Description
Delicious and customizable overnight oats that require no cooking and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying breakfast. This versatile recipe features a creamy base of rolled oats soaked overnight in almond milk and Greek yogurt, with optional mix-ins and toppings to suit your preference, including flavors like apple pie, peach crisp, peanut butter & jelly, and chocolate banana bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup whole rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- Pinch sea salt
- ¼ cup whole milk Greek yogurt (optional)
- â…” cup unsweetened almond milk
Flavor Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice
- ½ banana (mashed)
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch nutmeg
Toppings
- Diced apple
- Chopped pecans
- Cinnamon apples (optional)
- Peach slices
- Granola
- Chia jam
- Peanut butter
- Chopped strawberries
- Raspberries
- Chopped peanuts
- Banana slices
- Chopped walnuts
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a Mason jar or any lidded container, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, sea salt, and Greek yogurt if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the liquid: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and no chia seed clumps remain at the bottom of the jar. Seal the jar with a lid.
- Refrigerate overnight: Place the jar in the refrigerator and allow the oats to soak overnight or for up to 5 days, so the oats soften and absorb the liquid, creating a creamy texture.
- Customize apple pie flavor: For apple pie overnight oats, mix the unsweetened applesauce and cinnamon (or apple pie spice) into the base before refrigerating. Overnight soak as usual.
- Morning toppings – apple pie: In the morning, top your jarred oats with diced apples, chopped pecans, optional cinnamon apples, and a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance flavor.
- Morning toppings – peach crisp: For peach crisp variation, prepare the plain base and refrigerate. In the morning, add peach slices, granola, and drizzle maple syrup on top.
- Morning toppings – PB&J: For peanut butter & jelly style oats, prepare the plain base and refrigerate. Top in the morning with chia jam, peanut butter, chopped strawberries, raspberries, and chopped peanuts.
- Chocolate banana bread variant: Stir the mashed banana, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the base before refrigerating overnight. For serving, top with banana slices, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and maple syrup drizzle.
- Serve: Enjoy your overnight oats directly from the jar or transferred to a bowl, topped generously with your favorite toppings and sweeteners for a delightful breakfast.
Notes
- Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Greek yogurt is optional but adds extra creaminess and protein.
- Customize your toppings and mix-ins based on seasonal fruits or dietary preferences.
- To make this recipe vegan or dairy-free, omit Greek yogurt or replace with plant-based yogurt.
- Chia seeds help thicken the oats and add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Maple syrup is used for natural sweetness but can be adjusted or substituted with honey or agave syrup.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more almond milk when serving.
