Everything you need to know about making your own Overnight Oats from home! With four overnight oats recipes and all the best tips and tricks, this is your one-stop Overnight Oats read!

Next time, try one of these other healthy breakfast ideas: an acai bowl, healthy breakfast cookies, mango smoothie, or strawberries and cream oatmeal.

Four varieties of overnight oats recipes, each showcasing different flavors and toppings.

Nutritious and easy breakfast

Overnight oatmeal is one of my favorite nutritious breakfast options. It’s easy to make, fun to customize, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. And one bowl will leave you fueled and satiated for hours.

It’s probably no surprise to you how much I love Overnight Oats; I’ve been sharing Overnight Oat recipes for years!

Here are some of the recipes I’ve shared:

How to make Overnight Oats

Overnight oatmeal is as simple to make as stirring a few ingredients together and refrigerating overnight. The next morning, you can add on your favorite toppings and eat. They’re really that easy! That said, here are a few tips:

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best oats to use; they’ll give you a creamy and smooth texture with just the right amount of chewiness. Avoid quick or steel-cut oats. Click this link for my recipe to make overnight steel cut oatmeal.
  • Give your overnight oats one final stir in the morning after taking them out of the fridge, and before adding any optional toppings. This ensures good textures throughout.
  • Wait to add toppings. In order for the raw oats to soften, they need to be able to absorb the liquid they’re combined with. Toppings will prevent this process and become soggy, so hold off on toppings until morning!

How do Overnight Oats work?

Rather than the traditional method of boiling or microwaving old fashioned oats (see this how-to-make-oatmeal post), Overnight Oats are mixed with milk, yogurt, and other flavoring ingredients. They are then left overnight in the fridge (hence the name!). While you’re sleeping, the oats absorb the liquid, soften up, and form a pudding-like texture and consistency.
The recipes I’m sharing today are loaded with flavor and are mega creamy!

Base recipe for overnight oats in a bowl, with almond butter beautifully swirled into it.

Notes

  • Overnight Oats are meant to be eaten cold. As they soak overnight, they become soft, luscious, and creamy. That said, if you prefer them warm, you can certainly warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • You can make Overnight Oats in the morning to enjoy. I typically make them first thing when I wake up, go work out, and enjoy them post workout. (So they’ve sat about 30 to 45 minutes). I guess that technically, they’re not really overnight oats, but we’re all friends here!
  • Make them thicker. I’m obsessed with creamy oatmeal — the creamier the better! I’d say Overnight Oats are fairly creamy (even after thickening overnight). If you’d like them thicker, add in a few tablespoons of chia seeds or a few additional tablespoons of oats.

Ingredient Tips

While most of the ingredients are fairly standard, I wanted to include a few helpful tips.

  • Sweetener. Depending on how sweet you prefer your breakfasts, feel free to scale the sweetener up or down. You may even decide you don’t want or need any sweetener! If you don’t want to use honey or maple syrup, liquid stevia drops are another great alternative; I usually add 1/4 teaspoon. Maple syrup is my personal favorite sweetener to add to Overnight Oats.
  • Greek yogurt. The yogurt can totally overpower the oats, so get a mild-tasting, sweetened yogurt. My personal favorite is Honey Vanilla Greek yogurt (made by Greek Gods®; not sponsored). It’s sweet, mild, and creamy. Whatever yogurt you choose to use, make sure you like it plain or you likely won’t love it in the oats. A plain vanilla yogurt (not Greek yogurt) is also a great option.
  • Dutch-process cocoa powder (for the chocolate overnight oats). This cocoa powder contributes the deep and intense chocolate flavor. I highly recommend using a Dutched cocoa powder as opposed to a plain (natural) cocoa powder. Any Dutch-process cocoa powder will work, but Hershey’s® does sell a Special Dark cocoa powder that is readily available at most grocery stores.

The recommended yogurt and cocoa powder used in some of the recipes.

And here is my go-to base recipe for Overnight Oats.

(And below the recipe you’ll find three other bonus recipes (chocolate, banana-almond, and berry). After the bonus recipes I answer some common questions.)

Four varieties of overnight oats recipes, each showcasing different flavors and toppings.
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5 from 3 votes

Overnight Oats base recipe

By Chelsea Lords
Everything you need to know about making your own Overnight Oats at home! With four recipes and all the best tips and tricks, this is your one-stop Overnight Oats read. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients 
 

  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/3 cup honey vanilla greek yogurt (we love Greek Gods) (Note 1)
  • 2/3 cup unsweetend vanilla almond milk, or milk of choice
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Note 2)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • Small pinch fine sea salt
  • Optional toppings: swirl of almond or peanut butter, miniature chocolate chips, fresh berries

Instructions 

  • PREP THE OATS: In a small bowl, mason jar, or plastic container, stir together the old fashioned oats, honey vanilla Greek yogurt, vanilla almond milk, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if desired), and salt.
  • STIR: Stir well and make sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • CHILL: Cover the container and refrigerate overnight or until sufficiently cooled and thickened. (Sometimes I'll even make them in the morning, get ready, and then go eat them -- they are great even after only 30 minutes in the fridge)
  • ENJOY: When ready to eat, top with any additional toppings if desired. Store Overnight Oats in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: The yogurt can totally overpower these oats, so get a mild-tasting, sweetened yogurt. My personal favorite is Honey Vanilla Greek yogurt (made by Greek Gods®). It's sweet, mild, and creamy. Whatever yogurt you choose to use, make sure you like it plain or you likely won't love it in these overnight oats. A plain vanilla yogurt (not Greek yogurt) is also a great option.
Note 2: We like 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup best, but sweeten to personal preference (1/2 tablespoon up to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1/4 teaspoon liquid stevia)

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 36.8g | Protein: 6.1g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 130.3mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8.8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

 

Overnight Oats Calories: 284 calories for the base (not including toppings)

Almond joy overnight oats in a bowl, deliciously topped with almonds, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips.

