9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (2024)

Oats can be a friend to basically any food item. Fruit, spices, nuts, meats, sweet, savory, breakfast, lunch, dinner — you name it, there’s a good chance it’ll feel right at home in a big ole breakfast bowl of oaty wonder.

Factor in that they’re easy as heck (and healthy AF) to make and you’re going to wonder why you don’t use them every morning.

9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (1)Share on Pinterest

These overnight oats recipes double down on convenience so you don’t have to do anything in the morning besides falling out of bed, throwing on a sweater, and revving yourself up for the day.

Who’s ready for fruit and oats, that unbeatable combo?

1. Spiced pear and walnut overnight oats

9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (2)Share on Pinterest

Depending on how strapped for time you are, this recipe can range from “sweet Lord, thank you for accepting me into the promised land” to “I’m definitely still on Earth, but this is delicious.”

If you’ve got time, you can bake the pears in maple first. If not, simply mix everything together and enjoy it hold or cold the next morning. Either way, this’ll take you no more than 15 minutes, tops.

2. Cranberry pecan overnight oats

9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (3)Share on Pinterest

There’s enough options on here to sate a sweet tooth — it’s time to get a little tart.

Cranberries provide an interesting take on sweetness if you’re not after a bland breakfast but feel like branching out from maple syrup and honey.

Pecans and chia seeds bring the protein. Otherwise, it’s oaty goodness as usual with yogurt, almond milk, and unsweetened dried coconut.

3. Baked apple overnight oats

9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (4)Share on Pinterest

Apple picking season is here (and we love apples, so someone’s gotta pick ’em). Prep for it with a baked apple breakfast — one that involves very little in the way of prep.

There’s not much sugar in this recipe, but if you really need it (totally not projecting) the creator recommends maple syrup, and we’re gonna second that.

Nut butter makes the oats extra creamy — just try to resist taking it out of the fridge until morning (we dare ya).

And all things nice, too, we guess.

4. Maple, brown sugar, and cinnamon overnight oats

Share on Pinterest

Take a classic oatmeal flavor on the go by making it the night before and putting it in a mason jar. Yeah, trendy and useful — people have been sleeping on your drip for too long.

It’s a delicious, gluten-free alternative to sugary granola bars if that’s all you find yourself having time for most mornings (like many of us).

Using actual cinnamon sticks is optional, but, man, does it look good. This recipe even offers some alternatives for maple syrup haters (no judgment, it really isn’t the same as pancake syrup) and people with nut allergies.

5. Vanilla chai overnight oats

Share on Pinterest

It’s like Starbucks in a jar of oats. Hurrahbucks!

Unfortunately, there isn’t any actual caffeine in this recipe, but it looks so good we think it’ll make up for that. With spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, this is a deeply satisfying, warming, and toasty way to wake up.

The recipe creator even recommends cutting open a real vanilla bean and using full-fat coconut milk to get that authentic chai taste.

6. Gingerbread overnight oats

Share on Pinterest

Not the gumdrop buttons! 😱😱😱

It’s not Christmas yet, but it can’t hurt to prepare (plus gingerbread is great to eat year-round). Any gingerbread people reading this, we apologize, but you are just too delicious.

This recipe calls for yogurt and a sweetener of your choice, as well as chia seeds and a bit o’ salt. The chia adds a nice serving of fiber and protein so you can feel even better than you already do in the morning.

7. Pumpkin pie overnight oats

Share on Pinterest

Have you tossed all your shorts and tank tops out the window yet? If not, you might after tasting the pumpkin pie flavor in these oats. (Watch out for passers-by down below.)

This recipe is a little more involved (in that you make your own pumpkin puree — sorry). But once that’s done, you can enjoy a healthy, dessert-like breakfast in just a few minutes.

8. Butternut squash overnight oats

Share on Pinterest

Soup, curry, oats, risotto — is there anything the humble, phallic butternut squash can’t do?

Heat a chunk in the microwave for around 5 minutes until it’s soft. Then, mash it up and combine it with vanilla extract, yogurt, fruit, and honey.

This is quick, easy, and delicious. And that’s what breakfast is all about.

9. Sweet potato pie overnight oats

Share on Pinterest

Last but ABSOLUTELY not least, the unsung hero, sweet potato, makes an appearance, sweeping the audience off their feet with an unexpected cameo.

(Okay, maybe not, but it’s still autumnal and delicious.)

It’s no secret that sweet ‘taters are filled with nutrients and taste great, so honestly it was about time they showed up for breakfast (they’re already a sleeper dessert superstar).

