These Overnight Oats are a healthy make-ahead breakfast with 9 flavor variations plus a keto version. They are super easy to make and perfect for busy mornings. Simple to customize with your favorite flavors from Almond Joy, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, Blueberry, Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Pumpkin, Strawberry and Keto Overnight Oatmeal. You’ll have a feel-good breakfast to go along with any mood.
Pin for HERE for later and follow my boards for more recipe ideas!
Updated April 2021
Easy Overnight Oats Recipe
It can be a bit tricky to balance eating healthy with convenient morning meals, so anything prepared the night in advance is a game changer! Easy make-ahead breakfasts are essential when you have an active, busy family to feed, and these Overnightt Oats couldn’t be simpler. There are tons of tasty flavors to choose from!
9 Different Variations
Now comes the fun part! I love every single flavor of this oatmeal, and I’m sure you will too! Which one are you gonna try first?
All of these recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free and vegan. There are also grain-free and Keto options. From Almond Joy to carrot cake to PB&J, oatmeal has never tasted so amazing!
- Almond Joy: Made with shredded coconut and sliced almonds, your favorite nutty candy bar makes an amazing oatmeal flavor!
- Apple Cinnamon: Tangy bursts of apple and sweet cinnamon make this fruity variation a go-to for me.
- Banana Nut: Topped with banana slices and chopped walnuts, this is the ultimate banana nut oatmeal recipe! It’s full of warm flavors thanks to some nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Blueberry: Vanilla, nut butter and plenty of fresh blueberries take this oatmeal variation to the next level.
- Carrot Cake: Enjoy a slice of carrot cake for breakfast in the form of healthy oatmeal! This version is made with grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped pecans and raisins.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly: For this iconic flavor, you can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter and your favorite jelly or jam! I love topping my PB&J oatmeal with freeze-dried strawberries and chopped peanuts.
- Pumpkin: Need a festive flavor for fall? This crave-worthy variation features pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, pecans, pepitas, cinnamon and cranberries. Yum!
- Strawberry: This overnight oatmeal is bursting with strawberry flavor! It uses both fresh and freeze-dried berries.
- Keto Overnight Oats: This tasty variation is completely Keto-friendly with chia seeds, hemp seeds, coconut flour, shredded coconut, almond milk, vanilla and the sweetener of your choice.
What Are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oatmeal is simply rolled oats or old fashioned oats that have been soaked overnight in liquid. You can use water, almond milk or coconut milk, along with your favorite flavor mix-ins. Overnight oats taste exactly like the creamy stove-top oatmeal you know and love, but with no cooking necessary!
Unlike cooked oatmeal, overnight oats are usually eaten cold. This recipe is perfect if you’re craving oatmeal during a summer heat wave, but you can also warm it up if you’d like! It’s almost completely hands-off with less than 5 minutes of prep time. And the wide range of flavor options will keep you munchin’ on oatmeal every morning!
The Health Benefits of No-Cook Oatmeal
Not only are overnight oats a great source of protein and fiber, but they’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals! The soaking process breaks down the starches in the oats, just as if they were cooked. This helps your body absorb all of those healthy nutrients. Another great thing about this antioxidant-rich breakfast is that it will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours!
What You’ll Need
Let’s begin by going over the basics of this oatmeal recipe. Each flavor calls for different ingredients, which can be found in the full recipe below. Here’s what you’ll need across the board!
- Rolled Oats: Use quick oats or gluten-free oats, if needed.
- Milk: Use your favorite milk you like or have on hand. To make overnight oats vegan, we use almond milk but coconut milk or cashew milk will work just fine.
- Chia Seeds: These ultra nutritious, low-calorie seeds boast their own list of health benefits! They also act as an oatmeal thickener, but you can leave them out if you aren’t a fan.
Other optional mix-ins & toppings:
The mix-ins and additions will differ depending on the flavor of oatmeal you’re making.
- Nut or seed butter: Almond butter, cashew butter, pumpkin butter, sunflower seed butter and or peanut butter add that savory-nutty flavor and a certain creaminess.
