Easy Overnight Oats
634 Comments
Jul 09, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Learn how to make the perfect batch of overnight oats! It’s one of the easiest, no-cook breakfast options that will leave you with healthy grab-and-go breakfasts to enjoy throughout the week. Bonus – it’s endlessly customizable!
Why You’ll have These Overnight On REpeat
If you love healthy breakfast ideas but don’t want to do a whole lot of work in the morning, overnight oats were made for you. Honestly, it’s as easy as stirring together a couple of ingredients in a jar, placing it in the fridge, and enjoying the next morning. That’s it! There’s no cooking, baking, and you don’t even get any extra dishes dirty. It’s a total winner all around. Here’s a few more reasons why I love them:
- There are endless options: you can make them as simple or creative as you’d like! The base recipe is delicious and filling all on its own. But if you’d like to spruce it up, you can add a variety of toppings and mix-ins, including fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, spices, and jams.
- They’re great cold or warm: In the summer I enjoy this chilled breakfast straight from the fridge (perfect on a hot summer day). And in the winter I can warm the glass jar in the microwave for 30 seconds for a cozy breakfast.
- They’re a meal prep winner: Sure, you can prep one jar of overnight oats. But you can just as easily prep jars for the entire week. In less than 5 minutes! And who doesn’t love a ready-made breakfast?
Overnight Oats Ingredients
While technically you only need rolled oats and milk to make overnight oats, I always add chia seeds, yogurt, and a smidge of maple syrup in my base recipe. That’s what makes them ultra creamy and tasty!
- Rolled oats: Make sure to use old fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. And remember to look for certified gluten-free oats if you’re gluten-sensitive or celiac.
- Milk: You can use dairy or dairy-free milk (like almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk), and yes, even water works. It just depends how creamy you’d like it.
- Yogurt: A simple Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt provides extra creaminess, protein, and that perfect touch of tangy flavor.
- Chia Seeds: These magical little seeds will gel up in the oats to make it creamy and thick. Plus, they’re loaded with health benefits and give a nutrient boost.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey blend in beautifully. You can always add as little or as much as you’d like.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
Oatmeal versus Overnight Oats
A warm bowl of oatmeal is pretty high up on the list when it comes to healthy breakfast options. But if you have a sensitive gut (as I do), you may prefer overnight oats.
Soaking your oats overnight helps to break down the starches and reduce phytic acid. That means it’s easier to digest the oats and absorb their nutrients more efficiently.
How To Make Overnight Oats (Single Serving)
- Stir it all together. In a small jar, stir together the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup.
- Let it soak. Place the jar in the fridge to let the oats soak for at least two hours, though overnight is best.
- Add toppings and serve. The next morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy! Alternatively, you can scoop the oats out into a bowl and add toppings from there.
How To Make Overnight Oats (Large BAtch)
- Make as much as you want. Just double, triple or quadruple the recipe listed below. It’s as easy as that!
- Stir everything together. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup.
- Cover and soak. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it soak overnight in the fridge.
- Serve individually. Scoop out a portion (about 1 cup) from the bowl into a serving glass or bowl. Then add your favorite toppings!
Ways To Make Overnight Oats Exciting
Now here comes the fun part – toppings and mix-ins! Creativity is the name of the game here. So whatever your heart desires, go for it. But if you need some inspiration, here’s some of my favorite flavor combinations!
- Fresh fruit: Make the most of seasonal fruits, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, bananas, peaches, pears, and apples. You can also blend them into a puree or make a chia seed jam and stir it in.
- Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, goji berries, and chopped dates lend a chewy texture and fruity flavors.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sliced almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, and toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunchy texture.
- Extra Flavor: Sprinkle on coconut flakes or cacao nibs. They’ll taste amazing with banana, strawberry, or tropical flavors.
- Spices: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, or ginger to spice things up a bit!
- Yogurt: Mix in any type of yogurt for extra creaminess. Plus, it’ll add extra protein and a probiotic boost.
- Nut Butter: Choose your favorite nut butter (I always love almond butter), and stir it in or drizzle it on top. It too will provide a protein boost.
- Protein Powder: Still want an even bigger protein boost? Feel free to add protein powder or collagen powder.
