With so many flavor combos and easy ways to customize, overnight oats are the perfect breakfast for busy mornings!
Why I Love This Recipe
Overnight oats are my go-to breakfast because they’re healthy, super tasty, and so easy to throw together! I just mix rolled oats, milk, and yogurt with other ingredients, then let them soak in the fridge overnight.
By morning, they’ve absorbed the liquid and turned into this creamy, chewy texture that’s so satisfying. It’s the perfect breakfast for busy days when I want something healthy and ready to eat!
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1. Mixed Berry Overnight Oats
- Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats - not quick oats
- 1 cup milk - can be dairy or plant-based
- ⅔ cup plain greek yogurt - can also use plant-based yogurt
- 1 Tbsp honey - or maple syrup
- 2 tsps chia seeds - optional but give thicker consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup fresh mixed berries - raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries
- Toppings - More fresh berries and dollop of greek yogurt
Instructions:
- In a bowl or overnight oats jar, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds (optional, but they’ll make it extra thick!), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Seal it with a lid, and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to let those oats soak up all the liquid which will create a thicker consistency.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir (they will be nice and thick!).
- Optional step: Pour half of the oats into an overnight oats jar. Add the fresh mixed berries on top, then pour the last half of overnight oats. Now you can add toppings like more fresh berries, nuts, granola, and a dollop of yogurt.
Do You Eat Overnight Oats Cold?
Yep, you totally eat them cold! Just pull them out of the fridge, give them a quick stir, grab a spoon, and you’re ready to go. No need to heat them up. It might feel a little weird at first, but trust me — once you get used to it, you’ll be hooked on that chilled, creamy goodness!
2. Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats - not quick oats
- 1 cup milk - can be dairy or plant-based
- ⅔ cup plain greek yogurt - can also use plant-based yogurt
- ½ banana - mashed or chopped
- 2 Tbsps peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp honey - or maple syrup
- 2 tsps chia seeds - optional but give thicker consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Toppings - Banana slices and drizzle of peanut butter
Instructions:
- In a bowl or overnight oats jar, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, yogurt, chopped or mashed banana, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds (optional, but they’ll make it extra thick!), vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Seal it with a lid, and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to let those oats soak up all the liquid which will create a thicker consistency.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir (they will be nice and thick!). Now you can add toppings like banana slices, chopped nuts and a drizzle of peanut butter.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Have To Sit?
Okay, I’ll admit it: waiting for overnight oats is hard. I’ve been there — testing these oats after 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and of course, overnight.
And let me tell you… minimum of 4 hours is what you really need for the oats to soak up all that liquid and work their magic. But, if you can manage to wait overnight, you’ll get the best texture possible — creamy, thick, and perfect.
Trust me, oats after just 1 hour? Not so great. They’ll be kind of sloppy and, well, not delicious. So even though it’s a little tough to be patient, give them the full overnight soak. Your patience will be worth it!
3. Mocha Coffee Overnight Oats
- Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats - not quick oats
- 1 cup milk - can be dairy or plant-based
- ⅔ cup plain greek yogurt - can also use plant-based yogurt
- 1 Tbsp honey - or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 2 tsps chia seeds - optional but give thicker consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- Toppings - chocolate chips or cocoa nibs, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder
Instructions:
- In a bowl or mason jar, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds (optional, but they’ll make it extra thick!), vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Scoop ⅓ of of the oat mixture into a small bowl. Cover and store in the fridge. In the main bowl with the rest of overnight oats, mix in the cocoa powder and instant espresso powder. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir (they will be nice and thick!). Pour the mocha oats into an overnight oats jar or mason jar. Scoop the plain overnight oats mixture on top. Serve and enjoy.
4. Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats - not quick oats
- 1 cup milk - can be dairy or plant-based
- ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt - can also use plant-based yogurt
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tsp chia seeds - optional but give thicker consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For Topping:
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a bowl or overnight oats jar, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, yogurt, brown sugar, cinnamon, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Seal it with a lid, and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to let those oats soak up all the liquid which will create a thicker consistency.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Use a spoon to pour it into a spiral cinnamon bun shape. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top and serve.
5. Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats - not quick oats
- 1 cup milk - can be dairy or plant-based
- ⅔ cup plain greek yogurt - can also use plant-based yogurt
- 1 Tbsp honey - or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese - softened
- 2 tsps chia seeds - optional but give thicker consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 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
Instructions:
- In a bowl or overnight oats jar, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, softened cream cheese, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Seal it with a lid, and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to let those oats soak up all the liquid which will create a thicker consistency.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir (they will be nice and thick!).
- Pour one-third of the oats into an overnight oats jar. Add the crushed graham crackers on top, then another third of overnight oats, followed by the strawberry jam (or chopped strawberries), pour the last of the overnight oats on top. Now you can add toppings like a dollop of yogurt, fresh strawberries and crushed graham crackers.
