Learn how to make creamy, customizable overnight oats with this easy step-by-step guide-perfect for meal prep and busy mornings.
Why Make Overnight Oats?
Let's be real-mornings can be chaos. Between getting the kids ready, finding shoes, and trying to remember if I brushed my teeth, breakfast often falls to the bottom of the list. That's why easy overnight oats made with simple ingredients like rolled oats and Greek yogurt are my go-to lifesaver. No cooking. No stress. Just mix, chill, and enjoy.
In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to make overnight oats that are creamy, satisfying, and totally customizable. Whether you're new to meal prep or just need a quick, healthy breakfast option, this method is a game changer for busy mornings.
Recipe reviews:
"Last night was my first time making overnight oats… used chocolate almond milk. This is a keeper for sure!!" - Kandie
"These were amazing and very fulfilling. I added bananas, almonds, and coconut-LOVED IT." - Aileen
Why I Love Overnight Oats
Overnight oats have been my breakfast staple for years, and here's why:
- Quick Prep - 5 minutes at night = breakfast DONE.
- Healthy & Filling - Packed with fiber, protein, and good-for-you ingredients.
- Customizable - Endless flavors and toppings (you'll never get bored).
- Kid-Approved - Even my picky eaters love them.
- Grab-and-Go - Perfect for busy mornings or lunchboxes.
- Budget-Friendly - Made with pantry staples you already have.
They make me feel like I have it all together-even when I definitely don't. If you're looking for a stress-free, healthy breakfast you'll actually look forward to, overnight oats are it.
👉 Looking for flavor ideas? Check out my 10 Best Overnight Oats Recipes for easy inspiration.
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Watch: I'm sharing why I love these recipes + my favorite flavors to meal prep!
Overnight Oats Base Recipe
Alright, here's my foolproof formula that I've tested many times:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats, not quick oats)
- 1 cup milk (any kind-dairy or plant-based)
- ⅔ cup Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and protein)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, but they thicken everything up and add omega-3s)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (balances flavor)
Instructions:
- Add everything to a bowl or jar (mason jars work perfectly!).
- Stir until well mixed.
- Seal with a lid and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- In the morning, stir again, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
You can eat them cold straight from the fridge or warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer it warm.
6 Easy Overnight Oats Flavors
Here are six simple, delicious overnight oats recipes that my family loves-and they're perfect for quick breakfasts or healthy snacks.
1. Mixed Berry Overnight Oats
Jar of mixed berry overnight oats with fresh berries layered in the middle, below are bowls of rolled oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, and honey.
Why You'll Love It:
Fresh, sweet berries and creamy oats come together in this refreshing, nutrient-packed breakfast. Perfect for summer mornings and a great way to use up seasonal fruit.
Extra Ingredients Needed:
- ⅓ cup fresh mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping Ideas:
Add more fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
Assembly Tip:
After the oats have chilled, pour half into your jar, add the fresh berries as a middle layer, then top with the remaining oats. Finish with more berries and yogurt before serving.
Ingredient Highlight:
Berries are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, making this a nutrient-dense breakfast.
Love berry flavors? Try these Blueberry Overnight Oats for another easy, fruity option.
2. Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Jar of peanut butter overnight oats topped with banana slices and peanut butter drizzle, below it are bowls of oats, milk, yogurt, banana, and chia seeds.
Why You'll Love It:
This creamy, protein-packed breakfast is perfect for busy mornings and keeps you full for hours.
Extra Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ½ banana (mashed or chopped)
Topping Ideas:
Top with banana slices and a drizzle of peanut butter.
Assembly Tip:
No special layering needed-just mix everything together, then top with banana and peanut butter before eating.
Helpful Tip:
Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor and fewer added sugars.
If you like this, you'll love my Peanut Butter Overnight Oats made with just 4 ingredients.
3. Mocha Coffee Overnight Oats
Jar of mocha overnight oats topped with a swirl of plain oats and coffee beans, below it are bowls of cocoa powder, espresso powder, oats, and yogurt.
Why You'll Love It:
Chocolate and coffee combine for a bold, energizing start to your day-perfect for coffee lovers.
Extra Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping Ideas:
Top with chocolate chips or cocoa nibs and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Assembly Tip:
Before adding cocoa and espresso, scoop ⅓ of the plain oat mixture into a separate container. After chilling, layer mocha oats first, then top with the plain oats for a pretty, layered effect.
Craving more chocolate? My Chocolate Overnight Oats are rich, creamy, and perfect for meal prep.
4. Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Jar of cinnamon roll overnight oats topped with yogurt swirl and cinnamon, with bowls of oats, milk, yogurt, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Why You'll Love It:
All the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll with zero baking required.
Extra Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping (Swirl):
Mix 1 tablespoon yogurt, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Swirl on top and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Assembly Tip:
After chilling, mix yogurt, maple syrup, and lemon juice, then swirl over the top of the oats. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
Helpful Tip:
The swirl adds tangy sweetness and looks beautiful-perfect for meal prep that feels special.
