Vanilla Overnight Oats (2024)

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Are you in need of a breakfast idea that’s both quick and easy for those hectic mornings? Try making vanilla overnight oats! This recipe calls for basic pantry items such as rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, milk, and maple syrup, and it tastes just like a sweet and creamy vanilla pudding. The best part? It only takes 5 minutes to prepare! Just let the oats mixture sit in the fridge overnight and wake up to a delicious and healthy breakfast. Give it a try, and it’ll become your new go-to breakfast!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Preparing overnight oats is incredibly simple and convenient. All it takes is mixing the ingredients in a bowl and leaving them to sit in the refrigerator overnight. This recipe is foolproof and guarantees delicious results.
  • A serving of overnight oats is a great way to start your day. Rolled oats, chia seeds, and yogurt are all packed with nutritious goodness.
  • Most of these ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly, making for a budget-friendly meal for the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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  • rolled oats — for best results, it’s important to use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. The latter options tend to lose their texture when soaked, which is why I personally don’t prefer them.
  • milk —you can use any water or milk of your choice, from cow’s milk to non-dairy milk. However, I find whole milk to make the creaminess overnight oats. If you don’t have milk, you can make it with water, like myovernight oats with water recipe.Vanilla almond milk or another vanilla-flavored milk will add more vanilla flavor.
  • chia seeds —chia seeds are available in both black and white variants, but their nutritional content remains the same. These seeds are a great source of plant-based protein. When mixed with milk, they help in thickening the overnight oats.
  • yogurt —the yogurt works with the chia seeds to give the overnight oats a creamy texture. I suggest using a thick, creamy yogurt for the overnight oats. I am using vanilla bean Greek yogurt.
  • maple syrup —maple syrup is my preferred sweetener, but you can use your favorite one.
  • vanilla extract —I recommend using real vanilla extract and not artificial extract for the best flavor.
  • salt —a pinch of salt helps bring the flavors together.
  • vanilla protein powder – I highly recommend adding a bit of protein powder to this to add some extra protein and vanilla flavor.

How to Make Vanilla Overnight Oats

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  • Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and maple syrup in a bowl.
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  • Mix until well combined. Cover and put the mixture into the fridge (or individual containers) for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight.
  • When ready to enjoy, you can top it with some granola, chopped fruit or berries, etc, and enjoy!
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Recipe Tips and Notes

  • You can easily add some add-ins to increase the amount of protein in this vanilla overnight oats recipe. Nut butter and additional protein powder are a great addition.
  • This can be pricey depending on the availability but if you have vanilla beans, you can scrape some of the beans into the overnight oats mixture for even more vanilla flavor.
  • For a grab-and-go meal, mason jars are great.16-ounce wide-mouth mason jarsare great if you plan on adding toppings and don’t want anything to spill or overflow. I also LOVE a goodweck jar.

Make Ahead Tips

  • Meal prep:store the vanilla overnight oats without any toppings inan airtightcontainerfor up to 5 days in the fridge.
  • Freezer:to freeze overnight oats, portion out the oats in small containers, then freeze! Thaw the overnight oats in the fridge for 6-8 hours/overnight before you’d like to eat them. You can store the overnight oats in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are a no-cook method of making oatmeal! It’s made by soaking rolled oats in some liquid overnight so they become soft and digestible. They are a convenient and healthy option for busy mornings!

Do you eat overnight oats hot or cold?

You can enjoy this vanilla overnight oats recipe cold or warmed up in the morning! Simply microwave the overnight oats to warm them up if you do not want to eat them cold.

Are overnight oats healthy?

The ingredients in the overnight oats are pretty healthy! Rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, and milk are rich infiber, protein, and antioxidants. They also contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals!

Can you use steel-cut oats for overnight oats?

While you can use steel-cut oats, keep in mind that steel-cut oats will need to be soaked longer, and the texture will be dense and chewy in comparison. This frozen fruit overnight oats recipe, in particular, uses rolled oats, so I recommend following the recipe if this is your first time making overnight oats.

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Vanilla Overnight Oats

Are you in need of a breakfast idea that’s both quick and easy for those hectic mornings? Try making vanilla overnight oats! This recipe calls for basic pantry items such as rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, milk, and maple syrup, and it tastes just like a sweet and creamy vanilla pudding.