6. Tropical Overnight Oats
- Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats - not quick oats
- 1 cup milk - can be dairy or plant-based
- ⅔ cup plain greek yogurt - can also use plant-based yogurt
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
- 1 Tbsp honey - or maple syrup
- 2 tsps chia seeds - optional but give thicker consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits - or crushed pineapple, drained
- Toppings - pineapple tidbits, shredded coconut and dollop of greek yogurt
Instructions:
- In a bowl or overnight oats jar, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, yogurt, shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Seal it with a lid, and pop it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, give the oats a good stir (they will be nice and thick!).
- Pour half of the oats into an overnight oats jar. Add the pineapple tidbits on top, then pour the last of the overnight oats. Now you can add toppings like a dollop of yogurt, more pineapple and shredded coconut.
Recipe Tips
- Prep the Night Before – Simply mix oats, milk, and yogurt, then let them soak overnight for the best results.
- Eat Cold or Warm – Most enjoy overnight oats cold, but if that’s not your thing, you can warm them up in the microwave.
- Stir and Enjoy – When you’re ready to eat, just give them a stir and dig in! They're easy, satisfying, and delicious.
- Customize to Your Taste – Overnight oats are super versatile. Experiment with different fruits, nuts, seeds, or flavors to make them your own!
How To Store Leftovers
- To store overnight oats, simply transfer them into an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re making a batch for the week, you can prep multiple jars ahead of time, so you’ve got breakfast ready to go! Just give them a quick stir before eating, and enjoy!
Overnight Oats Without Dairy
- You can easily swap for dairy-free base. Just adjust the flavors to your liking!
Overnight Oats Without Milk
- Instead of milk, try using water. Here’s the dairy-free combo: ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup water, ⅓ cup dairy-free yogurt, and 1 tablespoon sweetener (honey or maple syrup). Mix it all up, and you're good to go!
FAQs
Unfortunately, nope — they won’t be ready yet. After just an hour, the oats will still be runny and haven’t absorbed enough of the liquid. I recommend at least 4 hours for them to do their thing, but overnight is when you’ll get the best results. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Overnight oats will last about a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. So, you can totally meal prep a big batch on Sunday night, pop them in the fridge, and have a super easy breakfast all week long. Perfect for busy mornings!
Typically, overnight oats are eaten cold, and I totally get that it might feel weird if you're used to having them warm.
I did a little testing for you, and yes, you can heat them up in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes (just use a microwave-safe container like Pyrex or glass). But fair warning: the oats will be extra chewy, and the yogurt and milk might evaporate a bit.
It’s not my favorite way to enjoy them, honestly. I mean, if you’re craving warm oats, you might as well cook them the regular way and add your favorite toppings. But hey, if you’re in a pinch, it totally works!
You can use steel-cut oats, but they won’t have the same creamy texture as rolled oats. Steel-cut oats are chewier because they have that outer shell, and they usually take longer to cook. They might not absorb all the liquid the way rolled oats do.
I haven’t personally tested them yet, but if you give it a try, let me know how it goes in the comments! I’d love to hear about your results!
Yes, you can use instant oats, but I don’t really recommend it. Here’s why: instant oats are pretty different from whole grain rolled oats. They cook faster because they’re pre-processed, but they tend to be more processed and often come with added salt, sugar, and preservatives.
If you’re looking for a healthier option with longer-lasting energy (and no mid-morning sugar crash), whole rolled oats (sometimes called large flake oats) are definitely the way to go!
The calorie count for overnight oats can vary depending on your ingredients and toppings, like the type of milk, yogurt, or sweeteners you use. But just to give you a rough idea, the base recipe with rolled oats, plain Greek yogurt, 2% milk, and honey will give you 1-2 servings (depending on how hungry you are) and will total around 342 calories.
So, feel free to adjust based on your preferences or add fun toppings — just keep in mind that they'll add a few extra calories!
Nope, definitely not! You can use any container you have at home. The most important thing is that your overnight oats are covered while they chill in the fridge.
You can use an airtight container with a lid, or if that’s not available, just wrap the top of whatever container you're using with plastic wrap.
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Want More Flavors?
More Overnight Oats Recipes!
See 8 more overnight oat flavor ideas here.
Ingredients
Overnight Oats Base Recipe (2 servings)
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats - not quick oats
- 1 cup milk - can be dairy or plant-based
- ⅔ cup plain greek yogurt - can also use plant-based yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey - or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon chia seeds - optional but give thicker consistency
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mixed Berry Overnight Oats (2 servings)
- ⅓ cup fresh mixed berries - raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats (2 servings)
- ½ banana - mashed or chopped
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter
- sliced banana - for topping
Mocha Overnight Oats (2 servings)
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats (2 servings)
- 2 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats (2 servings)
- 1 tablespoon 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 (2 servings)
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits - or crushed pineapple, drained
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk, ⅔ cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, but they’ll make it extra thick!), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add any additional flavor ingredients listed above (except for toppings). Stir everything together until it’s all nice and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a container, seal it with a lid, and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to let those oats soak up all the liquid which will create a thicker consistency.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir (they will be nice and thick!). Now you can top with whatever you like — fresh berries, nuts, granola, or even a drizzle more honey or syrup. Overnight oats are eaten cold with a spoon.
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving.
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