Cozy flavors more your thing? Try these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats for another comforting breakfast.
5. Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Jar of strawberry cheesecake overnight oats layered with graham cracker crumbs and strawberry jam, surrounded by bowls of oats, yogurt, cream cheese, jam, and crushed graham crackers.
Why You'll Love It:
Creamy, fruity, and indulgent-this dessert-inspired breakfast is always a hit.
Extra Ingredients Needed:
- 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup strawberry jam or ⅓ cup chopped strawberries
- ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
Topping Ideas:
Add fresh strawberries, extra jam, and a dollop of yogurt.
Assembly Tip:
Layer ⅓ of the oats, then add crushed graham crackers, followed by another ⅓ of oats and the strawberry jam or fruit. Finish with the remaining oats and toppings.
Want more dessert-for-breakfast ideas? My Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a reader favorite.
6. Tropical Overnight Oats
Overnight oats in a jar with a layer of pineapple chunks in the middle and on top. Bowls of ingredients below include shredded coconut, pineapple tidbits, milk, honey, vanilla, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and rolled oats.
Why You'll Love It:
Bright, tropical flavors bring sunshine to your morning routine-even on busy weekdays.
Extra Ingredients Needed:
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits (drained)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Topping Ideas:
Add more pineapple, shredded coconut, and a dollop of yogurt.
Assembly Tip:
Pour half of the oats into your jar, layer with pineapple tidbits, then top with the remaining oats. Add more pineapple and coconut before serving.
Reader Favorites + Feedback
Here's what real readers are saying about these overnight oats recipes:
- "These are one of my favorite easy breakfast recipes!" - Morgan Lachance
- "I make these for my boyfriend, he gets up early for work and can't cook-these are perfect for on-the-go!" - moon
- "My kids loved it." - Collette
- "I tried the chocolate one and it was so good! I added blueberries the next morning." - ShaeLee
- "As a student, I use this all the time." - Khloe
- "Delicious and super simple!" - Samantha
- "I used chocolate almond milk in the peanut butter one-it was amazing." - Kandie
- "I always start my day with one of these. Super good and filling." - Rebecca
Have a favorite overnight oats flavor? Share your go-to recipe in the comments-I'd love to try it!
Meal Prep Tips
If you want to simplify your mornings, here's how I prep overnight oats for the week:
- Prep 3-4 jars on Sunday night for grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Use 8 oz mason jars for individual portions, or 16 oz jars for extra toppings.
- Store toppings separately like fresh fruit, nuts, or granola-add them just before eating to keep textures fresh.
- Label your jars if making different flavors (great for picky eaters or kids!).
Want more no-cook meal prep ideas? Check out my Six Healthy Chia Pudding Recipes-they're perfect for make-ahead breakfasts.
Want more make-ahead ideas? Try my Blended Baked Oats or Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Cups for cozy, prep-ahead breakfasts the whole family will love.
Best Containers To Use
After testing a lot of jars and containers, here are my favorites for storing overnight oats:
- 8 oz Wide Mouth Mason Jars - Glass, leak-proof, and microwave-safe. Perfect for everyday use.
- 16 oz Wide Mouth Mason Jars - Ideal for larger portions or extra mix-ins like fruit and granola.
- 16 oz Plastic Mason Jars - Lightweight and durable with a spot for a spoon-great for commuting or lunchboxes.
Bonus Tip: Store jars in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the back) to keep oats fresh all week.
How To Store Leftovers
To keep overnight oats fresh and safe to eat:
- Store in airtight containers or jars with secure lids.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Stir before serving, then add any toppings like fruit, yogurt, or granola.
Make-ahead tip: Prepping multiple jars at once makes breakfast stress-free all week long.
👉 Explore all my Overnight Oats and Oatmeal Recipes for healthy, family-friendly breakfasts that are quick and easy to make.
Dairy-Free and Milk-Free Options
Need a dairy-free version or want to skip milk or yogurt? No problem-here's how to adapt:
Overnight Oats Without Dairy
Swap in plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) and dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or cashew yogurt).
Overnight Oats Without Milk
Try this combo:
½ cup rolled oats + ½ cup water + ⅓ cup dairy-free yogurt + 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup.
Overnight Oats Without Yogurt
Chia seeds thicken oats beautifully:
½ cup rolled oats + ½ cup milk (or plant milk) + 2 teaspoons chia seeds.
Mix and refrigerate overnight.
Tip: Chia seeds help thicken oats and add omega-3s, but they're totally optional!
Curious about other oat recipes? Check out my Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats or this cozy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.
FAQs
Overnight oats are soaked in liquid (milk, yogurt, or water) and refrigerated overnight, resulting in a cold, creamy texture. In contrast, regular oats are cooked on the stovetop or microwave and served warm.
