Want an easy breakfast the whole family will enjoy? This simple overnight oats recipe is the answer! Incredibly delicious, good for you and affordable! This meal is perfect for busy mornings!
Next time try Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal if you prefer a warm bowl of oatmeal.
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ affordable
✔️ make ahead
✔️ This creamy oatmeal is completely delicious!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
This Overnight Oats Recipe can be a total brunch thing - cute and deliciously served in small jelly jars and easily stored in the refrigerator.
- steel cut or old-fashioned oatmeal
- use your favorite milk - regular milk, almond milk, coconut milk or cashew milk
- sweetened or unsweetened apple sauce, homemade applesauce - your choice
- brown sugar, pure maple syrup or a drizzle of honey for sweetness
- nuts and fruit
Optional additions include; Greek Yogurt, flax seeds, finely diced crisp apples (YUM!) or you could make an apple compote - there are so many different choices!
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Measure equal parts of Oatmeal and liquid - such as milk, nut milk or even yogurt. Pour it over the oatmeal in a sealable container.
- Add the sweetener and cinnamon. Whisk to combine.
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.
- If you're using steel cut oatmeal, increase the liquid by half - instead of 1 cup use 1 ½ cups milk.
- Then the next morning, simply slice and chop your favorite fruit. Add granola, chopped nuts or a spoonful of chia seeds and serve. It's really that easy!
- Top the oatmeal with ingredients you enjoy! This is a total "make it your way" type recipe! Don't have strawberries? Use blueberries, sliced peaches or raspberries. Chia seeds not your thing? Chopped walnuts or pecans would be delicious. A spoonful of your favorite granola will add a nice crunch!
FAQ's
Actually you can eat them either way. The trick is - you simply mix up the oatmeal the night before and tuck it in the fridge. The next day, enjoy!
Yes, this is a super healthy meal and what a great way to start the day! Oats are really good for you! A great source fiber, oats fill you up fast and longer and can help you loose weight!
Easy overnight oats will last in the refrigerator up to five days. If you make them in small mason jars, you can even screw on the lid and tuck them into your purse or lunch bag. No need to skip breakfast now!
Steel cut oats are the least processed and are considered more nutritious. They take a little longer to cook and taste nuttier than rolled oats, but they are delicious!
Yes, you'll just need to use more liquid.
Rolled oats (often called old-fashioned oats) are processed a bit more than the steel cut. (very inexpensive!) Instant Oatmeal is processed the most and often has added sugars and preservatives. (quick and easy).
As a whole grain, oats can help you lower your risk for diabetes (and you know I'm always talking about that!) and also help reduce your cholesterol. A bowl of oatmeal is a balanced meal and contains lots of good nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
If the reasons above don't convince you - then how about this... oatmeal is delicious!
Things to know
In a hurry? Double the recipe! It will last in the fridge up to five days.
I use small mason jars. It's perfect for meal prep and putting together to-go single servings for a grab-n-go breakfast.
Not into breakfast oatmeal? Then have a couple 3 ingredient Oatmeal cookies. Made from instant oats packets, they are perfect for breakfast!
Variations
Serve with your favorite toppings, like sliced fresh fruit - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, sliced bananas, all are delicious!
- Top the overnight oats with a drizzle of cream or milk, though oat milk or almond milk would be yummy as well.
- Nut butters - peanut butter, almond butter, etc. add a creamy texture.
- Hemp seeds, protein powder, coconut flakes, dried fruits, are all great additions!
- If you prefer, use plant-based milk.
- Apple pie spice would add even more flavor. Slices of fresh apples would be delicious with the
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with a splash of vanilla extract? My favorite edition. Dan loves a handful of chocolate chips - he has such a sweet tooth!
Topping the oats with fried apples turns this into a apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe - delish!
Related recipes
- This make ahead breakfast parfait is easy to make and delicious! They are a great make-ahead breakfast that is perfect for breakfast or brunch!
- Isn't everyone looking for a yummy simple breakfast recipe? Here it is - Huevos Rancheros, so good and easy to make as well!
- This Papaya Breakfast Bowl is filled with yogurt and topped with crunchy granola.
- Speaking of granola have you ever made your own? This recipe for Cranberry Orange Homemade Granola It's much more affordable and tastes 100 times better than store-bought!
Serve with
Are you making brunch and wondering what to serve with this lovely meal? Here are my suggestions!
- For beverages, serve homemade Strawberry Lemonade or if it's cold, then why not Crockpot Hot Chocolate? Both are so lovely and special!
- Sliced quick breads like Banana Nut Bread or this easy to make Zucchini Bread Recipe are wonderful because they are a great make-ahead option.
- Both these Easy Egg Muffins and this recipe for a Frittata are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Making sure you won't be spending all morning in the kitchen!
- Potatoes are always delicious on your buffet, so this cheesy potato casserole side dish would be amazing! Or Breakfast Potatoes or even these Crispy Smashed Potatoes - these are ridiculously good!
- And of course there has to be dessert! Easy to make Cheese Danish or Pull-Apart Monkey Bread - YUM! Yes either would be delicious!
What a spread! I hope you've found some yummy new recipes for that buffet!
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If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Easy Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats or old fashioned oatmeal
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup applesauce
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup granola
- 2 teaspoon chia seeds
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Instructions
- Split the raw oatmeal between two bowls stir and add ½ cup of milk to each bowl.
- Add the sweetener and cinnamon. Whisk to combine. Cover it and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, slice and chop your favorite fruit. Top the oatmeal with granola, chopped nuts and/or a spoonful of chia seeds and serve. It's really that easy!
