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Hi Bold Bakers!
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl or mason jars
- Chopping knife
- Chopping board
Key Ingredients and Substitutes
For the Base Recipe:
Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Essential for overnight oats; they absorb liquid well, softening to the perfect consistency without becoming too mushy, unlike quick oats or too firm like steel-cut oats.
- Substitutes: Quick oats will yield a softer result. I do not recommend using steel-cut oats.
Milk of choice
- Adds creaminess and moisture, helping to hydrate the oats for a smooth texture.
- Substitutes: Skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk.
Greek yogurt
- Contributes creaminess and helps keep you fuller longer, providing a richer texture.
- Substitutes: Dairy-free yogurt (for a vegan option), coconut yogurt, or regular yogurt.
Chia seeds
- Boosts fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids while adding a slight gel-like texture to the oats.
- Substitutes: Flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Enhances the flavor of the oats and complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Substitutes: Vanilla bean paste will work well, too.
Maple syrup
- Natural sweetener that adds a rich, earthy sweetness to the oats.
- Substitutes: Honey, agave syrup, stevia, or coconut sugar.
For the Banana Nutella Flavor:
Nutella
- Provides a creamy, indulgent chocolate-hazelnut flavor that pairs well with the oats.
- Substitutes: Homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, chocolate almond spread, or any chocolate spread.
Bittersweet chocolate
- Adds an extra layer of chocolate flavor and a slight crunch to the oats.
- Substitutes: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, or chocolate chips.
Banana
- Adds natural sweetness and pairs well with Nutella, offering a creamy texture.
- Substitutes: Other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
For the Peanut Butter and Jelly Flavor:
Jam
- Provides a fruity sweetness and flavor, balancing the richness of the peanut butter.
- Substitutes: Fresh fruit, fruit spread, or honey.
Peanut butter
- Adds creamy, nutty flavor and richness to the oats.
- Substitutes: Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
Peanuts
- Adds extra peanut flavor and a crunchy texture to the oats.
- Substitutes: Other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
For the Apple Pie Flavor:
Apple
- Provides a sweet-tart flavor that mimics the taste of apple pie in the oats.
- Substitutes: Pears, peaches, or any other sweet fruit.
Maple syrup or honey
- Adds sweetness and warmth to the apple pie-inspired flavor.
- Substitutes: Agave syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar.
Pecans
- Provides a nutty flavor and crunchy texture that complements the apples.
- Substitutes: Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Cinnamon
- Adds warmth and spice to give the oats an apple pie-like taste.
- Substitutes: Nutmeg, allspice, or apple pie spice.
How to Make Overnight Oats
To Make the Base Recipe
Flavor Overnight Oats Base
- Add in the mix-ins of your choice.
- Cover and let rest overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Serve
- The next morning, give the mixture another stir, and enjoy! Store in the fridge for up to another 24 hours.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
- Adjust for servings: The base recipe is for one serving, but you can easily double, triple, or quadruple it to make more. Scale up the recipe for a family or group, and store in separate containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Get creative with flavors: These are just three suggested flavor combinations, but feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Add fresh fruit, dried fruit, spices, or nuts—whatever you love in your regular oatmeal will work here too.
- Keep fruit fresh: If you’re worried about fruit like apples or bananas browning, add them just before eating. Let the base sit overnight, but top with fresh fruit right before serving to keep it vibrant.
- Boost with protein: For an extra nutritional kick, stir in protein powder to the base. If using protein powder, remember it may alter the texture slightly—some powders can be gritty.
- Follow the recipe for best results: While overnight oats are simple, the correct ratio of liquid to oats is key for texture and flavor. Stick to my recipe for the best balance of creamy oats and flavorful base. Quality ingredients make a big difference, too.
- Have fun: Overnight oats are versatile, so feel free to add your own twist to the mix-ins. Get creative with ingredients and make this recipe your own—whether it’s adding chocolate chips, swapping in maple syrup, or experimenting with spices!