Jar Recommendations
While many photos show overnight oats filled to the brim with toppings overflowing, that’s just not realistic in terms of mixing. You want a jar that’s large enough to stir everything together without making a mess. So with that in mind, I recommend a 16-ounce jar if you plan to add toppings. And a 12-ounce jar works for the base recipe with a small amount of mix-ins.
- Mason Jars: Traditional mason jars are perfect for overnights oats. The pint-sized jars are 16-ounces, and the screw top lid is secure and super easy. You can also get 16-ounce wide mouth jars if you prefer.
- Weck Jars: While I normally love Weck Jars for so many things (like chia pudding), if you plan to “grab and go” with your overnight oats, you might lose the clips. But if you’re careful, the 1/4 liter mold jar is the perfect size for the base recipe at 12.5-ounces.
How To Store and Meal Prep
- To Store: Overnight oats will stay good for up to four days in the fridge. If you have fruit toppings or fruit mix-ins, I recommend no more than three days, as the fruit is likely to go bad first.
- For Freezing: Yes, you can freeze overnight oats! Similar to my meal prep chia pudding, overnight oats will stay good for up to three months in the freezer.
Common Questions
Yes, you can. But just be aware that the texture will end up more mushy, like porridge.
No, you don’t have to. But I find that yogurt gives a wonderfully rich and creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, you can always use dairy-free milk and dairy-free yogurt.
Absolutely! Overnight oats don’t have to be eaten cold. Just warm them up on the stovetop in a small pot or in the microwave for a minute or two the next morning.
Of course! As I always say… any food can be eaten any time of any day. So feel free to enjoy overnights oats for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
More Easy, Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas
- Breakfast Casserole: Just slice and freeze for easy reheating.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Did you know you can also freeze chia pudding?
- Breakfast Egg Muffins: These breakfast bites are customizable and can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
- Sweet Potato Toast: Prep slices for the week for a veggie-heavy breakfast! It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Paleo Pancakes: When you’re craving good ol’ pancakes, these ones store well in the fridge and freezer.
If you make these overnight oats, I’d love to know how they turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Easy Overnight Oats (6 Amazing Flavors)
Description
Video
Ingredients
Basic Overnight Oats
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (dairy or dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Banana Bread Overnight Oats
- ½ banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoon chopped walnuts
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of ground flaxseed
Spiced Pear Overnight Oats
- ½ pear, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
PB&J Overnight Oats
- 2 tablespoon raspberry jam or puree
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 teaspoon chopped pistachios
Pina Colada Overnight Oats
- ¼ cup small diced pineapple
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- *note: use coconut milk in the base recipe
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Strawberry Protein Overnight Oats
- ¼ cup small diced strawberry
- 1 scoop protein powder or collagen powder
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a sealable jar or bowl and give it a stir until combined.
- Let it soak in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but it's best to soak overnight for 8 hours. This will yield a creamier consistency.
- Top your overnight oats with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Lisa’s Tips
- If you make a large batch in a bowl, once it’s set and thickened overnight scoop out about 1 cup for a single serving.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted January 2021, but updated to include new information and photos for your benefit!
Love the simplicity of this recipe! The variety of flavors makes it easy to enjoy daily! I have started to share them with everyone! Thank you this stellar recipe! One question, how much cream cheese in place of protein powder would you recommend?
Hi Mary – I haven’t tried adding cream cheese into the mix, but I think about 1 tablespoon should be plenty.
I have made these time and time again and I can not go to another recipe. The overnight oats turn our amazing! I don’t always have milk in the house, so I was wondering if I was able to use water instead?
Hi Riley – You can use water, but it won’t be as creamy.
Absolutely love this recipe! I’ve been using this overnight oat recipe (the base) for ages now, and it’s always absolutely delicious. I usually add a serving of fruit if I can, frozen blueberries is my favourite. Incredibly filling as well.
Hi Lila – I’m glad you love this overnight oats recipe!
Do you use the basic recipe and then add the other ingredients for the banana one for example?
Hi Marjorie – You will add the ingredients into the base, and then top it off with extra slices of banana before enjoying :)
I hate yogurt. Can I just leave it out?
