Overnight Oats

Overnight Oats are easy to make at home, and this has it all—four delicious recipes plus the best tips and tricks!

Try an acai bowl, mango smoothie, or strawberries and cream oatmeal next!

Quick And Easy Breakfast

In college, I ate overnight oats every morning for four years—it was the easiest, tastiest, and most filling breakfast. It kept me full for hours and was packed with nutrients, so I never got tired of it.

My secret? Constantly mixing up flavors and trying new combos. So when I say I’m an expert on overnight oats, I mean it! Here are my favorite combinations and my best tips for the ultimate overnight oats.

How To Make Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are as easy as mixing ingredients and refrigerating overnight. In the morning, just stir, add toppings, and enjoy! Here are a few tips:

1. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best creamy-yet-chewy texture. Avoid quick or steel-cut oats. Click here for my overnight steel-cut oats recipe.
2. Stir before eating to ensure even texture.
3. Add toppings last so the oats can fully absorb the liquid without interference.

A Few Notes Before You Start

• My base recipe is in the recipe card below, plus three extra flavors—chocolate, banana-almond, and berry—under each picture.
• Overnight oats are best eaten cold. As they soak, they get soft, thick, and creamy. Want them warm? Just heat them in the microwave or on the stove.
• You don’t have to make them the night before! I often mix them in the morning, work out, and eat them after 30–45 mins. 
• Want them thicker? Stir in some chia seeds or extra oats for a creamier texture.

Ingredient Tips

Most ingredients are pretty basic, but here are a few helpful tips:

• Sweetener: Add as much or as little as you like, or skip it. If you don’t want honey or maple syrup, try liquid stevia drops (I use 1/4 tsp). 
• Greek Yogurt: Choose a mild, sweet yogurt. I love Honey Vanilla Greek yogurt (Greek Gods®). 
• Dutch-Process Cocoa (for chocolate oats): This gives a rich chocolate flavor. Any Dutch cocoa works, but Hershey’s® Special Dark is easy to find.

Chocolate Overnight Oats

To a mason jar or plastic container, add: (Makes 1 serving)

• 1/2 cup (55g) old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup (75g) honey vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2/3 cup (156g) chocolate or vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Optional: Mini dark chocolate chips

Stir to combine, refrigerate overnight (or at least 30-45 minutes), stir again, and add toppings.

Topping Ideas: (Below are a list of suggestions; add as many or as few of your favorite toppings.)

• 1 tablespoon roasted and lightly salted almonds
• 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon chopped dark chocolate, cacao nibs, or mini chocolate chips
• 1-2 tablespoons toasted flaked coconut

Banana-Almond Overnight Oats

Makes one serving. Add to a mason jar or plastic container:

• 1/2 cup (54g) old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup (82g) honey vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any milk)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (130g) finely diced ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Refrigerate overnight (or at least 30–45 minutes), stir well, and add toppings.

Topping ideas: (Add as much or as little as you like!)

• 1/2 banana, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter
• Extra sprinkle of cinnamon
• Chia seeds
• 1–2 tablespoons toasted chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 teaspoons mini chocolate chips

Berry Flavored Oats

Serves 1. Add to a mason jar or plastic container:

• 1/2 cup (54g) old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup (82g) honey vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2/3 cup (156g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any milk)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup assorted fresh berries (I like to chop them first)

Refrigerate overnight (or at least 30–45 mins), stir well, and add toppings.

Topping ideas: (Add as much as you like!)

• 1/3 cup assorted fresh berries
• Extra maple syrup (if not added to the base)
• Handful of granola
• 1–2 tablespoons toasted chopped nuts
• Chia seeds