Learn how to make overnight oats! This easy, make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings. Find my base recipe plus 4 fun variations below.
When someone asks me for an easy, healthy breakfast idea, this overnight oats recipe is the first thing I suggest. It’s perfect for busy mornings, as you can make individual servings ahead of time and take them on the go. It’s also satisfying enough to keep you full till lunch, made with simple ingredients like oats, chia seeds, and (optional) yogurt. But best of all, it’s fun.
What could be fun about oatmeal, you ask? Well, this yummy breakfast is endlessly customizable. Once you learn how to make overnight oats, you can experiment with mix-ins like cocoa powder or vanilla extract or pile on toppings like nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit. To get you started, I’m sharing four tasty variations (+ my go-to base recipe!) below. Try them out, and then get creative making your overnight oats your own!
Overnight Oats Recipe Ingredients
When I first started making overnight oats, I kept them really simple, using just oats, almond milk or coconut milk, and maple syrup. But after a little experimentation, I realized that adding chia seeds to overnight oats takes them to a whole new level. They give the oats a delicious thick and creamy texture, sort of like that of chia pudding. They also add protein, fiber, and healthy fats. What’s not to love?
Now, I use these ingredients in my go-to overnight oats recipe:
- Whole rolled oats – Also known as old fashioned oats. Quick oats and steel-cut oats will NOT work here. Quick oats will be too mushy, while steel-cut oats will be chewy and tough.
- Chia seeds – For extra protein and the perfect thick and creamy texture.
- Almond milk – Or any milk you like! Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture.
- Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.
- And a pinch of salt – To make the oats extra-flavorful.
If you like, you can stir in Greek yogurt as well. It adds more protein and makes the oats extra-creamy. Skip it to make this recipe dairy-free.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Overnight Oats
My method for how to make overnight oats is super simple! Here’s how it goes:
- Place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, salt, and yogurt, if using, in a lidded container or jar.
- Pour in the almond milk, and stir thoroughly to combine. Make sure that there are no chia seeds clumped around the bottom or sides of the jar!
- Cover and store overnight, or for up to 5 days, in the fridge.
When you’re ready to eat, give the oats another stir, add your desired toppings, and enjoy!
If you’re meal prepping overnight oats, set out a Mason jar for each serving you want to prep. Add all the ingredients EXCEPT the milk to each jar. Then, add the milk to one jar and stir that jar together before adding the milk to the next. I find that adding the milk to one jar at a time helps prevent the chia seeds from getting too clumpy. Once you mix up all the overnight oats, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to eat!
I recommend waiting to add any toppings until the morning you plan to eat your oats. That way, nuts, seeds, and granola will stay crunchy, and fruit will stay bright and fresh.
Overnight Oats Recipe Variations
Now for the fun part: overnight oats variations! Here are four that I really love:
1. Apple Pie Overnight Oats
This variation is perfect for fall! I stir applesauce and warm spices into the creamy oat base and top it off with diced apples and toasted pecans for crunch. If I have them on hand, I also like to add a scoop of my stovetop cinnamon apples to this variation. They taste just like the inside of an apple pie!
2. Peach Crisp Overnight Oats
Topped with sweet, juicy peach slices and nutty granola, this overnight oatmeal is an ode to my favorite peach crisp.
3. PB&J Overnight Oats
It’s a classic combo for a reason! I load up this variation with creamy peanut butter and a strawberry chia jam that packs a HUGE punch of berry flavor. Fresh strawberries and raspberries amp up that flavor even more, and toasted peanuts add the perfect crunch. For a twist on this variation, swap almond butter and toasted almonds for the peanut butter and peanuts.
4. Chocolate Banana Bread Overnight Oats
I stir cocoa powder, mashed banana, cinnamon, and nutmeg into this variation’s base to give it a rich, chocolatey banana bread flavor. Sliced bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chips top it off.
I hope you love these variations! But remember – you can also feel free to make your oats your own. Try stirring spices or protein powder into the oat base, or experiment with toppings like seasonal fresh fruit, dried fruit, coconut flakes, nuts, seeds, or nut butters. If you find a combination you love, let me know in the comments below!
More Favorite Healthy Breakfasts
If you love this overnight oats recipe, try one of these healthy breakfasts next:
- Chia Seed Pudding
- Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oats
- Baked Oatmeal
- Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Healthy Blueberry Muffins
- Energy Balls
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
- Or any of these 60 Healthy Breakfast Ideas!
Overnight Oats
Equipment
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- ½ cup whole rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup, plus more for serving
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup whole milk Greek yogurt, optional
- ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk
Variations:
Apple Pie
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice
- Diced apple
- Chopped pecans
- Cinnamon Apples, optional
Peach Crisp
- Peach slices
- Granola
PB&J
- Chia Jam, recipe below*
- Peanut butter
- Chopped strawberries
- Raspberries
- Chopped peanuts
Chocolate Banana Bread
- ½ banana, mashed
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch nutmeg
- Banana slices
- Chopped walnuts
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the base recipe: In a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using. Add the almond milk and stir until the mixture is well combined and there are no clumps of chia seeds at the bottom of the jar. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 5 days.
- In the morning, top with your desired toppings and serve with drizzles of maple syrup.
- For apple pie overnight oats, stir the applesauce and cinnamon into the overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with diced apple, chopped pecans, and cinnamon apples and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.