CHOCOLATE OVERNIGHT OATS

serves 1

ADD THE FOLLOWING TO A MASON JAR OR PLASTIC CONTAINER AND STIR TO COMBINE:

  • 1/2 cup (55g) old-fashioned oats
  • 1/3 cup (75g) honey vanilla Greek yogurt (we love Greek Gods!)
  • 2/3 cup (156g) chocolate almond milk (or vanilla almond milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (add more or less to personal preference)
  • Optional: mini dark chocolate chips

Refrigerate overnight (or until softened; even 30-45 minutes softens the oats a lot), stir well and add toppings.

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

  • Additional maple syrup (or honey or 1/4 teaspoon liquid stevia) If you don’t add this to the base, I recommend adding it on top.
  • 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dark chocolate, cacao nibs, or miniature chocolate chips
  • 1-2 tablespoons toasted flaked coconut
  • 1 tablespoon roasted and lightly salted almonds

Banana-almond variation of this recipe, topped with banana slices, swirled almond butter, and chocolate chips.

BANANA-ALMOND OVERNIGHT OATS

serves 1

ADD THE FOLLOWING TO A MASON JAR OR PLASTIC CONTAINER:

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

Refrigerate overnight (or until softened; even 30-45 minutes softens the oats a lot), stir well and add toppings.

OVERNIGHT OAT TOPPING OPTIONS: (Below are my recommendations; add your favorite toppings and add to your desired quantity.)

  • 1/2 thinly sliced banana
  • Any additional maple syrup  If you don’t add this to the base, I recommend adding it on top.
  • 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter
  • Extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon
  • Chia seeds
  • 1-2 tablespoons toasted chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 2 teaspoons miniature chocolate chips

Berry overnight oats, healthy and ready for on-the-go consumption, topped with an assortment of fresh berries.

BERRY OVERNIGHT OATS

serves 1

ADD THE FOLLOWING TO A MASON JAR OR PLASTIC CONTAINER:

  • 1/2 cup (54g) old-fashioned oats
  • 1/3 cup (82g) honey vanilla Greek yogurt (we love Greek Gods!)
  • 2/3 cup (156g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (add more or less to personal preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup assorted fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc.  (I like to chop up fruit first)

Refrigerate overnight (or until softened; even 30-45 minutes softens the oats a lot), stir well, and add toppings.

OVERNIGHT OAT TOPPING OPTIONS: Below are my suggestions; add as much of your favorite toppings as you prefer.

  • 1/3 cup assorted fresh berries
  • Any additional maple syrup  If you don’t add this to the base, I recommend adding it on top.
  • Handful of granola
  • 1-2 tablespoons toasted and chopped nuts
  • Chia seeds

Other topping ideas

  • Vanilla-almond granola, or your favorite homemade/store bought granola
  • Fresh fruit such as: strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, mango, banana, peaches, pineapple, kiwi, apple, etc.
  • Flaked coconut
  • Chia seeds
  • Dried fruit, such as dried cranberries, dried tart cherries, dried blueberries, dried apricot, dried mango, raisins
  • Freeze-dried fruit, like dried bananas, dried strawberries, dried blueberries
  • Cacao Nibs, or chopped dark chocolate or miniature chocolate chips
  • Hemp seeds
  • Flax seeds

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Overnight Oats healthy?

The best part about Overnight Oats? You get delicious, dessert like flavor for breakfast while still eating healthy! Oats are high in fiber, contain more protein and fat than other grains, and are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds. (Source.)
Plus, Overnight Oats are also more digestible after being soaked overnight. Soaking helps break down the starches and reduces the natural phytic acid which helps our body to utilize the nutrients more efficiently (we’ll absorb more of the nutrition from the food into our body).

And that’s it for today! If you have any questions, comments, or tips, please leave a comment below. Happy Overnight Oat-ing!

*While I have my background in Exercise and Wellness (B.S.), all the content in this post is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or dietician for any specific dietary needs/questions.

Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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4 Comments

  1. Heather says:

    5 stars
    As your sister I love that this is such an easy, delicious, and filling breakfast!

    Reply
    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Thanks so much Heather! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Callie Hubert says:

    5 stars
    As your sister I have to say, we love all the overnight oat recipes but this has to be one of our favorites!! It makes our mornings so stress free and yummy!! Thanks chelsea!

    Reply
    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      I am thrilled to hear this! Thanks Callie! 🙂

      Reply