• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Mains
  • Snacks
  • Desserts
  • Bread
  • Slow Cooker
  • Find A Recipe
  • About

Recipe Pocket

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Mains
  • Snacks
  • Desserts
  • Bread
  • Slow Cooker
  • Find A Recipe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Breakfast Ideas

    Dec 5, 2021 · Modified: Dec 5, 2022 by Harriet

    Easy Overnight Oats Recipe

    Jump to recipe card

    Make this creamy, thick delicious easy overnight oats recipe for fast and healthy breakfasts. It's great for busy mornings, and you can customize it with different add-ins and toppings.

    If you've never heard of overnight oats, this post explains it all. It will also give you a basic overnight oats recipe that you can customize.

    We also give you some topping ideas for inspiration and meal prepping tips.

    A glass bowl filled with overnight oats with strawberry and chocolate chip topping.
    Jump to:
    • 👛 Cost To Make
    • What are overnight oats?
    • 🌟 Why You'll Love This Recipe:
    • 🥘 Ingredients In This Recipe
    • 🍳 Step By Step Instructions
    • 👪 Serving Size
    • 🍬 Calories Per Serve
    • What to Make Overnight Oats In
    • Toppings for Overnight Oats
    • 🍲 Meal Prepping
    • 🍲 More Easy Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Comments

    Use this easy overnight oats recipe to create fast and healthy breakfasts that you can enjoy during the week.

    👛 Cost To Make

    Estimated cost = $0.50 (without toppings)

    What are overnight oats?

    Overnight oats are a quick no-cook method of preparing oatmeal. Rather than cooking oats, the oats are soaked in cold milk overnight. The long soaking time softens them so that they can be eaten cold and uncooked.

    🌟 Why You'll Love This Recipe:

    • Oats are healthy and packed with nutrients and fiber.
    • It is so easy to make you can prep them in less than five minutes.
    • You can make and store the oats in sealable containers for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts.
    • Easy overnight oats are great for many diets, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, sugar free, and vegetarian. Just use diet specific ingredients.
    • You will never eat boring plain oats again because you can get creative and have variety by adding different nuts, fruits, flavored yogurts, and other toppings. 
    • Make easy overnight oats for meal prep because they will last for several days in the fridge. 

    🥘 Ingredients In This Recipe

    The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

    Image showing ingredients need to make easy overnight oats.

    The first two ingredients listed below (oats and liquid) are essential for making overnight oats and are perfect if you like a simple unflavoured breakfast.

    The other ingredients are optional add-ins and topping ideas so that you can add variety to your oats.

    THE BASICS

    Oats - Most recipes for easy overnight oats will tell you that old-fashioned rolled oats should be the only oat type you should use. But you can also make it with quick-cooking oats and steel-cut oats.

    What you use all comes down to the type of texture you like. We have made easy overnight oats with all three, and here is what we found.

    • Overnight rolled oats are thick with an almost smooth, creamy texture.
    • Quick oats, when soaked overnight, are creamier and smoother than rolled oats.
    • Steel-cut oats remain grainy and soften to a chewy and gummy texture. Also, steel-cut oats don't soak up as much liquid as rolled and quick-cooking oats. 

    Liquid - is needed to soften the oats. The most common liquid to use is milk or dairy-free milk. However, you can also make overnight oats with coffee, tea, water, or fruit juices. 

    OPTIONAL ADD-INS

    Seeds - are a great addition to any diet because they are a good source of fiber, minerals, and anti-oxidants. You can use chia seeds, basil seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or any other seeds you like. 

    Yogurt - use dairy or dairy-free yogurt plain or flavored.  

    Note: If you make the overnight oats using all yogurt and no other liquid, the overnight oats will be very thick in consistency and almost paste-like, and you might not like eating it this way. 

    Sweeteners - If you like a sweet breakfast, add a sweetener like; honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, golden syrup, condensed milk, or your favorite sweetener. 