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Prep ahead:
Overnight oats are perfect for meal prep! Prepare your oats the night before, and let them sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight. You can even prep several jars or containers at once for a few days of easy breakfasts.
Storage:
Store overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This makes them a great grab-and-go option for busy mornings throughout the week.
Top fresh:
If you’re adding fresh fruit or toppings that might brown (like bananas or apples), wait until just before eating to add them. This helps keep the oats fresh and vibrant.
Freezing:
You can also freeze overnight oats for up to a month. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe jar. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and enjoy when ready!
Are Overnight Oats Healthy?
While I feel confident enough to call this recipe my “Healthy Overnight Oats,” I still want to give this question a quick answer: Yes, overnight oats are healthy.
According to Healthline, oats are one of the healthiest grains on earth! Oats are gluten-free and a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Oats can help lower cholesterol, improve your blood sugar, and can even help you lose weight.
I highly encourage you to read through the article to see all the healthy benefits of adding oats to your diet. Of course, always consult your healthcare provider or nutritionist regarding what foods are best for you and which ones you should avoid.
FAQs
Yes, oats are gluten-free. However, always check your packaging to ensure they are gluten-free and have not been processed in factories where there could be cross-contamination.
You can make vegan overnight oats by opting to use vegan yogurt and a plant-based milk alternative.
You want to be sure you are adding the right amount of liquid to your overnight oats. If they are too runny, chances are you added too much milk; if they are too dry, you likely didn’t add enough milk. A good ratio to stick to is 1:1. This base recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oats and 1/2 cup of the milk of your choice.
It’s normal if your overnight oats are slightly slimy. Oats become “slimy” when they sit overnight because the starches in the oats release liquid over time.
To avoid unappetizing, slimy oatmeal, stick to the 1:1 ratio.
If you’re storing your oats for longer than one day, there are a few signs to pay attention to ensure you don’t eat oats that have gone bad.
Signs your oats have spoiled include mold and the liquid completely separating from the oats. My suggestion is to eat them within 2 days.
Want More Healthy Breakfast Recipes?
- Healthy Breakfast Crisp (Gluten Free!)
- Healthy Chocolate Ice Cream For Breakfast
- My Mum’s Healthy Banana Muffins
- Complete Breakfast Muffins
- Healthy Granola Bars (Sugar-Free, Grain-Free)
Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
Base Overnight Oats Recipe
- ½ cup (1½ oz/43 g) old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) milk of choice
- ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Banana Nutella Overnight Oats
- 2 tablespoons Nutella
- 1 tablespoon hazelnuts, chopped
- ½ banana, diced
- 1 tablespoon bittersweet chocolate, chopped
PB and J Overnight Oats
- 2 tablespoons jam (flavor of choice)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon peanuts, chopped
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- ½ small apple, diced
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted pecans, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- To Make the Base Recipe
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla extract, if using.
Flavoring Overnight Oats Base
- Add in the mix-ins of your choice.
- Cover and let rest overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- The next morning, give the mixture another stir, and enjoy! Store in the fridge for up to another 24 hours.
Recipe Notes
- Adjust for servings: The base recipe is for one serving, but you can easily double, triple, or quadruple it to make more. Scale up the recipe for a family or group, and store in separate containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Get creative with flavors: These are just three suggested flavor combinations, but feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Add fresh fruit, dried fruit, spices, or nuts—whatever you love in your regular oatmeal will work here too.
- Keep fruit fresh: If you’re worried about fruit like apples or bananas browning, add them just before eating. Let the base sit overnight, but top with fresh fruit right before serving to keep it vibrant.
- Boost with protein: For an extra nutritional kick, stir in protein powder to the base. If using protein powder, remember it may alter the texture slightly—some powders can be gritty.
- Follow the recipe for best results: While overnight oats are simple, the correct ratio of liquid to oats is key for texture and flavor. Stick to my recipe for the best balance of creamy oats and flavorful base. Quality ingredients make a big difference, too.
- Have fun: Overnight oats are versatile, so feel free to add your own twist to the mix-ins. Get creative with ingredients and make this recipe your own—whether it’s adding chocolate chips, swapping in maple syrup, or experimenting with spices!
