Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (2024)

Last Updated . Published By Lorie 94 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to RecipeJump to VideoPrint Recipe

Want breakfast ready in the morning when you wake up? Try these 6 Easy Overnight Oats recipes for the easiest breakfast of all. 5 minutes to prep and waiting for you in the morning--these will become the best part of your day!

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (1)

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox.Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Whether you are new to overnight oatmeal or a long time fan, these easy overnight oats recipes are going to quickly become your favorite.

Simple ingredients, so easy to whip up and with just 5-10 minutes, you can prepare a week's worth of breakfasts. They can be eaten hot or cold and the possibilities of flavors go well beyond these 6!

Why You Will Love These Easy Overnight Oats Recipes:

  • They are so quick and easy to prep. If you like to meal prep, these recipes are a dream. A healthy, delicious breakfast whipped up in about 5 minutes. Can't beat that.
  • Can easily be varied to meet your dietary needs. There are so many different ways to make these oats--you can truly make them your own. Use dairy free milk if needed, gluten free oats, a different sweetener, endless options, but making them yours is what it's about!
  • Can be eaten hot or cold. I have had readers say they were told overnight oatmeal could only be eaten cold and that is not true. I warm mine up all the time! You can make these recipes and still have your hot oatmeal in the morning.
  • Breakfast is ready when you wake up! Overnight oats are the best make-ahead breakfast. When it comes to busy mornings, you can't beat having your meal ready right when you wake up!
Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (2)

What are Overnight Oats?

They are exactly what they sound like--oats that are prepared by soaking all the liquid up and softening throughout the night. If you want to cook rolled oats, you typically have to boil them stove top. However, if you make overnight oats, you are allowing the liquid to soak into the oats and soften them instead of boiling the oatmeal.

That's why they are called what they are called--it takes time for the oats to absorb the liquid and thus, allowing them to soak overnight in the fridge will make them ready to eat right when you wake up!

Recipe Ingredients:

My go-to base recipe of each of these oatmeal recipes include the following:

  1. rolled oats: this is what I use. They are also known as old fashioned oats. Some people say steel-cut oats are great but I find them to be way too chewy. If that's your thing, then you can use them as well. In a pinch, you can use quick oats if you don't have old-fashioned oats on hand. You may need to adjust the amount of milk but other than that, they will work!
  2. milk: this can be regular or dairy free. Use your milk of choice! Almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, soy milk and coconut milk will work great along with any version of dairy milk.
  3. sweetener: I LOVE pure maple syrup. It is my preferred breakfast sweetener. Use the sweetener you prefer. Honey, sugar, brown sugar whatever it may be, and adjust to your liking.
  4. chia seeds: not necessary, but a great way to give your oats a boost of protein and fiber. Please do not go out and buy them if you are not interested. They will be fine without.
  5. Pinch of salt: I like to add just a pinch to my recipes for a touch more flavor. Up to you!

*I often use vanilla extract in the base, but it varies because some recipes will use almond extract or another, so I left this out of the base ingredients.

How To Make Overnight Oats:

All you do is stir together some milk and oats, along with some other goodies for flavor, in a jar or bowl that can be sealed shut. That's it. Then you pop them in the fridge for the night.

This is why everyone is so obsessed with this perfect breakfast! Minimal effort, infinite flavor combos, hearty and nutritious. The very best!

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (3)

These 6 flavors include:

  • Banana Bread Overnight Oats: Wake up to banana bread but without any of the effort! The perfect way to use up bananas that are about to turn--bonus!
  • Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oatmeal: Same story, different flavor. Everyone's favorite muffin in a big hearty bowl. No baking required!
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats: While I LOOOOVE the banana bread version, I find myself making some form of this variety more often than not. Gotta gotta GOTTA have my peanut butter!
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats: I want to call this one something fancy like peanut butter cup or something, but I am just calling this one like I see it. While a basic peanut butter version is fine, when you toss in some chocolate chips, you always take things up a notch, right??
  • Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oatmeal: Nothing like fresh cream with your berries, right? I love adding just a touch to my oatmeal for that rich creamy flavor. There's nothing extraordinary about this recipe, but I promise it will be a favorite!
  • Almond Joy Overnight Oatmeal: Because sometimes you feel like a nut, right? My favorite candy turned into one of my very favorite breakfasts!
Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (4)
Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (5)
Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (6)
Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (7)
Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (8)
Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (9)

Overnight Oatmeal FAQs

Here are some of the FAQs I have found I get asked the most when it comes to overnight oatmeal. I will update this if more questions start popping up! (I also try to include this list on many of my overnight oats recipes for future reference.

How long do overnight oats last?

I typically make 3 or so day’s worth at a time. 3-5 days is the range that they will last and certain ingredients in different flavors impact this. Oats with mashed banana that I makeare typically not good after 2 or 3 days due to the mashed banana but other recipes are good a few days longer. Just keep fruit out of your oats until serving and that should typically help.

What kind of oats do you use?

I preferrolled oatsin mine–I find that they soak up the milk perfectly and are nice and soft after sitting all night. I have seen others suggest steel cut oats for their overnight oats recipe but that is NOT for me. They are too hard and chewy for me. I have found that steel cut oats are best for me in theInstant Pot.

Do you have to make overnight oatmeal in a jar?

When the overnight oatmeal trend hit, it was all the rage to scoop your breakfast out of a mason jar. Heck, I still do. But don’t go out and buy cute little jars just yet. If you have an air tight storage container, then you are in perfect shape. Don’t feel like you have to buy anything extra to make your oatmeal in, bowls can be great as well. I have seen lots of people use the end of apeanut butterjar.

Do you eat overnight oats hot or cold?