    Note: If using plant milk like sweetened soy or almond milk, or flavored yogurt, you may not need to add a sweetener to the oats. So, always taste test before adding extra sweetness.

    Flavorings - mix up the flavor by adding either vanilla extract or cocoa powder. You can even add spice powders like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.

    Protein - For protein-enriched breakfasts, mix in nut butter like almond butter, peanut butter, Nutella, or use protein powder.

    Want some crunch - mix in mini chocolate chips for a firm and crunchy texture. You could also add chopped nuts and allow them to soften overnight for a soft nutty texture. 

    Toppings - You can add just about anything you like as a topping like fresh fruit, frozen fruit, nut butter, jams, stewed fruit, dried fruits, nuts, coconut, or yogurt. 

    Note: dried or frozen fruits can either be mixed into the oats or used as a topping. If you enjoy eating dried pieces of fruit or frozen fruit, use these as a last-minute topping. 

    Or mix them when preparing the overnight oats so that dried fruit will soften and plump up and the frozen fruits thaw. 

    🍳 Step By Step Instructions

    Our easy overnight oats recipe includes some optional add-ins: yogurt, basil seeds (you could also use chia seeds), and a sweetener.

    We like to use equal parts of oats (½ cup) and milk (½ cup). Then mix in ¼ cup yogurt usually, our plain homemade yogurt but sometimes use a store-bought flavored one, along with either chia seeds or basil seeds. 

    These seeds will absorb moisture and swell up to make the oats even thicker. One tablespoon basil seeds will thicken the oats so you can stand a spoon in it.  

    If this is too thick for you, thin it down by adding more milk or use less seeds (1-2 teaspoons) or leave them out completely the next time you make it.

    The sweetener is optional, and we have included it in the recipe because we know some of you like a sweeter breakfast. 

    So we are using one tablespoon of maple syrup, but you can use your favorite sweetener and add it to taste.

    All the ingredients are mixed in one container, sealed, and then left overnight in the fridge to soften.

    Close up of overnight oats in a glass container.
    Overnight oats can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and must be stored covered in the fridge.

    👪 Serving Size

    This recipe make 1 serve of overnight oats which is about 1 cup (250 grams / 8.8 ounces).

    🍬 Calories Per Serve

    On serving of these oats is about 343 calories without toppings.

    What to Make Overnight Oats In

    Many people like to use a jar to make and store the oats in because jars can be sealed and taken for easy breakfasts on the go.

    You will need a wide mouth jar like a mason jar or a sealable leakproof food storage container. Having a wide opening makes it easier to eat the oats straight from the container.

    The jar or container should also be reasonably large, with space for toppings and easy mixing.

    For a single serve of this recipe with some toppings, I would recommend using something that has a least a 3 - 4 cups capacity. This size will allow room for a generous amount of toppings and easy eating straight from the container.

    If you are eating at home, you can make single serves in breakfast bowls or any container with more than one cup capacity.

    Toppings for Overnight Oats

    Now that you have your basic overnight oats recipe, it's time to get creative with some topping ideas.

    1- Strawberry, chocolate and orange -  ½ cup (3-4 large) diced strawberries, chocolate bits (like mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate), one slice of candied orange peel cut into small pieces.

    If you don't have candied orange peel, you could use freshly grated orange rind or diced orange segments.

    Make easy overnight oats with a strawberry, chocolate chip and orange topping.
    Strawberry, chocolate chip and candied orange topping.

    2. Apple, cinnamon, and walnut - mix ½ a large diced red apple, 1 tablespoon chopped nuts, a pinch of cinnamon powder.

    For a smoother texture replace the fresh apple with ½ cup of apple sauce or grate the apple.

    (If making the topping in advance, toss the fresh apple pieces in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange or lemon juice (to stop the apples from going brown) before mixing with the other ingredients).

    Overnight oats with apple topping in a screw top jar.
    Apple, cinnamon and walnut topping.

