5 Easy Overnight Oats Recipes
Berry and chia oats
Ingredients
½ cup rolled or steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons chia seeds
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
½ cup mixed berries (like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt to make it vegan
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Your choice of nuts or seeds (optional, for topping)
Method
In a mason jar or a bowl, mix the rolled oats and chia seeds.
Pour in the milk and stir well. Ensure the oats and chia seeds are fully immersed in the liquid for proper soaking.
Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture. This makes the oats creamier and increases the protein content, which is great for satiety and muscle health.
If using, drizzle in the honey or maple syrup and add the vanilla. You can also add cinnamon, if desired.
Gently stir half of the mixed berries into the mixture.
Seal the jar or cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge overnight, allowing the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.
The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a dash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Top with the remaining fresh berries before serving. For added texture and nutrition, you can also sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top.
Nut butter and banana oats
Ingredients
½ cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon natural nut butter (peanut, cashew, or almond butter work well)
½ ripe banana, mashed
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
¼ cup Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version
1 tablespoon chia seeds
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Nuts or seeds (optional, for topping)
Method
In a mason jar or a bowl, mix the rolled oats with chia seeds.
Incorporate the mashed banana into the oat mixture. This adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
Add your chosen nut butter. For a smoother consistency, you can warm the nut butter slightly before adding it.
Add the milk and stir well. The mixture should be well-combined and the oats should be fully submerged in the liquid.
Mix in the Greek yogurt, vanilla, and cinnamon. If you prefer it sweeter, add honey or maple syrup.
Seal the jar or cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to let the oats soak overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the flavors and soften.
In the morning, give your oats a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more milk.
Slice the remaining half of the banana and layer over the oats. For added crunch and nutrition, consider adding a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.
Date and pine nut oats
Ingredients
½ cup rolled oats
2–3 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
¼ cup Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative
1 tablespoon chia seeds
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Coconut flakes or banana (optional, for topping)
Method
Combine the rolled oats and chia seeds in a mason jar or bowl.
Stir in the chopped dates and pine nuts. The dates will provide natural sweetness, while the pine nuts offer a variation in texture.
Pour in the milk and stir until everything is well-combined.
Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture. This will add creaminess and a boost of protein.
Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. Add honey or maple syrup if you want your overnight oats to be sweeter.
Seal the jar or cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the oats to soften and the flavors to blend together.
In the morning, stir the oats well. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
Top with a few extra pine nuts or chopped dates before serving. You might also like to add a sprinkle of coconut flakes or a few slices of banana for extra texture and flavor.
Fig and ricotta oats
Ingredients
½ cup rolled oats
2–3 fresh figs, chopped (you can also use dried figs if you can’t find fresh)
¼ cup ricotta cheese (choose a low-fat version for a lighter option)
½ cup unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Crushed walnuts or almonds (optional, for garnish)
Method
In a mason jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats with the milk. Stir well to ensure the oats are fully submerged.
Incorporate the ricotta cheese into the oat mixture, blending it in until smooth. Ricotta adds a delicious creaminess and a boost of protein.
Fold in the chopped figs. Figs bring a natural sweetness and texture to the oats.
Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. Add honey or syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Cover the jar or bowl and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the flavors and soften, creating a creamy texture.
Give the oats a good stir in the morning. If the mixture seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit more milk.
Before serving, top with additional chopped figs for extra sweetness and texture. A sprinkle of crushed walnuts or almonds adds a nice crunch and extra nutrients.
Blueberry and banana oats
Ingredients
½ cup rolled oats
½ ripe banana, mashed
½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
¼ cup Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Extra blueberries (optional, for topping)
Method
Place the rolled oats into a mason jar or a bowl.
Stir in the mashed banana. This adds natural sweetness and creates a creamy texture.
Add the blueberries to the mixture. If you’re using frozen fruit, it will thaw in the mixture overnight.
Add the milk and Greek yogurt, and mix well. These ingredients will help soften the oats and add creaminess.
Mix in the vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. For those who prefer a sweeter taste, honey or maple syrup can be added.
Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate overnight. The oats will soak up the flavors and the liquid, softening to a delightful texture.
Stir the oats in the morning. If it’s too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk.
Slice the remaining half of the banana and use it to top your oats, along with some additional blueberries for a fresh burst of flavor.
Tips for Making Overnight Oats
Add more protein
You can increase the protein content of any basic overnight oats recipe to enhance its nutritional value and make it more satisfying. Some good options to do this include:
- Adding protein powder
- Using Greek or soy yogurt
- Add peanut butter or your favorite nut butter
- Using hemp or flaxseeds
High-protein meals are also essential for weight loss, because they keep you fuller for longer and naturally reduce your calorie intake.
Use natural sweeteners
While it may be tempting to add sugar or artificial sweeteners to your oats, opting for a natural version is recommended to support healthy weight loss efforts.
This includes options like mashed bananas or a small amount of maple syrup or honey.
These sweeteners are lower in calories than refined sugars — and, as a bonus, they also contain more vitamins and minerals.
Get the ratios right
The key to perfect overnight oats is getting the ratios just right. Opt for a 1:2 ratio — one part oats to two parts liquid.
This ensures that the oats are fully submerged and allows for a creamy, porridge-like consistency.
