If your mornings are anything like mine, then you don’t have time to cook every morning. I still want my children to eat a healthy breakfast that will keep them full until our next mealtime. Overnight oats are satisfying, you can flavor them in many ways. Learning how to make overnight oats is quite simple and they are very easy to make once you get the hang of it.
What Are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are simply rolled oats soaked in liquid (usually milk or a plant-based alternative) along with other flavorful ingredients. Instead of cooking them on the stove, you let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamy, ready-to-eat breakfast eaten cold right out of the fridge. However, if you prefer, they can also be heated in the microwave like one of my children prefers.
Formula For Overnight Oats
While the possibilities are endless, here’s a simple ratio to get you started:
Sweetener to taste (optional) – Maple syrup, honey, or jelly are my family’s preferred sweeteners; however, you can use other sweeteners if you would like.
1/3 cup rolled oats (not instant oats!) – Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture If you plan to eat them within a few hours instant oats are fine.
1/3 cup liquid – Milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, oat), yogurt, or even a combination.
1-2 teaspoons chia seeds or flax seeds (optional, but highly recommended) – They add thickness and extra nutrients like omega-3s and fiber.
Fruit or spices of your choice– Try some of the combinations below or try some of your own.
If you have something other than pint jars, measuring out oatmeal is easy. Simply add your desired amount of oats to your chosen container. Then, slowly pour in your liquid of choice, stopping when the oats are just covered. Give it a gentle stir and top off with a little extra liquid to ensure the oats are fully submerged. This simple method ensures perfectly hydrated oats every time.
How to Make Basic Overnight Oats (Step-by-Step):
- Combine Ingredients: In a jar I like to use these or container with a lid, combine the rolled oats, liquid, chia seeds (if using), and sweetener (if using).
- Stir Well: Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate: Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours. This allows the oats to soften and the flavors soak in.
- Customize and Enjoy: In the morning, give your oats a stir. If they seem too thick, add a splash more liquid. Now comes the best part – adding your favorite toppings! If I am using mine the next day, and I am using frozen berries, I will just add them they will thaw overnight. However, add your fresh fruit before you eat them.
Overnight Oats Flavor Ideas & Topping Ideas:
Don’t hesitate to get creative and try other things.
- Fruity Favorites:
- Berries: Top with fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries).
- Banana Nut: Add sliced banana and chopped walnuts or pecans. Banana can only be added in the morning, not overnight.
- Apple Cinnamon: Mix in diced apple and cinnamon. Top with more apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Peach Cobbler: Add diced peaches and a dash of nutmeg. Top with granola.
- Tropical Delight: Mix in shredded coconut and diced pineapple or mango.
- Desert Flavorings:
- Chocolate: Mix in cocoa powder and a touch of sweetener. Top with berries.
- Chocolate Chip: Maple syrup and some mini morsels
- Coffee Kick: Use cold coffee as part of your liquid and add a sprinkle of espresso or coffee granules. You can use Maple Syrup as your flavoring.
- Vanilla Dream: Add vanilla extract and top with your favorite toppings.
- Nuts and Seeds:
- Peanut Butter: Mix in peanut butter (or PB2) or other nut butter. Top with more nut butter and chopped nuts.
- Almond Joy: Add almond extract, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips.
- Maple Pecan: Sweeten with maple syrup and top with toasted pecans.
Making It Kid Friendly
Using the basic recipe of 1/3 cup old fashioned oats to 1/3 cup liquid, add in one of these flavor combinations.
Some basic flavors that children will enjoy:
- 1 Tsp. Honey, dash of cinnamon
- 1 Tsp. Maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon
- 1 Tsp. Maple syrup, and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 Tsp. Jelly of your choice
- 1 Tsp. Jelly and 1 Tsp. of Peanut Butter
- 1 Tsp. Maple syrup 1 tsp mini chocolate morsels (more as needed, and my kids like to heat theirs to melt their chocolate in the microwave when they have this treat.)
- 2 TBS. of Left over fruit leather puree try that recipe here, and add a little puree to overnight oats, it’s delicious.
Add-ins For babies or toddlers:
- Yogurt and milk
- Apple Sauce (or softened apples) and Cinnamon
- peach baby food or pureed and nutmeg
- Tots Only: Honey and Cinnamon (It is recommended to wait until over a year old to give honey to a baby)
- Maple and Cinnamon
Effortless Mornings with Make-Ahead Overnight Oats:
Overnight oats are the ultimate breakfast solution for busy lives. Simply prepare a batch at the start of the week, and a nutritious meal is ready to grab each morning. Whether you’re packing a lunch, need breakfast on the go, or simply lack the time for an elaborate breakfast, overnight oats have you covered. As a bonus for busy parents, kids can independently grab their own healthy breakfast from the fridge, freeing you up for other morning tasks.
Budget-friendly breakfast:
You might be surprised at how affordable old-fashioned oats are! This makes overnight oats a remarkably cost-effective breakfast option, whether you’re feeding a small household or a large family.
No-cook convenience:
Let’s face it, some mornings you’re short on time and energy. That’s where the no-cook convenience of overnight oats is my best friend! Having a fast, grab-and-go breakfast readily available is incredibly convenient.
Perfect for meal prepping:
Whip up a large batch of overnight oats or store individual servings in your fridge for the entire week. They’re not just for breakfast either – pack one in your lunch bag for a satisfying afternoon snack to keep you energized until dinner.
What’s your go-to flavor?
I’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite overnight oats flavor combinations in the comments below. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it with your friends!