    3. Fruit salad and yogurt -  top the oats with pieces of fresh banana, strawberries, mangos, and blueberries tossed in some freshly squeeze orange juice. Then finish of with a spoonful of plain or flavoured yogurt.

    Overnight oats with a fruit salad and yogurt topping.

    4. Peanut butter and strawberry topping - layer on top of the oats: 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (or strawberry compote),1 tablespoon peanut butter, ½ cup (3-4 large) diced strawberries, and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.

    Overnight oats with a fresh strawberry, peanut butter, strawberry jam and crushed peanuts topping.
    Peanut butter and strawberry topping

    5. Mango and passion fruit topping - Add diced mango and passion fruit as a topping. The mango can be fresh, frozen, or drained canned mango. Use fresh passion fruit when in season or canned when not in season.

    Overnight oat with frozen mango pieces and passion fruit topping and strawberries on the side.

    🍲 Meal Prepping

    You can make five days' worth of overnight oats on Sunday night for fast weekday breakfasts.

    Singles serves

    You can either make single servings of oats in breakfast bowls or individual jars. Then add your toppings before sitting down to eat.

    You can also use mason jars or other suitable containers to make single servings of easy overnight oats for grab-and-go breakfasts.

    If you are planning on using jars and adding toppings in advance, we suggest that you use:

    • 2 cup capacity jars with lids if the toppings are less than half a cup.
    • 3 - 4 cup capacity jars with lids if the toppings are more than one cup.

    Ultimately you want a big jar with a large opening. This way, you can eat without everything spilling out as you scoop out the first few mouthfuls with a spoon. 

    Make a big batch

    If you don't want to clutter your fridge with containers of single-serve overnight oats, make one big batch of 5 servings in a container that is at least 6 - 7 cups capacity in size.

    When you want a serving, scoop out 1 cup or weigh about 240 grams (8.4 ounces), then add your desired toppings.

    Overnight oats with topping in a screw top jar.
    2 ½ cup capacity jar with a single-serve of easy overnight oats and ½ cup topping.

    Tips For Preparing Toppings In Advance

    If you don't have the time in the morning, you can add most toppings in advance. 

    Here's what we like to do when adding toppings in advance.

    Prepare individual servings of the base recipe in jars with lids. Place in the fridge for about 3 hours (or you can wait till the next day) to allow the oats to swell and thicken. 

    Then add the toppings so that they stay on top of the oats instead of sinking in.

    • If putting fruits like fresh apples, pears, or other fruits that turn brown quickly, always toss them in some fresh orange or lemon juice to keep them looking nice and fresh for several days.
    • Strawberries, grapes, blueberries, and other berries generally keep well for 4-5 days. However, if strawberries are already very ripe and slightly soft when you put them on as a topping, they may not last the time.
    • Bananas and kiwi fruit are best added on at the last minute because they don't look that appetizing when left for several days. 
    • When adding frozen fruits, put these on first because when they defrost, they will become watery.
    • Nuts and other seeds are best added on last and kept on the top to keep them somewhat crunchy when you are ready to eat.

    🍲 More Easy Recipes

    • Raspberry Overnight Oats
    • Strawberry Pistachio Overnight Oats
    • Blueberry Lemon Overnight Oats
    • Vanilla Overnight Oats

    See all our overnight oats with yogurt recipes or try these easy recipes using oats:

    • No bake peanut butter oatmeal balls
    • Easy jam bars
    • Homemade granola
    • Chocolate baked oats

    If you are looking for some other breakfast recipe ideas take a look at our collection of Healthy Banana Breakfast Recipes.

    Five servings of easy overnight oats in individual glasses on a black tray.
    Make overnight oats in individual containers like glasses, mason jars or bowls for quick breakfasts.

    If you make these easy overnight oats, I would love to know the flavor combinations you made. Please come back to this page and leave a comment below to tell me how you went.


    CONNECT WITH RECIPE POCKET

    Be sure to follow us on social media, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter


    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

    📋 Recipe Card

    A collage of images showing overnight oats with different toppings.