Let them sit for at least 4 hours, but for the best texture, refrigerate overnight so the oats fully absorb the liquid and become creamy.
Technically yes, but they'll be chewier and less creamy. For best results, soak for at least 4 hours.
Overnight oats last 4-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container or mason jar. Perfect for meal prepping several breakfasts at once!
They're typically eaten cold, straight from the fridge. Just stir and enjoy. If you prefer them warm, heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds.
Yes, but the texture will change. Heat for 1-2 minutes in a microwave-safe container (like Pyrex or glass). The oats will be chewier, and some liquid may evaporate. If you prefer hot oats, consider cooking them traditionally for the best result.
Steel-cut oats are too firm and don't absorb liquid well, even overnight. They result in a chewier texture. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the creamiest consistency.
Yes, but I don't recommend it. Instant oats are pre-processed, more mushy, and often contain added sugar or salt. For better flavor and texture, use whole rolled oats.
It depends on ingredients. A basic recipe with rolled oats, Greek yogurt, 2% milk, and honey has about 340 calories per serving. Toppings like fruit, nuts, or granola will add more.
No, any sealed container works. Mason jars are convenient and portable, but you can use plastic containers or bowls covered with plastic wrap if needed.
Yes! A reader asked: "Would these stay good in a to-go lunch? Maybe if I put an ice pack with it?"
Answer: Absolutely. Use a sealed container and pack it with an ice pack-your oats will stay fresh until lunchtime.
Yes, just use extra milk or dairy-free yogurt instead. Some readers use only milk for a thinner consistency. The oats will still be delicious!
Want More Flavors?
More Overnight Oats Recipes!
See 8 more overnight oat flavor ideas here.
How to Make Overnight Oats (Step-by-Step Recipe + 6 Flavors)
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Ingredients
Overnight Oats Base Recipe (for all flavors)
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats - not quick oats
- 1 cup milk - can be dairy or plant-based
- ⅔ cup plain greek yogurt - or plant-based yogurt
- 1 Tbsp honey - or maple syrup
- 2 tsp chia seeds - optional, for thicker texture
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Mixed Berry Overnight Oats
- ⅓ cup fresh mixed berries - raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
- ½ banana - mashed or chopped
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter
- sliced banana - for topping
Mocha Overnight Oats
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp instant espresso powder
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp yogurt - for topping swirl
- 1 tsp maple syrup - for topping swirl
- ½ tsp lemon juice - for topping swirl
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- 1 Tbsp cream cheese - softened
- ¼ cup strawberry jam - or use ⅓ cup chopped strawberries
- ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
- Toppings - chopped fresh strawberries, strawberry jam and dollop of greek yogurt
Tropical Overnight Oats
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits - or crushed pineapple, drained
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Start with the base recipe: In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add flavor ingredients based on the recipe you're making:Mixed Berry: Stir in ½ teaspoon cinnamon. After chilling, layer: half the oats, fresh berries, then the rest of the oats. Top with more berries and yogurt.Peanut Butter Banana: Mix in ½ banana (mashed or chopped) and 2 tablespoons peanut butter. Chill overnight, then top with banana slices and peanut butter drizzle.Mocha Coffee: Before adding cocoa and espresso, scoop out ⅓ of the oat mixture into a small bowl. Mix 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon espresso powder into the remaining oats. Chill both overnight. In the morning, layer mocha oats first, then plain oats on top.Cinnamon Roll: Mix in 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. After chilling, swirl together 1 tablespoon yogurt, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon lemon juice on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon.Strawberry Cheesecake: Mix in 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese. After chilling, layer: ⅓ of oats, ¼ cup crushed graham crackers, ⅓ of oats, strawberry jam or berries, final ⅓ of oats, and top with more strawberries and yogurt.Tropical: Stir in ⅓ cup shredded coconut and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. After chilling, layer: half the oats, pineapple tidbits, then the remaining oats. Top with extra pineapple and coconut.
- Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). The oats will soak up the liquid and thicken.
- Before serving, stir well and add any toppings like fruit, nuts, granola, or a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Chill Time: Oats need at least 4 hours in the fridge, but overnight gives the best creamy texture.
- Oats Type: Always use old-fashioned rolled oats for best results-quick oats turn mushy, steel-cut oats stay too chewy.
- Eating: Most people enjoy overnight oats cold, but they can be warmed in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if preferred.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers or jars in the fridge for up to 4 days-perfect for meal prep.
- Toppings: Add fresh fruit, nuts, granola, or yogurt just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Consistency Tip: If you prefer thicker oats, reduce milk slightly or add more chia seeds. For thinner oats, add a splash of milk before serving.
Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
-
Base Recipe: ~250-300 calories
(Made with rolled oats, 2% milk, plain Greek yogurt, and honey) - Flavor Additions: Each flavor variation will add approximately 50-150 extra calories depending on ingredients like peanut butter, fruit, or sweeteners.
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
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