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE: My Healthy Overnight Oats Recipe is the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast that’s simple, filling, and perfect for both kids and adults alike. With just a handful of kitchen staple ingredients, it’s foolproof and guaranteed to keep you full all morning long. Whether you’re embracing healthy habits or just need a quick meal, these oats have you covered.
- Easy to prepare: Just 10 minutes of prep, and the fridge does the rest.
- Customizable flavors: Enjoy 3 delicious options—Banana Nutella, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Apple Pie—or create your own.
- Perfect for busy mornings: Prep in advance and grab a nutritious breakfast on your way out.
- Family-friendly: Double or triple the recipe to feed everyone effortlessly.
- Nutritious and satisfying: Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds to keep you full and energized.
I love making my overnight oats in mason jars—it’s so convenient to grab one and head out the door. And let’s be honest, even on the mornings when I’m not rushing out, I still want something quick, hearty, and ready to eat.
The best part? A little prep the night before means I get to enjoy my oats stress-free while sipping my morning coffee. Plus, with simple ingredients like rolled oats, your favorite milk, Greek yogurt, and a touch of maple syrup and vanilla, it’s easy to whip up a batch for the whole family.
Bold Bakers Loved This!
“These overnight oats have become my go-to breakfast! The Banana Nutella flavor is my favorite, and they keep me full all morning. I love how easy they are to prep the night before. Definitely making these weekly from now on!” — Emily T.
“I’m always on the go, so these healthy overnight oats are a lifesaver! The Peanut Butter & Jelly flavor tastes just like the sandwich, but healthier. My kids love them too, and it’s the perfect way to start the day!” — Jake M.
“Absolutely love this recipe! The Apple Pie flavor is so comforting, and it’s packed with nutrients. I prep them every Sunday and enjoy them all week. Thanks for making mornings so much easier!” — Avery R.
Table Of Contents
- What Are Overnight Oats?
- Tools You Need
- Key Ingredients and Substitutes
- How To Make Overnight Oats
- Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
- Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- FAQs
- More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
What Are Overnight Oats? Overnight Oats Vs. Cooked Oats
Overnight oats are a no-cook method of preparing oatmeal, where oats soak overnight in liquid, softening and absorbing the flavors. This results in a creamy, dense texture that some find even more delicious than traditional cooked oats.
- No cooking required: Simply soak oats overnight in your choice of liquid.
- Nutrient-rich: Retain more nutrients than cooked oats due to minimal heat exposure.
- Creamy and satisfying: – Just as creamy as traditional oatmeal but with a denser texture.
- Convenient: Prepped the night before for a quick, healthy breakfast.
Tools You Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl or mason jars
- Chopping knife
- Chopping board
Key Ingredients and Substitutes
For the Base Recipe:
Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Essential for overnight oats; they absorb liquid well, softening to the perfect consistency without becoming too mushy, unlike quick oats or too firm like steel-cut oats.
- Substitutes: Quick oats will yield a softer result. I do not recommend using steel-cut oats.
Milk of choice
- Adds creaminess and moisture, helping to hydrate the oats for a smooth texture.
- Substitutes: Skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk.
Greek yogurt
- Contributes creaminess and helps keep you fuller longer, providing a richer texture.
- Substitutes: Dairy-free yogurt (for a vegan option), coconut yogurt, or regular yogurt.
Chia seeds
- Boosts fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids while adding a slight gel-like texture to the oats.
- Substitutes: Flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Enhances the flavor of the oats and complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Substitutes: Vanilla bean paste will work well, too.
Maple syrup
- Natural sweetener that adds a rich, earthy sweetness to the oats.
- Substitutes: Honey, agave syrup, stevia, or coconut sugar.
For the Banana Nutella Flavor:
Nutella
- Provides a creamy, indulgent chocolate-hazelnut flavor that pairs well with the oats.
- Substitutes: Homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, chocolate almond spread, or any chocolate spread.