I have had readers comment or reach out saying they don’t want to eat cold oats. No one says you have to–promise! Pop them in the microwave in the morning and you are all set! Love them chilled? Great, you just get to eat them about a minute sooner!

Can you add protein powder to your oatmeal?

You sure can! Add your favorite protein powder if you like! Just note that you may need to add more milk to balance it out. I usually add a touch more milk in the morning before eating them if they seem a bit thick.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (10)

Possible Add-Ins:

Here are some other great options for ingredients to add to your overnight oats.

  • lemon zest (great in the blueberry muffin!)
  • sweetened or plain Greek yogurt
  • dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, dates, etc.
  • other fresh fruit: raspberries, sliced peaches, blackberries, etc.
  • sunflower seeds
  • another nut or seed butter--cashew butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc.

Check out these other top flavors:

  • Carrot Cake
  • Coconut Cream Pie
  • Peanut Butter Cheesecake
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Lemon Poppy Seed
  • Peanut Butter Banana

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all the latest!

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (11)

6 Simple Overnight Oats Recipes

Want breakfast ready in the morning when you wake up? Try these 6 Easy Overnight Oats recipes for the easiest breakfast of all. 5 minutes to prep and waiting for you in the morning--these will become the best part of your day!

4.85 from 79 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Chill: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Author: Lorie Yarro

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

For the Banana Bread

For the Blueberry Muffin:

For the Peanut Butter and Jelly:

For the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip:

For the Strawberries & Cream:

For the Almond Joy:

Instructions

For All Recipes:

  • Combine base ingredients plus all ingredients for desired flavor in a bowl or jar that can be sealed and stir well.

  • Refrigerate overnight.

  • Add an extra splash of milk if needed before serving. Serve hot or cold.

Notes

Base Nutrition information is based on rolled oats, milk and maple syrup. Please see below for individual recipe calories:

Banana Bread: 387 calories

Blueberry Muffin: 445 calories

Peanut Butter & Jelly: 360 calories

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: 420 calories

Strawberries & Cream: 300 calories

Almond Joy: 488

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 312mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 2mg

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a Question?Leave a comment below!

Shop This Post

Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (6 Flavors!) | Lemons + Zest (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

What makes overnight oats taste better? ›

You can make them all fancy, too. So, what to put in overnight oats? Popular ingredients are sliced fresh fruit, whole berries, chia seeds, yogurt, honey, nuts, maple syrup, and whatever else you can think of that sounds like it might taste good.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

According to a 2021 review published in Foods, oat beta-glucan has positive effects on hyperglycemia, lowering blood lipid levels and reducing weight. "The fiber content of oatmeal is filling and satiating, which in turn can help with eating fewer calories throughout the day and managing your weight," says Michalczyk.

What liquid to use for overnight oats? ›

I recommend a 1:1 ratio of rolled oats to milk, plus half as much yogurt. So for 1/2 cup of oats, I use 1/2 cup of milk + 1/4 cup of yogurt (or an additional 1/4 cup of milk). These proportions seem to give the oats the perfect consistency, not too thick, but not soupy.

What is the best milk for overnight oats? ›

But, anything from whole to skim milk works, or a non-dairy option like soy milk, almond milk, or another option that you prefer. Here you can see (on the right) the more soupy-liquid version is the overnight oats before they have soaked overnight. The mug on the left is the overnight oats after two nights of soaking.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

What is the best container for overnight oats? ›

Ball Mason Jars are a classic choice for preparing overnight oats, and as an added bonus, they're generally inexpensive to buy. These 8-ounce versions come in a pack of two for just $10, but you can also buy sets of 12 jars if you want to stock up.

How long do you soak overnight oats for? ›

Chill for at least 4 hours. While two hours might do in a pinch, a longer soak will give the flavors time to meld together better, making for a more delicious breakfast. Temperature matters. Cold milk will take longer to soak into the oats than room-temperature milk.

What oats are best for overnight? ›

The Best Oats for Overnight Oats: Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, become tender and creamy when soaked. Quick-cooking oats, which are smaller, can end up pasty and steel-cut oats, which are sturdier, stay quite firm even after soaking.

How to make overnight oats more filling? ›

Greek yogurt: Not only does Greek yogurt make overnight oats more filling, but it also gives the oats a super-creamy texture. To make the oats vegan, swap in an equal amount of your favorite dairy-free yogurt. Chia seeds: While chia seeds are an optional ingredient, they add a boost of fiber, protein, and omega-3's.

Why you shouldn't eat overnight oats in the morning? ›

You see, all grains contain something called “phytic acid”—or phytates—in the outer layer or bran, and oats contain more phytates than almost any other grain. So, if this phytic acid is untreated, it will combine with important minerals in our body and block their absorption.

What are the disadvantages of overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Why do my overnight oats taste so bad? ›

While overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option, they can taste bland if you don't add any sweetener. Some people skip the sweetener altogether, thinking that the fruit they add will be enough. However, a little bit of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar can go a long way in making your oats more enjoyable.

What's so special about overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats contain increased resistant starch. Resistant starch is a natural carb which is resistant to digestion and acts as soluble fiber. It is found in all starchy foods and is present at higher levels in cooled starchy foods instead of cooked ones.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

Is it better to make overnight oats with water or milk? ›

The addition of milk to overnight oats creates a creamy texture whereas water won't add any creaminess but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We can compensate for the lack of creaminess and flavor with other nutritious ingredients like mashed banana, plant-based yogurt, or nut butter.

What is best to soak oats in overnight? ›

Soak in milk

Go with regular or choose an alternative milk if you prefer the flavour, or if you're vegan. Soak the oats overnight until soft and creamy.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 5529

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.