You can omit the yogurt if you’d like!
Made the strawberry overnight oats After 6 hours in fridge it did not firm up, was mushy. I will see what it is like in morning. However, I tased it and it is Delicious
Hi Marge – Overnight oats are meant to be a bit mushy overall. But let us know how it turned out overnight!
I appreciate the base recipe very much! I have made so many different recipes with overnight oats. To me, it’s a way of sneaking in some of those veggie and fruit servings for the day. It’s almost like a dessert instead of breakfast. No need to put sweetener in them usually for me and I use low fat yogurt because of a little plaque build up I have. I’d say my favorite is the Pumpkin Spice recipe. One I would like to try is with avocado and organic Dutch cocoa powder ( like the chocolate pudding recipes). Maybe you’ll try and do a video on it? I have your cookbook front and center on my desk in the kitchen for all to see! Can’t wait for another cookbook from you. Thank you for all you do Lisa to make eating healthy, delicious and a whole lot easier ! XOXOXO
Hi Kathleen – I definitely want to experiment with more flavors in the future, so stay tuned!
I can’t wait to try the overnight oats recipes, but I wonder if I need to cook the oats first. Please advise.
Hi Dru – There is no need to cook the oats!
So you eat these cold?
Hi Wanda – Yes, these are meant to be eaten cold.
This recipe is my FAVE! I almost always make the strawberry protein one. This is perfect for my kids to eat quickly before school or even take on the go for work or errands. I’ve made this recipe with almond, oat and cow milk- all worked beautifully!
There really are so many ways you can tweak the base recipe. Happy you love all the ways!
First time making these! Did the PB & J oats. So delicious and SO easy! Perfect for our road trip breakfast. Excited to add this to my rotation of breakfasts and try some other variations too.
Happy you loved the PB&J version, Emily! That’s one of my favorites as well.
I thought I would hate this dish because cold oats and the soggy-looking texture grossed me out. However, I’ve made this recipe so many times and it is my absolute go-to! I love the consistency of the oats- not too runny, but not too chunky either. The wide variety of mix-ins and flavors makes it a breakfast I love to have all year. My favorite is adding pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice for fall-flavored oats!
Thank you Lisa!!
I’m so glad you took a chance on this and loved this overnight oats recipe!
Hi Lisa I was told to look for Overnight Oats recipes. I will go get the ingredients but will change to Sugar-Free ingredients. I’m Diabetic. Breakfast was very difficult for me. So excited to try the oats. Thanks Lillie M😊
Hi Lilian – I hope you enjoy these delicious overnight oats!
How much pumpkin and spice did you use? I’d love to try that flavor!
I am very picky about my oatmeal and had low expectations about these overnight oats. BUT they are soooo good and the texture is perfect! I did not have any yogurt on hand but that did not seem to matter. This is a quick, easy breakfast (and snack)!
Yay! I’m glad you’re loving these overnight oats, Katherine.
Hi Lisa,
We have made these overnight oats numerous times. We especially like the gogi berries & chia seeds. We also use unsweetened coconut milk.
It is so easy to put together, right after dinner, we prepare them and send them to the refrigerator.
Love it ,Love it, Love it!
If you haven’t tried it, please do so.
Hi Linda – I’m so happy to hear you love these overnight oats!
Recipe was good but when I warmed it up in the microwave, the texture and flavor changed. It wasn’t as good as the cold one. I only microwaved for 90 seconds. Tastes a lot better when it is cool even if I prefer warm oatmeal.
Typically, overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold!
Would have bet money I wouldn’t like this. Cold oatmeal? Made it primarily for my husband. Added cinnamon, cocoa powder, chia seeds and slivered almonds. Cut the recipe from 1/2 to 1/3. Well! Hubby will be lucky if I share. Thanks for all the recipes. Love love!
Haha, funny how that works out. ;) So glad you both love the overnight oats!