- For peach crisp overnight oats, make the plain overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with peach slices, granola, and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.
- For PB&J overnight oats, make the plain overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with chia jam, peanut butter, chopped strawberries, raspberries, and chopped peanuts.
- For chocolate banana bread overnight oats, stir the mashed banana, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with banana slices, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
- 1 pound strawberries
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
How much peanut butter do you use in the overnight oats? In the smoothie how much peanut butter
We love it for the taste, convenience and the fact it’s so good for you!
Thank you!
The Greek yogurt – are we talking about plain or like a vanilla? Sorry, I just want to make sure I get the right kind.
Hi Carlyn, we make this recipe with plain Greek yogurt and then sweeten to taste with maple syrup. Hope you enjoy!
Have been making this for a couple of weeks now and both my husband and I love it! I sent your recipe to a dear friend (we always share recipes) and, while she loves the concept, she can’t eat oatmeal because she has a sensitivity to it. Is there another grain she could substitute for the oats?
Hi Gee, I’m not sure another grain would work the same here without cooking, but chia seeds make a great overnight breakfast pudding/porridge. I’d recommend trying this recipe: https://www.loveandlemons.com/chia-seed-pudding/
Is this an 8 ounce serving? This will be my first attempt with overnight oats.
Hi Denise, we don’t have an exact ounce measurement for one serving, but the recipe yields about 8 ounces. Hope you enjoy!
This overnight oats recipe is a game-changer! I’ve been a fan of easy, nutritious breakfasts, and this guide truly delivers on that. The step-by-step instructions on making the base recipe and the variations are incredibly helpful for someone like me who’s just diving into the world of overnight oats.
The emphasis on using whole rolled oats and chia seeds for that creamy texture is brilliant, and I appreciate the insight into why quick oats or steel-cut oats might not work well in this recipe. The addition of almond milk, maple syrup, and the option of yogurt (for extra creaminess) is such a simple yet satisfying combination.
Moreover, the four variations – Apple Pie, Peach Crisp, PB&J, and Chocolate Banana Bread – are truly inspiring! The use of seasonal fruits, nuts, and even the creation of a strawberry chia jam brings a burst of flavors and textures to the oats. I’m excited to try them out and maybe even experiment with my own twist, thanks to the encouragement in your article!
Thank you for not only providing a fantastic base recipe but also inspiring creativity in the kitchen. Your suggestions for other healthy breakfast options are a bonus! Can’t wait to explore more of your delicious and healthy recipes. 🍓🍌🥭🥜
I adore this recipe. It makes the perfect texture of overnight oats I’ve ever had. I’ve never enjoyed them as much as I have with this recipe. Do not hesitate! This recipe will make overnight oats a staple in your meal prep rotation.
Hi Tori, I’m so glad it’s become part of your rotation!
How many servings does this recipe make?
I was hesitant to try overnight oats but these are so good! It’s a great base recipe. I used honey instead of syrup and added peaches in the morning. I’m going to try a little almond butter for added protein next time. Have you tried adding protein powder? How did it turn out?
What kind of Le Parfait jars with lids do you use and where can I get them? Would love a link for them. Thank you!
Hi Gee, I use these: https://amzn.to/3RZVGCb
Thank you so much! Happy New Year and here’s to healthier eating in 2024!
I’ve made the base overnight oats twice. Absolutely delicious! Now that I have the base down, I’ll be trying the other versions! Thank you!
I’m so glad you loved it!
I can never judge a cup size. Do you have the nutrional value please and thanks.
Great recipe! Healthy eating is something that everyone should master. If you want to live long and well.
Hi! Any tips for making this with frozen fruit? Should I thaw? Add the night before? Thanks!
Hi Ams, frozen fruit would work great – I’d thaw it before you add it to your oats in the morning.
For the base recipe, if I omit the yogurt should I increase the amount of milk? Thanks in advance, looking forward to making these!
Hi Sara, Nope! You can keep the almond milk measurement the same.
what’s the size of the mason jar? will it yield to 1 cup per serving?
Hi Shiela, A (16-ounce) jar works well for this recipe. I’m not sure of the exact yield—it should be about a cup.
Can you heat it up in the morning? It all sounds delicious but I would not like it cold. Wondering if the chia seeds would get strange if you hear it in the morning
I think if you heated it gently enough, it would be fine.
Yes, you can heat. However, I thought I wouldn’t like it cold either until I tried it! The apple (pie filled) chunks and the pumpkin (pie filled) are my favorite 😋😋😋
It’s amazing! I tried it a few days ago and it has now become part of my nightly routine. Way healthier than sugary cereal, and better ;D. Highly recommend, thank you!
Hi Stella, I’m so glad you’re loving the oats!
How many calories per serving?
Hi Amanda, we don’t calculate nutrition facts for our recipes. The best way to get a nutrition estimate for a recipe is to use an online nutrition calculator such as MyFitnessPal.
I made the basic recipe and Apple Pie ones for breakfast and it was delicious. I also sent a jar with my hubby and he said that he loved it!
I’m so glad you both loved them!
This week I made the PB&J version using the Chia Strawberry Jam. It is now my favorite.
So glad you loved it! The PB&J is my favorite too. 🙂
Very tasteful! Absolutely go-to recipe! I’m enjoying my breakfast every morning! Thank you! I would just add honey after all the ingredients because the honey makes the chia seeds clump together and hard to mix.
Good tip! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the oats.