Overnight Oats Recipes – 9 Ways

Best Overnight Oats – healthy no-cook oatmeal made 9 ways are easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings. Make ahead oatmeal is simple to customize with your favorite flavors. Almond Joy, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, Blueberry, Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Pumpkin Cranberry, Strawberry and Keto Overnight Oats.

Pin for HERE for later and follow my boards for more recipe ideas!

Updated June 2019 from December 2017

Easy make ahead breakfasts are essential when you have an active family on-the-go during the week.

Especially during the busy months of January and February, we always have a few quick and healthy breakfast recipes that we have in our arsenal.

My kids are big oatmeal fans and a few favorite oatmeal recipes we turn to regularly include:

• Healthy Gluten Free Breakfast Cookies – 12 Ways
• 9 Breakfast Egg Muffins
• Granola Bars – 12 Ways
• Baked Egg Cups – 9 Ways
• Steel Cut Oats Recipe
• 6 Perfect Steel Cut Oatmeal Recipes  – Instant Pot or Stovetop
• Classic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (6 Ways)
• Baked Oatmeal Cups (10 Ways)

Today we’re going to be focusing on overnight oatmeal recipes.

WHAT ARE OVERNIGHT OATS?

Overnight oatmeal in a jar is the easiest breakfast recipe and definitely one of my family’s favorite way to start the morning.

Have you hopped on the overnight oats train?

Overnight oatmeal is basically just rolled or old fashioned oats that have been soaked overnight in liquid. You can use water, almond milk or coconut milk for the liquid along with your favorite mix-ins.

Unlike stove-top oatmeal where you have to cook the oats, we have uncooked oats that get creamy by absorbing the liquid when they sit overnight.

Today, I’ve got 9 delicious and fun variations that you can try so you can have a different flavor every day of the week:

1. Almond Joy
2. Apple Cinnamon
3. Banana Nut
4. Blueberry Almond
5. Carrot Cake
6. Overnight Oats Peanut Butter & Jelly
7. Pumpkin
8. Strawberry
9. Keto / Low Carb Oats

WHY MAKE OVERNIGHT OATS?

• 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.

HOW TO MAKE OVERNIGHT OATS?

This is one the easiest recipes you can possibly make. Here’s how to prepare oats for breakfast:

Overnight Oats Ratio:

• 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup liquid (water or your favorite milk)

1. ADD OATS TO CONTAINER: Start by combining rolled or 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.
2. FLAVOR WITH SWEETENER OR SPICES: Overnight oats are super versatile so feel free to add any sweetener or spices you like.
3. CHILL IN FRIDGE: Seal or cover with a lid and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. 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.
5. 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.

There are a ton of recipes out there for overnight oatmeal and the EIGHT below are our latest favorites.

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 OVERNIGHT OATS BE HEATED?

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.

DOES OVERNIGHT OATS WORK WITH 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 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.

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

Things you might need:

8 oz Wide Mouth Mason Jars

Resealable container

7 oz Jars show in photos

Bowl

More easy breakfast & snack recipes:

• Healthy Breakfast Cookies – 12 Ways
• 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!

5 from 36 votes

Print

Easy Overnight Oats 8 Ways

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

 

If you like healthy make-ahead breakfasts, you have to try these Easy Overnight Oats! With 8 delicious flavor variations plus a Keto version, you'll have a feel-good breakfast to go along with any mood.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: healthy overnight oats, how to make overnight oats, overnight oatmeal

Servings: 1

Calories: 180 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

Base for Overnight Oats

• 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

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

• 1/2 cup chopped apples (I used gala)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup honey or low carb liquid sweetener (optional)

Banana Walnut Oatmeal

• 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

Almond Joy Oatmeal

• 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

Strawberry Oatmeal

• 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)

Carrot Cake Oatmeal

• 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

Blueberry Vanilla Almond Butter Oatmeal

• 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

Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal

• 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

Pumpkin Cranberry Oatmeal

• 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

Keto/Low-Carb Oatmeal

• 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

Instructions

For the Base

1. 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.

Apple Cinnamon

1. Add apples and cinnamon (plus a sweetener, if desired) to the mason jar.

2. 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.

3. Serve with more milk as desired and top with additional chopped apples and ground cinnamon before serving, if desired.

Banana Walnut

1. Add mashed banana and cinnamon to the mason jar.

2. 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.

3. Serve with more milk as desired and top with fresh banana slices and walnuts before serving, if desired.

Almond Joy

1. Add sweetener and cocoa powder to the mason jar.

2. 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.

3. Serve with more milk as desired and top with coconut, slivered almonds, and chocolate chips before serving, if desired.

Strawberry

1. Add strawberries (and sweetener if desired) to the mason jar.

2. 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.

3. Serve with more milk as desired and top with fresh strawberry slices before serving, if desired.

Carrot Cake

1. Add sweetener, cinnamon, carrots, coconut, pecans and raisins to the mason jar.

2. 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.

3. Serve with more milk as desired and sprinkle with additional coconut, pecans and raisins before serving (optional)

Blueberry Vanilla Almond Butter

1. Add vanilla and blueberries (plus a sweetener, if desired) to the mason jar.

2. 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.

3. Serve with more milk as desired and top with fresh blueberries and almond butter before serving

Peanut Butter and Jelly

1. Add sweetener (if using), peanut butter, jam and vanilla to the mason jar.

2. 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.

3. 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.
   

Pumpkin

1. Add maple syrup, pecans, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, pepitas and cranberries to the mason jar

2. 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.

3. Serve with more milk as desired and top with more pepitas and cranberries before serving, if desired.
   

Keto/Low Carb

1. 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.

For Meal Prep

1. Make 3-4 batches of your favorite flavors and store in separate mason jars or containers.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Nutrition facts apply to base ingredients only.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Overnight Oats 8 Ways

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 180 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Sodium 51mg2%

Potassium 140mg4%

Carbohydrates 24g8%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 45IU1%

Vitamin C 4.2mg5%

Calcium 67mg7%

Iron 1.3mg7%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.