I just made it and used less maple syrup (actually, papaya syrup since I am from Chile and maple syrup is less common) because our greek yogurt was sweetened. However, I was wrong!! It really needs more sweetness! Overall, I really enjoyed it with my husband, specially the texture and how filling it turns out to be. I love your recipes, Lisa! I have been watching your videos for years and there are so many recipes I make that some of them have become part of the family recipe book (like your falafels, turkey meatballs, butter chicken, etc.). Love the aestethic, your easy step by step instrucctions and your beautiful kitchen, utensils, everything!
Cheers from Chile!
Thanks so much, Maria! I’m thrilled you loved these overnight oats and you enjoy my other recipes as well. Hugs to you in Chile!
Happy to hear you enjoyed this overnight oats recipe, Maria!
I’m new to eating this way and really like the peanut butter over night oats.
Those are always a favorite!
So excited to make these, they sound delicious!! Do you add in all the extras from the different recipes before you let them soak overnight, or would you make the base first, then add the fun stuff before you indulge?
You can do either way!
Hi can you use almond milk? Also can you use almond milk in place of yogurt?
Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk! As for yogurt, you can use a bit more milk as well. But, you might have to play around with the ratio a bit so it’s not overly watery.
Love love love! Incredibly helpful instructional video and great ideas for variety. Just made the banana bread and really looking forward to trying it!
Thanks for leaving a review and glad the video is helpful for this overnight oats recipe!
I don’t like Chia seeds so if I omit them from the recipe should I make a measurement adjustment to any of the other ingredients? Thanks, they sound delicious and I look to trying them.
You can just keep the recipe as is. But if you find that it’s a bit liquidy, you can reduce the milk or yogurt a bit next time.
Unbelievably delicious
Thanks so much, Leslie!
Turned out perfect and yogurt really added great flavor and thickness. I tried with with different fruit and it was delish!
The yogurt is great for making these overnight oats extra creamy!
Question: What’s the shelf life of this once it’s made?
The base recipe will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. If you have fruit mixed in, it will keep for up to 3 days.
I’m addicted to this pudding, I eat it as a midday snack, it’s delicious and satisfying. A good foundation recipe to build upon, I alternate between using organic almond milk and organic soy milk and; I sometimes add espresso powder and/or cacao powder to give it a different flavor. I always add crushed mixed nuts just before serving.
There’s so much room for creativity when it comes to overnight oats!
What kind of greek yogurt do you use? Plain? I have everything but the greek yogurt. I only have strawberry flavored greek yogurt. I’m trying to avoid going to the store if possible I can use what I have on hand.
I normally use plain Greek yogurt, but any kind will work.
Fage is a really great and tasting greek yogurt
can you add frozen fruit in the prep for overnight?
Yep! You can just add the frozen fruit on top.
Where has this been all my life? Lisa, this is outstanding… so good. Will try all your great combo ideas and create a few of my own. The orange creamsicle is delicious. ❤️ Thank you!
The orange creamsicle is one of my personal favorites as well. :) So happy you loved the overnight oats, Linda!
Hi, can you add the top layer of fruit before it sets to leave over night so it’s ready to go first thing? Making some for myself and Mom in law, don’t want to be chopping fruit etc at 5am
Yes, no problem!
I made overnight oats for the first time with almonds and raspberries… how delicious…
this is one way I can eat breakfast which is good for you! thank you for sharing, was so easy to make and tasty!!
I’m happy you found an overnight oats flavor combination you love!
This is one of my go-to weekday breakfasts and the only way I will eat oatmeal. Many times, I re-use the peanut butter jar when it is almost finished (with any leftovers) to make overnight oats in it. It uses up even the last dollop and it tastes amazing! I always use honey, cinnamon, some fruits and nuts and it is very satisfying.
Great idea on re-using your jar of nut butter to make this!
I love this idea! I’m going to start doing this. Thank you for sharing!
Delicious – I made apple cinnamon overnight oats with about 1 cup of grated apple and a tablespoon of cinnamon. They were great and quick to pull together on a Sunday night for the busy week ahead!
Yum – love that combination!
Made the carrot cake overnight soaked oats, but substituted cashew yogurt for Greek yogurt due to lactose intolerance. It was sooooo delicious. I highly recommend!
Glad this worked out great with cashew yogurt instead!
Can this be served warm? As the weather is getting colder, I’m looking for a warm, easy breakfast for my kids.