This recipe calls for baking your sweet potatoes, so it takes a bit longer than everything else on this list. But it’s so worth it.

Aside from getting to put your exemplary sweater collection to good use, fall is notable for its hearty, earthy flavors.

And you don’t need to head out on a pumpkin spice rampage (and pay for the expensive coffee shop variations) either — you can make cinnamon-ginger, wintry breakfast goodness with nothing more than oatmeal and a few different ingredients.

If you’re more into savory breakfasts than sweet, oatmeal doesn’t stop at fruit or pies-in-a-jar. Here are some oatmeal recipes to… savor.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (2024)

FAQs

Can you use a bowl for overnight oats? ›

To make them simply combine oats with milk of choice, chia seeds and fruit and place them in a jar or a bowl with a lid and refrigerate overnight. I use Monk fruit or Stevia to sweeten them but you can sweeten them with whatever you prefer.

What happens when you eat overnight oats every morning? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

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 is the ratio of oats to liquid for overnight oats? ›

The only ratio you need to remember when making overnight oats is 1:1. You'll soak one part rolled oats with one part liquid overnight. Use less liquid if you want thicker oatmeal, more if you like it runny. You can use water or any type of milk (like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.)

Are oats overnight actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Do you stir overnight oats before putting in the fridge? ›

Stir equal parts old-fashioned rolled oats and a liquid such as milk in a jar or container with a lid. If you're adding any sweeteners or fruit like berries, stir those in now as well. Step two: Cover and chill. Cover the container or seal the jar's lid and store in the refrigerator overnight.

What happens if you eat oatmeal every night? ›

In conclusion, the melatonin content, complex carbohydrates, and other factors make oatmeal a great bedtime snack. Incorporating oatmeal into your nighttime routine may help alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation, balance hormones, and support digestion.

Why does Dr. Gundry say not to eat oatmeal? ›

Did you know that oats in oatmeal are packed with lectins which poke holes in your gut lining and can lead to health issues in the future, according to Dr. Gundry. One great way to avoid this is by using sorghum in your breakfast bowl rather than oats.

Can I eat overnight oats for weight loss? ›

Not only is it lower in calories compared to many other breakfast foods, but it also has a number of other health benefits. These include: Weight management: Oats have high fiber content, which can make you feel fuller for longer. This helps to control your appetite, naturally reducing your calorie intake.

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.

What's the best milk for overnight oats? ›

Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture. Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.

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 makes overnight oats taste better? ›

You only need two ingredients to make overnight oats, which are, of course, milk and oats. But it probably won't taste very good, and by adding in Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener, you're really creating a well-rounded breakfast.

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?

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

Since overnight oats are really just oats that have been left to soften for hours in liquid — usually milk of some sort — to break down and become porridge-like, if you use too little liquid, the oats won't be able to soften enough and get that creamy consistency. Instead you'll have something more like cement.

What to use instead of yogurt in overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are commonly prepared using yogurt or vegan yogurt to create an extra creamy texture. However, yogurt is not mandatory and you can achieve the same results by using nut or seed butter as an alternative.

Do overnight oats have to be in glass? ›

You can definitely make overnight oats in a plastic container. Plastic jars tend to be more durable than glass, especially when dropped, making them a popular choice for families. They're also lightweight and inexpensive.

What can I use instead of chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Here are some alternatives. Flaxseed: If you don't like flaxseeds or chia seeds, you can replace them with nut butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or mashed fruit. Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or brown sugar is an excellent replacement for maple syrup.

What container to use for overnight oats? ›

My go-to containers for overnight oats are Weck jars—specifically the 12.5-ounce size, which come in a set of six. The jars are also available in several other sizes if you like larger or smaller portions.

Can I eat a bowl of oatmeal at night? ›

Oatmeal. Hot or cold oatmeal might help prepare your body for sleep and keep you full throughout the night. Oats contain magnesium as well as melatonin, the sleep hormone. Consider making a batch of overnight oats with dried fruits and seeds for a simple nighttime snack option.

Is it OK to use regular oats for overnight oats? ›

Use plain old fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats will get too soggy when soaked with milk. And do not use steel cut oats because they won't soften enough to eat just with milk unfortunately. Try this steel cut overnight oatmeal instead.

Why do overnight oats have to be in a jar? ›

The best way to store overnight oats is in a glass jar. The glass jar you use should have a tight seal. This ensures that the overnight oats stay as fresh as possible as they soak and are stored. Besides the tight seal, a glass jar will allow you to easily warm the overnight oats in the morning.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 5658

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.