    Easy Overnight Oats

    If you want a healthy breakfast but don't have the time in the morning, make this recipe for easy overnight oats. It is so simple to make! It's just a matter of mixing a few ingredients in a container, putting them in the fridge overnight, and enjoy the next day.
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
    Prep Time : 5 mins
    Cook Time : 0 mins
    Chilling time : 8 hours
    Total Time : 8 hrs 5 mins
    Cuisine: : Western
    Course : Breakfast
    Servings : 1 serving
    Calories : 343 : kcal
    Estimated Cost (AUD) : $0.50 (without toppings)

    INGREDIENTS

    • ½ cup (55 grams) oats rolled or quick
    • ½ cup (120ml / 120 grams) milk your choice of milk
    • ¼ cup (60 grams) plain yogurt dairy or non-dairy *
    • 1 tablespoon (5 grams) chia seeds
    • 1 tablespoon (13 grams) maple syrup (optional) or sweetener of your choice added to taste
    Tap button to prevent your screen from going dark while cooking.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Place the oats, yogurt, milk, maple syrup, and seeds into a jar or bowl.
    • Stir until well combined. Cover and store in the fridge overnight.
    • To serve, add your toppings and enjoy.

    Notes

    *If you are using a sweet flavored yogurt, add the maple syrup after tasting the oat mixture because it may already be sweet enough.
    TOPPING SUGGESTIONS
    Peanut butter and strawberry: layer on top of the oats: 1 tablespoon strawberry jam + 1 tablespoon peanut butter + ½ cup (3-4 large) diced strawberries + and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
    Apple pie - When making the oats mix in ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder and 1 tablespoon maple syrup.
    For the topping, mix ½ a large red apple diced, 1 tablespoon chopped nuts, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder.
    If making the topping in advance, toss the apples in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange or lemon juice (to stop the apples from going brown) before mixing with the other ingredients.
    Strawberry chocolate - ½ cup (3-4 large) diced strawberries + chocolate bits (like mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate).
    Fruit salad and yogurt - top the oats with pieces of fresh banana, strawberries, mangos, and blueberries. Then a spoonful of yogurt.
    ****
    One serving of the basic overnight oats (no toppings) makes about 1 cup (250 grams). 
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Overnight Oats
    Serving Size
     
    1 serving (does not include toppings)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    343
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    12
    g
    18
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    25
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    20
    mg
    7
    %
    Sodium
     
    86
    mg
    4
    %
    Potassium
     
    467
    mg
    13
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    46
    g
    15
    %
    Fiber
     
    8
    g
    33
    %
    Sugar
     
    14
    g
    16
    %
    Protein
     
    13
    g
    26
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    265
    IU
    5
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    316
    mg
    32
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Nutrition Disclosure

    More Breakfast Ideas

    • 38 Healthy Banana Breakfast Recipes
    • Overnight Oats with Yogurt
    • Biscoff Overnight Oats
    • Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary says

      December 21, 2021 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      Love this! Thanks

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Author image.

    Hi, I'm Harriet! The face and photographer behind Recipe Pocket. I am a mother of two who is a cook by day and blogger by night.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • 39 Best Heart Shaped Cookies (Easy To Make)
    • Meatless Monday Recipes - 50 Easy Dishes
    • Starting from Scratch: Baking Equipment For Beginners
    • Strawberry Oreo Milkshake

    Trending

    • Crescent Roll Recipes
    • How To Use Instant Yeast
    • How To Make Instant Coffee Taste Better
    • Creamed Sweetcorn Fritters
    • Dry Buttermilk Powder Substitute
    • Gelatinous Bone Broth With Chicken Bones (Slow Cooker Recipe)

    Web Stories

    Recipe Collections

    • Yeast bread recipes
    • Overnight oats
    • Puff pastry appetizers
    • Banana breakfast recipes
    • Crescent roll recipes

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms and Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About/Contact
    • Image Use

    Copyright © 2023 Recipe Pocket