Yes, it sure can! I have some tips on how to do that mentioned in the post above.
Can sugar free syrup be used. I’m diabetic and need to watch my sugar intake?
Yep, that’s totally fine!
I was never an oatmeal eater. I have tried eating cooked oatmeal in many combinations and have never been able to get passed the consistency. Knowing oatmeal is so good for you in so many ways, I thought I would give it another shot with this overnight recipe. I had all ingredients on hand, even fresh strawberries, so strawberry protein overnight oats I made. THIS! WAS! AMAZING! The flavors blended so well, the consistency was spot on, and I did not have to change or add anything to this recipe. This has totally changed my perspective on oatmeal and I will continue to make these overnight oats quite frequently.
Happy to hear you found a way to enjoy oats again! This recipe is truly a breakfast staple :)
Just curious if you mix the protein powder in when you make it or when you are about to eat it? Thanks!
For the protein version, I mix it into the overnight oats!
Can i use steel cut oats instead?
This recipe is specifically for rolled oats. Will make a steel cut version in the near future :)
Does it matter if you leave it in a big bowl for up to 3 days or should you separate them out into individual containers after 8 hours?
You can do either way.
I made these for my grand daughter to try so that she could grab them for a quick breakfast when she goes back to school. I think they were delicious and healthy. Thanks for the recipe.
I’m happy you and your granddaughter love these overnight oats. :)
these are fantastic! really enjoyed the banana bread one this morning!
Are all these each 300 calories like it says at the bottom?
I measured quickly and i think they were closer to 500 calories for the banana bread one?
If you have a list of how many calories for each that would be great
The nutritional information is just for the basic overnight oats recipe.
SO, SO GOOD!!!
Happy to hear you’re loving these overnight oats, Mary!
It’s my first time trying carrot oats, so delicious!! I really enjoyed it, One of my favorites now
thank you❤
Glad you took a chance on these overnight oats and are loving it now, Amal!
if you cant eat yogurt due to gastric issues what would you substitute foit?
You can just substitute it with more milk.
Very easy to follow and simple measurements. I used toasted quinoa instead of chia seeds, and honey instead of maple syrup. I think I added too much honey as it was quite sweet, so adjust accordingly.
Glad this recipe was easy to follow along to, Babs!
For clarification – if i choose to make the strawberry protein recipe, do I make the base/basic overnight oats recipe, then top with the variations ingredients in the morning OR do I mix the basic recipe plus the strawberries, protein powder etc all at once and let that sit overnight? Thanks!
You can do either! Just remember that if fresh fruit is prepped on top ahead of time, it will only keep in the fridge for up to 3 days max.
I make these overnight oats every week for work and I am obsessed! It is so easy, delicious, and most of all healthy! I even Share this recipe with coworkers because they say theirs doesn’t taste the same! I am obsessed with downshiftology and look for recipes all the time!
Thank you for the ideas. I ate raw oats with soy milk for many years. I added raisins and some peanut butter. I loved them. Now I need to get back to them. Ha! My roommate told me that I ate so many raw oats he was surprised I didn’t turn into a horse! 😄
Hello, ads are appearing in the printed (PDF) version of the recipes. Is there any way to disable this?
They won’t appear once you print it :)
Wow, just wow! Made one to test last night and put mashed raspberries and a few mini chocolate chips in. I used Oikos mixed berry yogurt as that what we had on hand. I heated it up in the MW this morning and it was AMAZING! I am going to attempt a sugar free one so my husband with Type II can enjoy. Thank you!
These were amazing!!! I had fun making them too, very easy delicious WOW. Seriously where have these been all my life. These will forever be a part of my weekly routine.
Yay, always love to hear that! Thanks Jennifer. :)
Lisa- for the banana with walnuts.. is that something for your recipes we mix altogether and then we can add more when it’s time to eat? Or save it all for toppings ?
Those ingredients are to be mixed into the base :)
Carrot cke overnight oats…hmm, it sounded intriguing bt I wasn’t so sure about cold oatmeal. OK, I’m late to the overnight oats experien but one bie and I was convinced. These ae amazingly good! Can’t wait to try some of the other flavors. Never again will I turn up my nose at breafat.