- Fruit: Have fun with your toppings. Add fruit that won’t get mushy directly into the mason jar or toss them on directly on top of the oats when you’re ready to eat.
- Sweetener: Leave out or use any sweetener you like – honey, maple syrup, a ripe banana, dates or any low-carb liquid sugar substitute or sweetener such as monk fruit, SWERVE or erythritol will work.
- For a non-vegan version, you can make overnight oats with yogurt – Add a combination of milk and Greek yogurt to make your oats extra creamy
Keep in mind that the Keto version has a unique list of ingredients to keep it compliant with the low-carb diet. Otherwise, the rolled oats, almond milk and chia seeds will serve as your oatmeal base.
How to Make Overnight Oats
Overnight oatmeal is the easiest breakfast you’ll ever make. You literally just have to mix the ingredients in a jar and refrigerate! Be sure to follow the directions for each flavor or watch the video below!
Basic Overnight Oats Ratio:
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup liquid (water or your favorite milk)
- COMBINE INGREDIENTS: Start by adding the rolled old fashioned oats with your favorite milk and / or coconut or Greek yogurt in a 8 oz. mason jar, resealable container or a bowl. These 7 oz jars are the ones you actually see in the photos and are currently my favorite ones.
- FLAVOR WITH SWEETENER OR SPICES: Overnight oats are super versatile so feel free to add any sweetener or spices you like.
- CHILL IN FRIDGE: Seal or cover with a lid and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- MIX UP THE FLAVORS: There are a ton of ways you can customize the flavors. Have fun and mix up the flavors so you can have a different one every day of the week.
- EAT IN JAR OR BOWL: And if you make them in a mason jar, you can easily transport this healthy breakfast to school, work or enjoy them on the road. Enjoy them straight from the jar or pour into a bowl and add your favorite toppings.
OATMEAL FLAVOR VARIATIONS:
1. Chocolate Overnight Oats with Almond Milk <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
For this chocolate oatmeal recipe, we used:
- gluten free rolled oats
- almond milk
- chia seeds
- sweetener of your choice
- cocoa powder
- shredded coconut
- almonds
2. Apple Cinnamon Oats <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
For this apple oatmeal recipe, we used:
- gluten free oats
- almond milk
- chia seeds
- sweetener of your choice
- chopped apples
- cinnamon
3. Banana Nut Overnight Oats <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
For this banana oatmeal recipe, we used:
- oats
- almond milk
- chia seeds
- banana, mashed
- cinnamon, nutmeg (optional)
- walnuts & sliced bananas, for topping
4. Blueberry Overnight Oats Quaker <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
For this blueberry oatmeal recipe, we used:
- gluten free oats
- almond milk
- chia seeds
- sweetener of your choice
- vanilla extract
- almond butter
- fresh blueberries
5. Carrot Cake Overnight Oats <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
For this carrot cake oatmeal recipe, we used:
- gluten free rolled oats
- coconut milk
- chia seeds
- maple syrup or sweetener of your choice
- grated carrots
- shredded coconut
- pecans, chopped
- raisins (optional)
6. Overnight Oats Peanut Butter and Jelly <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
For this peanut butter oatmeal recipe, we used:
- gluten free rolled oats
- almond milk
- chia seeds
- sweetener of your choice
- vanilla
- peanut butter
- strawberry (or your favorite) jam
- freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
- chopped peanuts (optional)
7. Pumpkin Overnight Oats <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
- gluten free rolled oats
- almond milk
- chia seeds
- sweetener of your choice
- pure pumpkin
- ground cinnamon
- pumpkin pie spice
- dried cranberries
- pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
8. Strawberry Overnight Oats <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
For this strawberry oatmeal recipe, we used:
- gluten free rolled oats
- almond milk
- chia seeds
- sweetener of your choice
- pure vanilla extract
- strawberries (plus extra for topping)
AND OUR NEWEST ADDITION: A GRAIN FREE OVERNIGHT OATMEAL
9. Paleo / Keto Oats <– click OR scroll to bottom for full recipe
This latest recipe is brought to you by reader-request. It’s grain-free, sugar-free and paleo friendly.