Bittersweet chocolate
- Adds an extra layer of chocolate flavor and a slight crunch to the oats.
- Substitutes: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, or chocolate chips.
Banana
- Adds natural sweetness and pairs well with Nutella, offering a creamy texture.
- Substitutes: Other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
For the Peanut Butter and Jelly Flavor:
Jam
- Provides a fruity sweetness and flavor, balancing the richness of the peanut butter.
- Substitutes: Fresh fruit, fruit spread, or honey.
Peanut butter
- Adds creamy, nutty flavor and richness to the oats.
- Substitutes: Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
Peanuts
- Adds extra peanut flavor and a crunchy texture to the oats.
- Substitutes: Other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
For the Apple Pie Flavor:
Apple
- Provides a sweet-tart flavor that mimics the taste of apple pie in the oats.
- Substitutes: Pears, peaches, or any other sweet fruit.
Maple syrup or honey
- Adds sweetness and warmth to the apple pie-inspired flavor.
- Substitutes: Agave syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar.
Pecans
- Provides a nutty flavor and crunchy texture that complements the apples.
- Substitutes: Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Cinnamon
- Adds warmth and spice to give the oats an apple pie-like taste.
- Substitutes: Nutmeg, allspice, or apple pie spice.
How to Make Overnight Oats
To Make the Base Recipe
Flavor Overnight Oats Base
- Add in the mix-ins of your choice.
- Cover and let rest overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Serve
- The next morning, give the mixture another stir, and enjoy! Store in the fridge for up to another 24 hours.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
- Adjust for servings: The base recipe is for one serving, but you can easily double, triple, or quadruple it to make more. Scale up the recipe for a family or group, and store in separate containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Get creative with flavors: These are just three suggested flavor combinations, but feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Add fresh fruit, dried fruit, spices, or nuts—whatever you love in your regular oatmeal will work here too.
- Keep fruit fresh: If you’re worried about fruit like apples or bananas browning, add them just before eating. Let the base sit overnight, but top with fresh fruit right before serving to keep it vibrant.
- Boost with protein: For an extra nutritional kick, stir in protein powder to the base. If using protein powder, remember it may alter the texture slightly—some powders can be gritty.
- Follow the recipe for best results: While overnight oats are simple, the correct ratio of liquid to oats is key for texture and flavor. Stick to my recipe for the best balance of creamy oats and flavorful base. Quality ingredients make a big difference, too.
- Have fun: Overnight oats are versatile, so feel free to add your own twist to the mix-ins. Get creative with ingredients and make this recipe your own—whether it’s adding chocolate chips, swapping in maple syrup, or experimenting with spices!
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Prep ahead:
Overnight oats are perfect for meal prep! Prepare your oats the night before, and let them sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight. You can even prep several jars or containers at once for a few days of easy breakfasts.
Storage:
Store overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This makes them a great grab-and-go option for busy mornings throughout the week.
Top fresh:
If you’re adding fresh fruit or toppings that might brown (like bananas or apples), wait until just before eating to add them. This helps keep the oats fresh and vibrant.
Freezing:
You can also freeze overnight oats for up to a month. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe jar. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and enjoy when ready!
Are Overnight Oats Healthy?
While I feel confident enough to call this recipe my “Healthy Overnight Oats,” I still want to give this question a quick answer: Yes, overnight oats are healthy.
According to Healthline, oats are one of the healthiest grains on earth! Oats are gluten-free and a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Oats can help lower cholesterol, improve your blood sugar, and can even help you lose weight.
I highly encourage you to read through the article to see all the healthy benefits of adding oats to your diet. Of course, always consult your healthcare provider or nutritionist regarding what foods are best for you and which ones you should avoid.
FAQs
Yes, oats are gluten-free. However, always check your packaging to ensure they are gluten-free and have not been processed in factories where there could be cross-contamination.
You can make vegan overnight oats by opting to use vegan yogurt and a plant-based milk alternative.
You want to be sure you are adding the right amount of liquid to your overnight oats. If they are too runny, chances are you added too much milk; if they are too dry, you likely didn’t add enough milk. A good ratio to stick to is 1:1. This base recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oats and 1/2 cup of the milk of your choice.
