Easy Creamy Overnight Oats
This recipe creates the perfect, creamy base for a week’s worth of make-ahead breakfasts. We’ve ensured a rich, smooth texture by using Greek yogurt and a touch of vanilla, creating a base that’s ready for your favorite mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Base Ingredients
- 1 cup whole rolled oats (approx. 80g)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (approx. 24g)
- ⅛ tsp sea salt (a generous pinch) (approx. 0.75g)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups unsweetened almond milk (approx. 320ml)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (any fat content, or use a dairy-free yogurt substitute) (approx. 113g)
- 2 tsp maple syrup (or to taste) (approx. 10ml)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract (approx. 1.25ml)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl or a 32-ounce (1-quart) lidded jar, add the whole rolled oats, chia seeds, and sea salt. Stir briefly to combine.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract over the dry ingredients.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk until the mixture is fully combined. Ensure you scrape the bottom to prevent any clumps of chia seeds from settling.
- Chill: Secure the lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken.
- Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. The mixture will be thick and creamy. Divide into two serving bowls or jars. Add your favorite toppings (see variations below) and enjoy cold.
Notes
- Allergy alert: This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and tree nuts (almond milk). Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. Variations may include other allergens like nuts (pecans, walnuts) or peanuts.
- Storage: The base recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Easy Variations (Add before or after chilling):
- Apple Pie: Before chilling, stir in 4 tbsp (¼ cup) unsweetened applesauce and ½ tsp apple pie spice (or cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg). In the morning, top with fresh diced apple and chopped pecans.
- Chocolate Banana Bread: Before chilling, stir in 1 whole mashed banana, 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ tsp cinnamon. In the morning, top with banana slices, chopped walnuts, and mini chocolate chips.
- PB&J: In the morning, top the finished base with 2 tbsp of your favorite peanut butter (or other nut butter) and 2 tbsp of chia jam or regular fruit jam. Top with fresh raspberries or strawberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 8.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg