Description
A versatile and healthy overnight oats recipe featuring a base of oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and almond milk, customizable with 8 delicious flavor variations such as Snickers, Banana Cream Pie, and Lemon Blueberry. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast that requires no cooking and can be prepared ahead for grab-and-go convenience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base Recipe
- 1 cup quick cooking oats (rolled oats also work)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk, any kind (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
Snickers Variation
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Banana Cream Pie Variation
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- 2-4 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
Strawberry Banana Variation
- 1 medium banana, sliced or mashed
- 4 medium strawberries, sliced
Chocolate Protein Variation
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk (or more, to taste)
Apple Pie Variation
- 1/2 cup shredded apple
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
Lemon Blueberry Variation
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, mashed
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Vanilla Latte Variation
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Replace 1/2 cup of almond milk with brewed coffee or bold brew
PB&J Variation
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons preserves
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Place all the ingredients for the base recipe—oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup—in a large container and mix well until fully combined.
- Add Variations: Incorporate any of the chosen variation ingredients such as peanut butter and chocolate chips for Snickers, or mashed fruits and nuts for other flavors; mix again to combine evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Stir Before Serving: When ready to eat, give the overnight oats a good stir. Add more milk to adjust the consistency based on your preference for thickness.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top the oats with additional flavorings or garnishes if desired, then enjoy cold straight from the fridge or optionally warmed for 30-60 seconds in the microwave.
Notes
- This recipe was updated on December 27, 2023, to include 8 new flavor variations while keeping the base recipe the same.
- Excellent for batch cooking or meal prep; the recipe can be doubled or tripled easily.
- Adding ¼ cup protein powder (chocolate or unflavored) may require an increase of ¼ to ⅓ cup more milk for desired consistency.
- To make vegan, substitute plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk.
- Nutrition info applies only to the base recipe without extra flavor variations.
- Overnight oats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Optional warming: microwave for 30-60 seconds if preferred warm rather than cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