For this keto oatmeal recipe, we used:
- chia seeds
- hemp hearts
- unsweetened shredded coconut
- coconut flour
- vanilla extract
- unsweetened almond
- low carb sweetener / we used monk fruit sweetener
Tips for Success
I’ve made overnight oats more times than I can count, and it only gets easier! Here are my biggest tips to get you started:
- Chill for At Least 4 Hours: Your oatmeal needs time in the fridge to thicken up and soak to perfection. Make sure you give it at least 4 hours.
- Make it Creamy: If you like your oatmeal on the creamier side, you can add more milk. You can also crank up the creaminess by adding 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. If you like chunkier oatmeal, add a little less milk.
- Mix-Ins Vs. Toppings: Any fruit that won’t get mushy can be added directly into the mason jar with the oats, milk and chia seeds. Toppings include any add-ins that should stay crispy or crunchy.
- Don’t Have a Jar? If you don’t have a jar on hand, you can use any bowl or container with a lid.
- Serve Cold or Warm: You can eat your oatmeal straight from the fridge or warm it up first. Overnight oats can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
How to Store Overnight Oats
To store overnight oatmeal, simply keep it chilled in the jar you made it in! Just make sure that the container is airtight so it properly preserves the oatmeal.
How long do overnight oats last?
As long as you keep it refrigerated, overnight oatmeal lasts for up to 5 days. I love making these oatmeal cups on Sunday night for healthy breakfasts all week long!
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you eat overnight oats hot or cold?
You can eat overnight oats hot or cold straight from the fridge. Enjoy cold overnight oats with yogurt and berries plus toppings of your choice.
Can they be reheated?
Yes, you can eat reheat overnight oatmeal either in the microwave in a heat-safe container or pour into a pot and heat on the stove.
Can you use steel cut oats?
We specifically tested these instant oats recipes using old-fashioned rolled oats and not with steel cut oats.
However, if you want to try using steel cut oats, you may have to soak them overnight in jars with hot or boiling water. Steel cut oats are much tougher, so the hot liquid will help soften the texture.
Do you have to make the oats in a jar?
We love using these jars to make our overnight oatmeal but you can definitely use any bowl or container with a lid.
Are overnight oats good?
- requires less than 5 minutes of prep-time
- no cooking, no stove, no pot, no stirring and no oven required – perfect if you’re a student and staying in a dorm
- almost completely hands off
- making oats in a jar is a fun way to switch up your breakfast routine
- easy to make-ahead the night before and works great for Sunday or Monday meal prep
- simple to customize with a variety of toppings and add-ins
- a simple breakfast recipe when you’re craving oatmeal but want a cold breakfast on a hot summer day
Are overnight oats healthy?
Yes, not only are soaked oats full of protein and good for you, I love that you can make a big batch ahead the night before.
- they’re nutritious
- packed with fiber, protein, essential vitamins & minerals
- oats for breakfast can help keep you full until lunch.
Tools you’ll need:
Other Make Ahead Breakfasts
Want more healthy make-ahead breakfast options? We’ve got plenty, and they’re all delicious!
More easy breakfast & snack recipes you’ll love – all perfect for the busy months of January and February and beyond:
- 9 Breakfast Egg Muffins
- Granola Bars – 12 Ways
- Baked Egg Cups – 9 Ways
- Steel cut Oatmeal
- Classic Rolled Oats (6 Ways)
- Perfect Steel Cut Oats – 6 Way – Instant Pot or Stovetop
- Baked Oatmeal Cups (10 Ways)
- No Bake Energy Bites (12 Ways)
Pin for HERE for later and follow my boards for more recipe ideas!