Notes
Nutrition
Sign up for my recipes here!!
Don't worry, we'll never share your email.Are you a breakfast person? For the longest time, I could never eat breakfast food. I'm not sure why.
Give me leftover pasta, sliced meat from the night before. Leftover lasagna, yes I was that person. Breakfast food never sounded good.
Probably because I was usually eating alone.
Now, Dan and I make a point of eating breakfast together and usually the evening meal too. It just makes it more fun when you're enjoying a meal with someone rather than by yourself!
Now I like to eat breakfast; Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats, Avocado Toast Breakfast Sandwich, a Papaya Breakfast Bowl or a stack of Pumpkin Pancakes, YUM!
Honestly, I feel better since I've been more deliberate about mealtime and one of my go-to breakfast meals is overnight oatmeal. It's an easy breakfast and everyone loves it - no boring oatmeal here!
And if you're like us when you're dashing around and you're all going different ways, making it ahead the night before is definitely the way to go!
You can make it ahead so that's a definite plus! It's also perfect for a weekday breakfast.
If you can get a good, nutritious meal in your kids, hubby, best gal - whomever - before they hit the road in the morning, that's what matters!
Knowing that breakfast is nutritious? Big plus there!!!
First Published December 1, 2018 - Last Updated MAY 26, 2022
Antoinette M
I would use the Amazon gift card for a TV.
Bowl Me Over
oooh how fun! Good luck Antionette!
Robin Creager
I'd use the $300 Amazon gift card to buy my grandson gifts from Nat'l Geographic Kids.
PATRICIA
My daughter swears by steel-cut oats! Now, you've convinced me to try them!!
Bowl Me Over
Most definitely Patricia! It's a wonderful breakfast, enjoy!
Liza
What an amazing an easy recipe! I always rush in the morning and this one is a life-savior!
Charissa N.
If I won, I would buy a new cat tree for my kitties.
Bowl Me Over
Oh how fun and what a GREAT treat for the kitties, love it Charissa!!!
Kavey Favelle
I've still not tried overnight oats, really must though may wait till it's cooler as we're in a hot spell here just now!
Bowl Me Over
I love how easy they are and pulling them outa the fridge on a busy morning makes them even yummier! Thanks Kavey!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I love the idea of doing the work the night before. I LOVE a grab and go option!
Bowl Me Over
Mornings are always such a crazy rush, being able to grab-n-go works for us too - thanks Dorothy!
peter @Feed Your Soul Too
I have yet to try this and every time I see this kind of recipe, it gives me a kick in the pants to be healthier. Thx for the push - now I need to follow through. It has to be good with the fruit and honey added.
Bowl Me Over
Good luck Peter! I know we all strive to be healthier and some things are easier than others. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Angela
Drool worthy breakfast right there! I've still not tried overnight oats! I need to try this!
Bowl Me Over
You need to Angela - overnight oats are delicious, enjoy!! 🙂
Beth
i have never made overnight oats before but these bowls look just delicious!
Bowl Me Over
Add it to your routine Beth - so good and so good for you!!
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction
I love overnight oats! This looks wonderful!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much Marsha, I appreciate you stopping by!!
Kristen
These really look wonderful! I <3 overnight oats!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Kristen, enjoy and have a terrific day!!
Mary // Chattavore
I've been looking for a way to break out of my breakfast rut, and this sounds like a great place to start - especially with all the fresh summer fruits that are available or will be soon!
Bowl Me Over
Oh yes, what a great way to break up your routine - enjoy Mary!
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
I love overnight oats since they're so customizable and easy to make. It's great waking up to breakfast already made. These look so Yummy!
Bowl Me Over
You know I think you really hit on it there - wake up to a beautiful breakfast! Best part, have a great day Stephanie!!
Brian Jones
I've never tried this obviously seen it loads though, I generally prefer my porridge hot and warming, lovely flavours in the topping.
Bowl Me Over
Never know Brian, you might find out you really like overnight oats - I hope you give it a try!
Amanda | Chew Town
Overnight oats are the perfect way to eat a quick breakfast and get out the door. I always used to make them in jars and grab one to eat when I got to work. Love it!
Bowl Me Over
I so agree Amanda! And making them in jars is the perfect grab 'n go breakfast!!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
I love overnight oats 🙂 This looks so delicious-- the drizzle of honey on top! Beautiful.
Bowl Me Over
Love the idea of jars Michelle, grab 'n go always works in my house!
Sara
These look perfect for breakfast! I can't wait to try this recipe!
Bowl Me Over
So yummy, enjoy Sara and thank you for stopping by!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
I didn't think steel cut oats would soften up enough overnight to be edible. I mean, old fashioned, yes, but steel cut are the whole oat and chaff... do they really soak up the moisture?
Bowl Me Over
I've made this with old fashioned & steel cut - the texture is different with the steel cut Lisa, but they tasted great too. They soaked up everything so it's really personal preference. Thank you so much for leaving a note!
Liza
Oh, this is PERFECT! 1. I am NOT a morning person, so something that can be done overnight for a breakfast - is the BEST! 2. Oats are so good for us! 3. This recipe looks SO YUMMY!!!! 🙂 Thanks, Debra!!! 🙂
Bowl Me Over
Ha! I am totally the opposite Liza - I can accomplish a ton before 11am - after that... well I do my best! 🙂 Gotta love a recipe that is good and good for you too - enjoy Liza! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment!!