5 from 1 vote

Print Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Chill Time: 4 hours hrs

Total Time: 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup vanilla bean Greek yogurt
  • 4 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons vanilla protein powder, optional but recommended

Instructions

  • Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and maple syrup (and vanilla protein powder, if using) in a bowl.

  • Mix until well combined. Cover and put the mixture into the fridge (or individual containers) for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight.

  • When ready to eat, you can top it with some granola, chopped fruit or berries, etc, and enjoy!

Notes

(16 grams protein if not using protein powder)

Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 359mg | Iron: 3mg

Author: Carmy

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Nutrition Disclaimer

More Breakfast Recipes

  • Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
  • Chocolate Blueberry Chia Pudding
  • Strawberry Yogurt Bites
  • Blueberry Chia Pudding
  • Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit
  • Matcha Chia Pudding
  • Blueberry Oats
  • Nutella Overnight Oats
  • Biscoff Overnight Oats

Other places to connect with me
@carmyshungryon Instagram
Facebook
Shop my Amazon faves
Email:[emailprotected]

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Vanilla Overnight Oats (2024)

FAQs

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.

Are Trader Joe's vanilla overnight oats healthy? ›

Trader Joe's Vanilla Overnight Oats Nutritional Information

For 240 calories, a serving of this Vanilla Overnight Oats has eight grams of fat, one gram of saturated fat, 105 milligrams of sodium, 35 grams of carbs, six grams of fiber, and 12 grams of sugar (zero grams of added sugar), and offers eight grams of protein.

Is overnight oats actually healthy? ›

While overnight oats are a nutritious, convenient, and substantial breakfast alternative, they can also aid in weight loss. When you eat oats, you won't overeat because they have beta-glucan, which makes you feel full.

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.

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

In a large glass jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to make sure all the ingredients are combined. Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and stir.

Why are overnight oats good for your gut? ›

The Beta-Glucan in oats promotes bile-acid excretion which transports toxins out of your gut. The resistant starches found in oats also provide a rich food source for the friendly bacteria that live in your gut, which helps keep your microbiome in good balance.

Are overnight oats high in sugar? ›

Oatmeal is high in fiber and nutrients but low in saturated and trans fats and sugar and can help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. You can enjoy oats served warm as oatmeal or cold as overnight oats.

Why are overnight oats better for you than cooked oats? ›

In terms of specific benefits, overnight oats has a higher resistant starch content. Resistant starch is a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut and supporting a healthy digestive system.

Can I eat overnight oats every night? ›

Is it ok to eat overnight oats every day? Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

Why do my overnight oats taste sour? ›

Unlike mold, which is a very obvious indicator of spoilage (and can grow on oats if they're exposed to moisture), these yeasts are pretty much invisible, and while affected oats will still look OK, their sour flavor will convince you otherwise. Preventing oats from going bad is easy, it just requires a bit of thought.

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

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, leaving you with a creamy (but not mushy) texture. Save steel-cut and quick-cooking oats for another time. Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy.

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 overnight oats go bad? ›

Overnight oats will begin to deteriorate after the 2nd or 3rd day in the fridge, mostly due to the other ingredients added to the batch; and, they usually lose their texture and go bad after the fourth day. Make sure that you're storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Why do my overnight oats taste bland? ›

While overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option, they can taste bland if you don't add any sweetener.

How to make overnight oats less bland? ›

One responder wrote, "No matter how many things you throw into oats they'll be bland without a little salt." The Kitchn concurs, suggesting that you stir in a pinch of salt, along with your sweetener, before you pop your oats in the refrigerator for the evening.

Are overnight oats better with milk or water? ›

Overnight oats are typically made with milk but you can still have a creamy bowl of overnight oats that won't lack in flavor or creaminess by using water! Old-Fashioned Oats: I highly recommend using Old-Fashioned Oats (Rolled Oats) instead of quick-cooking oats.

What to do if you don't like overnight oats? ›

Here are a few simple tips that I use:
  1. Add a little salt to the water you cook the oats in. ...
  2. Don't use quick or instant oats. ...
  3. Mix a spoonful of the nut butter of your choice into the hot porridge. ...
  4. Try cooking the oats in milk instead of water if you.
Jan 11, 2023

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