It’s normal if your overnight oats are slightly slimy. Oats become “slimy” when they sit overnight because the starches in the oats release liquid over time.
To avoid unappetizing, slimy oatmeal, stick to the 1:1 ratio.
If you’re storing your oats for longer than one day, there are a few signs to pay attention to ensure you don’t eat oats that have gone bad.
Signs your oats have spoiled include mold and the liquid completely separating from the oats. My suggestion is to eat them within 2 days.
Want More Healthy Breakfast Recipes?
- Healthy Breakfast Crisp (Gluten Free!)
- Healthy Chocolate Ice Cream For Breakfast
- My Mum’s Healthy Banana Muffins
- Complete Breakfast Muffins
- Healthy Granola Bars (Sugar-Free, Grain-Free)
Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
Base Overnight Oats Recipe
- ½ cup (1½ oz/43 g) old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) milk of choice
- ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Banana Nutella Overnight Oats
- 2 tablespoons Nutella
- 1 tablespoon hazelnuts, chopped
- ½ banana, diced
- 1 tablespoon bittersweet chocolate, chopped
PB and J Overnight Oats
- 2 tablespoons jam (flavor of choice)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon peanuts, chopped
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- ½ small apple, diced
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted pecans, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- To Make the Base Recipe
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla extract, if using.
Flavoring Overnight Oats Base
- Add in the mix-ins of your choice.
- Cover and let rest overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- The next morning, give the mixture another stir, and enjoy! Store in the fridge for up to another 24 hours.
Recipe Notes
- Adjust for servings: The base recipe is for one serving, but you can easily double, triple, or quadruple it to make more. Scale up the recipe for a family or group, and store in separate containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Get creative with flavors: These are just three suggested flavor combinations, but feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Add fresh fruit, dried fruit, spices, or nuts—whatever you love in your regular oatmeal will work here too.
- Keep fruit fresh: If you’re worried about fruit like apples or bananas browning, add them just before eating. Let the base sit overnight, but top with fresh fruit right before serving to keep it vibrant.
- Boost with protein: For an extra nutritional kick, stir in protein powder to the base. If using protein powder, remember it may alter the texture slightly—some powders can be gritty.
- Follow the recipe for best results: While overnight oats are simple, the correct ratio of liquid to oats is key for texture and flavor. Stick to my recipe for the best balance of creamy oats and flavorful base. Quality ingredients make a big difference, too.
- Have fun: Overnight oats are versatile, so feel free to add your own twist to the mix-ins. Get creative with ingredients and make this recipe your own—whether it’s adding chocolate chips, swapping in maple syrup, or experimenting with spices!
I love the base cause it has yogurt and I got a lot of it but tasted so sour… maybe cause I’m using Lebanese yogurt and it’s different from Greek yogurt. I added dried fruits and nuts to complement but still it was too sour for my usual oatmeal. Much needed recipe though at this time… would like to see more healthy recipes. Thanks ☺️
Can I just make the base overnight in the fridge ,heat up in the microwave in the morning and then add my toppings as I’m not keen on cold oats!
Peanut butter and jam overnight oats seems to be a different variant. To be honest, i have never tried jam with over night oats recipe. Also, banana nutella also seems to be a great recipe since i am huge fan of nutella.
Can I omit the yogurt as I am allergic to dairy?
Can you make a weeks worth at a time? How long do they keep for?
Once the oats are prepped the night before, when they are setting up for 8 hours…does this need to be done in the fridge?
Hi
Is is ok to add fruit the night before or does it get soggy by the morning?
What size jars (oz) did you use?
Might I suggest our favourite peaches and cream. Made with homemade canned peaches, with or without toasted pecans. So yummy.
This looks nice and easy, and you have given some good options. Looking forward to trying it this week.
About Us
Meet Gemma
About Us
Meet Gemma
Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, best-selling cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking and the Bold Baking Network. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 1000+ videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 authority for everything baking.