In the realm of breakfast options, overnight oats stand out as a champion of convenience, taste, and nutrition. These simple yet versatile concoctions have gained popularity for their ability to streamline mornings while offering a delicious and customizable start to the day. Today I’m going to share with you my 5 ways in which I enjoy overnight oats for breakfast.
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Jump to RecipeWhat are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are essentially a no-cook method of preparing oatmeal. Instead of cooking oats on the stove or in the microwave, you soak them in liquid overnight, allowing the oats to soften and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. This creates a creamy, pudding-like consistency that can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. The key to successful overnight oats is to use rolled oats, not quick oats or steel-cut versions.
Why Overnight Oats?
The appeal of overnight oats lies in their simplicity and adaptability. Here are some reasons why they’ve become a breakfast staple:
- Time-saving: With overnight oats, the prep work is done the night before, freeing up precious time in the morning rush. Simply grab your jar of oats from the fridge, and breakfast is served.
- Customizable: The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavor combinations. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s an overnight oats recipe to suit every taste bud. From classic combinations like berries and honey to more adventurous mixes like peanut butter and banana, you can tailor your oats to your liking.
- Nutritious: Oats are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. By adding ingredients like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and yogurt, you can boost the nutritional profile of your overnight oats even further, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Portable: Overnight oats are conveniently portable, making them an ideal breakfast option for busy mornings or when you’re on the go. Simply pack them in a mason jar or a portable container, and you have a nutritious meal that you can enjoy anywhere.
My 5 Favorite Ways To Enjoy Overnight Oats – It’s All About That Base!
My overnight oats recipes start with the same base:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup milk- I use almond milk (all milk works well with the exception of lemon recipe below)
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Combine these ingredients into a pint size mason jar, place on the lid and stick them into the fridge. I like to set out 5 mason jars and fill them all at once. This recipe is just fabulous and chocked full of nutrition just the way it is, but let’s take it up a notch!
Banana Bread
To the base recipe, add the following:
- 3/4 of a mashed or pureed banana
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in the jar and refrigerate overnight. When ready to eat top with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
This one is my favorite! To the base recipe, add the following:
2 tbsp smooth peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
Mix well. In a separate cup, mix the following:
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (I use dark cocoa powder, it’s a little more bitter)
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- pinch of salt
Combine well and pour over top of the prepared oats. Refrigerate overnight. This cools to make a hard chocolate shell on top just like a peanut butter cup!
Lemon Blueberry
Tart and sweet, I think you’ll love this! With this recipe, it is best to use almond or oat milk. Regular dairy milk will curdle with the addition of lemon juice. To the base recipe, add the following:
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest,
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients and refrigerate overnight. When ready to eat, top with fresh blueberries and coconut flakes.
Mocha Latte
Like a shot of espresso, this will wake you up in the morning! Reduce the milk in the base recipe to 1/4 cup if using coffee and add the following:
- 1 shot espresso OR 1/4 cup coffee
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (again, I like dark cocoa powder for the less sweetness)
- pinch of salt
Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate overnight. When ready to eat, top with chopped walnuts, coconut flakes, and chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Tastes just like when you were a kid! To the base recipe add the following:
- 1 1/2 tbsp smooth peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
- 1 tbsp fresh fruit preserves of choice (I use my delicious home canned strawberry preserves)
Combine all ingredients and refrigerate overnight. When ready to eat, top with chopped walnuts, fresh berries, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Overnight oats are a game-changer in the world of breakfast foods. They offer a hassle-free way to start your day on the right foot, providing a nutritious and delicious meal that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So why not give these overnight oats a try and see for yourself why they’ve become a breakfast favorite for so many. Like my recipes? I would appreciate a 5-star rating below. Leave me a comment and tell me how you enjoy overnight oats. Thanks for stopping by!
Delicious Overnight Oats – 5 Ways!
Equipment
- 5 wide mouth pint jars with lids Wide mouth jars make adding ingredients easier!
- measuring spoons/cups
Ingredients
Base Overnight Oats Recipe
- 1/2 cup rolled oats Do not use quick or steel-cut oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup milk Any milk works except for lemon recipe. Use non-dairy for that recipe or it will curdle
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
Banana Bread Oats
- To the base recipe, add 3/4 medium banana-mashed, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp vanilla.
- Combine all ingredients well and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, and 1/2 tsp maple syrup.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
- To the base recipe, add 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
- In a separate cup, combine 1 tbsp melted coconut oil, 1 tsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp maple syrup, and pinch of salt.
- Pour chocolate mixture over top of oats mixture. Refrigerate overnight.
Lemon Blueberry
- To the base recipe, add 1/4 cup fresh blueberries, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Combine all ingredients well and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with fresh blueberries and coconut flakes
Mocha Latte
- To the base recipe, omit 1/4 cup of milk and replace with 1/4 cup coffee, OR base recipe plus 1 shot espresso, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, and pinch of salt
- Combine all ingredients and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with chopped walnuts, coconut flakes, and chocolate chips
Peanut Butter and Jam
- To the base recipe, add 1 1/2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice) and 1 tbsp fresh berry preserves.
- Combine all ingredients and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with fresh berries, chopped walnuts, and 1/2 tsp maple syrup.
Shari
I love a good overnight oat and now I’m craving your banana bread recipe!
Joelle Cole
OH MY GOODNESS. That chocolate peanut butter one looks divine! I always make my overnight oats with chia seeds because it makes it more puddingy but I hadn’t thought to put in the yogurt to make it creamy and give it a protein boost!
Kim Merryman
I love everything about this site! Packed full with so many delicious recipes and tips! I will be making the overnight oats tonight in the Banana Bread Variation. Yum! So much on this site. Will be sharing site for others enjoy! Thank you, Dani!
dani
Thank you so much!
Kim Merryman
Yummy! I am definitely going to make the different variations of overnight oats! 😋