These healthy overnight oats (3 ways!) are a delicious, meal-prep friendly, and easy way to start your day. One base recipe + 3 variations creates 3 fun flavor combinations for this protein packed breakfast treat.
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What are overnight oats?
I love overnight oats! It’s one of my go to breakfast treats!
Overnight oats allows for a cold preparation of oatmeal. You soak the raw old fashioned oats in milk overnight to soften and plump up instead of cooking them on the stovetop. Technically, you only need to soak the oats for about 4 hours to properly absorb the liquid and soften enough to eat, but I prefer allowing them to soften overnight for the best texture (and hence the name overnight oats).
This method is preferable if you like a cold breakfast in the morning and/or want to prep the meal ahead of time. Simply combine the ingredients together (full recipe below) and set in the fridge overnight – you’ll have a delicious, flavor-packed, creamy bowl of oatmeal the next morning.
Main Ingredients in Overnight Oats
Here’s the base recipe to make overnight oats:
- old fashioned oats, you need old fashioned oats (not quick cook oats) for the oats to properly absorb the liquid and plump up without becoming mushy.
- milk, I use a plant-based unsweetened milk to keep these oats on the lighter side. But use whatever milk you prefer and have on hand!
- sweetener of choice, I use a combination of a plant-based zero calorie sweetener and maple syrup for the perfect balance of sweetness (without too much addd sugar). It also keeps these overnight oats refined sugar free.
- vanilla, for that extra natural sweetness.
- salt and spices, a tiny pinch of salt and cinnamon help enhance the flavor of the oats (feel free to use other spices you think compliment the flavors – for example, a pinch of nutmeg would work well with the strawberry almond and cardamom or ginger would add an extra pop to the blueberry cheesecake – you can get creative and do whatever speaks to you!).
- protein, I add either greek yogurt or a nut butter to add richness and protein to the oats.
- flavors and toppings, there are endless flavor combos for overnight oats, but I provide me 3 fav below.
How to make overnight oats
It’s so simple! Just combine the ingredients (recipes below) and stir until well-combined. Keep in the bowl or add to jars, cover, and set in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. In the morning, I like to give it a stir (and add a touch of milk if needed) and top with my fav fruits, nuts, granola, and nut butters. Viola! This recipe couldn’t be easier and provides an easy, protein-packed breakfast with different flavor combos so your morning meals never get boring.
Flavor Variations
- Strawberry Almond Butter. This flavor combo adds almond butter, almond extract, and cinnamon to the base recipe. It’s then topped with strawberry jam, fresh strawberries, and almond slices for extra sweetness and crunch. It tastes like a sophisticated, upscale PB&J!
- Blueberry Cheesecake. A classic flavor pairing! Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and fresh blueberries come together to perfectly mimic the flavors of cheesecake – it’s so creamy and rich, you’ll be shocked this is a healthy breakfast!
- Chunky Monkey. One of my all-time fav flavor combos! It adds chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas to the mix. It’s rich, whimsical, and flavorful – feels like you’re eating dessert for breakfast!
Other breakfast treats
Enjoy!
These healthy overnight oats provides a base recipe and 3 flavor variations, which will allow you to eat delicious, easy, protein-packed breakfasts all week!
If you make these healthy overnight oats (3 ways!), please leave a comment below. I absolutely love to hear from you, and your thoughts on my recipes. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or pin it on pinterest, because sharing is caring!
Overnight Oats 3 ways
Ingredients
Base recipe
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 1/2-1 teaspoon stevia or sweetener of choice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch salt
Strawberry Almond Butter
- 1 tablespoons almond butter
- 1/2 tsp. Almond extract
- Pinch cinnamon
- Toppings strawberry jam strawberries, and almonds
Chunky Money
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- Pinch cinnamon
- Toppings Sliced bananas, chocolate chips, extra PB
Blueberry Cheesecake
- 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 tbsp. Lemon zest
- Toppings Blueberries and yogurt
Instructions
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In 3 separate bowls, combine the base ingredients. To each bowl, also add the main variation ingredients (omit toppings) and stir until well-combined. Simply cover the bowls or add the mixture into jars and seal with lids. Place in the fridge to set up for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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In the morning, take out the oats and give a quick stir to loosen up (sometimes I add a splash of milk too). Top each variation with appropriate flavor toppings.
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Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
These last in the fridge for up to week.