These Overnight Oats are a healthy make-ahead breakfast with 9 flavor variations plus a keto version. They are super easy to make and perfect for busy mornings. Simple to customize with your favorite flavors from Almond Joy, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, Blueberry, Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Pumpkin, Strawberry and Keto Overnight Oatmeal. You'll have a feel-good breakfast to go along with any mood.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats gluten free as needed
- 2/3 - 3/4 cup almond milk or your favorite milk (for a non-vegan version - you can add half milk and half Greek yogurt for creaminess as well)
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped apples (I used gala)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup honey or low carb liquid sweetener (optional)
- 1/2 very ripe banana mashed or chopped for chunkier texture
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup honey or low carb liquid sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ,optional
- 2 Tablespoon walnuts chopped, for topping
- banana slices for topping, optional
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup honey or low carb liquid sweetener
- 1/2 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 Tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 Tablespoon slivered or sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped strawberries plus extra for topping
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup , honey or low carb liquid sweetener
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 slices freeze-dried strawberries (optional for topping)
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup honey or low carb sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon grated carrots plus more for topping (if desired)
- 1/2 Tablespoon shredded coconut plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon raisins optional, plus more for topping
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon almond butter
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup , honey or low carb liquid sweetener
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries plus more for toppings
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar or honey optional
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons seedless strawberry (or raspberry) jam plus more for layering
- 2-3 Tablespoons smooth or crunchy peanut butter plus more for layering
- 1 teaspoon freeze-dried strawberries for topping, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon chopped peanuts for topping, optional
- 1/2 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon pecans chopped
- 1 Tablespoon pure pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pepitas plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cranberries plus more for topping
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 teaspoons Monkfruit sweetener , optional to taste
Add oats, milk and chia seeds together in a mason jar, resealable container or a bowl. (If you like your oatmeal creamier, you can add more milk and less if you like it on the chunkier side - you can also add an extra 2 tablespoons yogurt (dairy free if needed) to make it even creamier). Add desired mix-ins.
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top. Add desired toppings.
Add apples and cinnamon (plus a sweetener, if desired) to the mason jar.
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top.
Serve with more milk as desired and top with additional chopped apples and ground cinnamon before serving, if desired.
Add mashed banana and cinnamon to the mason jar.
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top.
Serve with more milk as desired and top with fresh banana slices and walnuts before serving, if desired.
Add sweetener and cocoa powder to the mason jar.
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top.
Serve with more milk as desired and top with coconut, slivered almonds, and chocolate chips before serving, if desired.
Add strawberries (and sweetener if desired) to the mason jar.
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top.
Serve with more milk as desired and top with fresh strawberry slices before serving, if desired.
Add sweetener, cinnamon, carrots, coconut, pecans and raisins to the mason jar.
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top.
Serve with more milk as desired and sprinkle with additional coconut, pecans and raisins before serving (optional)
Add vanilla and blueberries (plus a sweetener, if desired) to the mason jar.
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top.
Serve with more milk as desired and top with fresh blueberries and almond butter before serving
Add sweetener (if using), peanut butter, jam and vanilla to the mason jar.
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top.
Serve with more milk as desired and top with another layer of peanut butter, jam, freeze-dried berries, and chopped peanuts before serving, if desired.
Add maple syrup, pecans, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, pepitas and cranberries to the mason jar
Shake jar or mix and combine with a spoon. Seal and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave or stove-top.
Serve with more milk as desired and top with more pepitas and cranberries before serving, if desired.
Add all the Keto/Low Carb Oatmeal ingredients to a large container or jar with a lid.
Stir until combined. Cover with lid and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
When ready to serve, remove lid and stir, pour with more milk until desired consistency is reached.
Divide between two small bowls, add desired toppings/mix-ins and enjoy.
Divide between two small bowls, add desired toppings/mix-ins and enjoy.
Make 3-4 batches of your favorite flavors and store in separate mason jars or containers.
Recipe Video
Nutrition facts apply to base ingredients only.
Did you try this recipe?
Denise -
this has become my go to recipe for overnight oats! I’ve even started experimenting with savory options for this winter! MAde the base recipe overnight, then ADDed precooked spinach, sausage, garlic, and onions in the morning, and heating for 1-1 1/2 minutes in the microwave. Yum!!!!!
Diedre -
These are phenmomenal! Love all the different varieties!