lemon zest and a pinch of poppy seeds.

Scoop the overnight oats out of the glass

Love this breakfast idea? Here are some others you will love:

There you have it folks, pretty much everything you need to know about how to make overnight oats! The printable recipe card is below. Have fun friends!

Overnight Oats (easiest basic recipe)

This recipe for overnight oats is the easiest breakfast recipe known to man. Four ingredients needed, no cooking required! Serve warm or cold and adjust as you like.

instructions

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir well. Make sure the oats are well submerged.
Cover and refrigerate 6 hours to overnight. Divide into portions, top as desired and serve.

nutrition

Keyword: basic breakfast, no bake, oatmeal, overnight oats

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