Overnight Oats (Recipe & Tips)
Overnight oats are a healthy, delicious, make-ahead breakfast! Find my favorite overnight oats recipe here, plus simple tips on how to change it up.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 29, 2024
I’ve been making batch after batch of overnight oats, and taking notes. Overnight oats are a healthy, make-ahead breakfast option, but they’re not always enticing enough to get me out of bed.
I’m sharing my best tips and my favorite overnight oats recipe today. Ready? These overnight oats are legitimately delicious, and so easy to make!
Overnight oats are typically served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. That makes them perfect for warmer months, but you can certainly enjoy overnight oats year-round.
Overnight oats keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. So, prepare your oats on Sunday night, and you’ll have breakfast covered for the workweek. If you really want to get ahead, you can freeze jars of overnight oats and defrost individual jars overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Make the Best Overnight Oats
I make my overnight oats with old-fashioned rolled oats, toasted or regular. Then I add chia seeds for a more pudding-like texture and more fiber, and a spoonful of nut butter to make them extra creamy. (Would you believe that one serving of these overnight oats contains nearly half of your daily fiber requirements?)
Here’s what you’ll need to make overnight oats:
Oats: You can’t make overnight oats without oats! Overnight oats are typically made with plain old-fashioned oats. I actually prefer to make overnight oats with homemade muesli instead, which is made with toasted old-fashioned oats, nuts and dried fruit. The muesli offers more texture and flavor.
If you want to go the easier, more traditional route, simply use old-fashioned oats and add a dash of cinnamon. Don’t use instant or quick-cooking oats, because those will turn to complete mush.
Chia Seeds: Technically, these are optional, but I love how chia seeds absorb moisture and make the final product more creamy and luscious. Chia seeds contain healthy omega-3’s and, like oats, lots of fiber.
Nut butter: Almond butter or peanut butter makes these oats even more creamy, while adding delicious savory, nutty flavor.
Milk of choice: You can use your favorite milk here (almond milk, coconut milk from a carton, homemade cashew milk, homemade pecan milk, oat milk or cow’s milk). I suppose you could use water instead of milk, but the final result won’t be quite as creamy or flavorful.
The amount of liquid is key to the final consistency—I like my overnight oats really thick and creamy, with concentrated flavor. If you prefer a looser consistency, add a little more milk.
Fruit: Now that we’ve formed the base of the oats, I like to add fruit. If you’re following my formula with just 1/2 cup milk and using a fruit that stores well for a few days (as in, sliced strawberries, not sliced bananas or apple), you can go ahead and toss the fruit on top of the oat-and-milk mixture.
In fact, you can top the oat mixture with frozen raspberries or blueberries and they’ll defrost overnight. (Don’t try this with frozen strawberries or other large chunks of frozen fruit; they release too much water). Or, you can wait to top your oats with fruit before serving.
Optional sweetener: Overnight oats are generally sweet enough for me as-is. However, add a drizzle of sweetener if that makes your oats more enticing!
Watch How to Make Overnight Oats
That’s it! Go forth and make overnight oats to last you through the week. Please let me know how your overnight oats turn out in the comments below!
More Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Try these recipes on Cookie and Kate:
- Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal or Perfect Steel-Cut Oats
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Homemade Bircher Muesli
- My Favorite Chia Seed Pudding
In my cookbook, don’t miss the toasted coconut muesli (page 2), apple crisp breakfast parfaits (page 7) and carrot cake breakfast cookies (page 26). With so many options, you won’t want to skip breakfast.
Overnight Oats
Here’s my favorite recipe for overnight oats! Feel free to make it your own. Overnight oats are a simple, healthy breakfast that you can make ahead for busy mornings. The recipe below yields 1 serving, so make as many servings (each in a separate jar) as you’d like. Overnight oats will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup homemade muesli, or ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats plus ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- ½ cup milk of choice for a very thick consistency, or up to ⅔ cup milk for a lighter consistency
- ½ cup fruit (I like fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries, or sliced fresh strawberries)
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey, if desired
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl (a working jar or 1-pint mason jar is perfect), combine the muesli (or old-fashioned oats and cinnamon), chia seeds and nut butter. Add a splash of the milk and mix the nut butter into the oats. Then add the rest of the milk and stir to combine.
- Top with your fruit of choice. (If you used more milk than ½ cup and you want your fruit to stay on top, wait to top the oats until you’re ready to serve. If you’re using fruit that doesn’t store well, like sliced apple or banana, wait to top the oats until you’re ready to serve.)
- Place the lid on the jar and refrigerate overnight, or up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you’d like, and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Make it gluten free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Make it vegan: Choose one of the dairy-free milk options listed above. If adding additional sweetener, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Make it nut free: Omit the nut butter or replace it with sunbutter. If you’re using muesli, follow my instructions for making nut-free muesli in the recipe notes for that recipe.
Warm it up: Overnight oats are typically served chilled. However, if you prefer warm oats, you can heat them in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe jar and stir frequently while you’re warming them up. Since the oats are so thick, I’m not sure this would work well on the stovetop, but you could give it a try.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Thanks for the recipe! I love your jars, where are they from?
Thanks again!
Amanda
Thanks, Amanda! I added a link to them in step 1 of the recipe. :)
This is the best overnight oats recipe ever Thank you!!
Thank you, Bela!
Do you heat your overnight oats up before eating them, or do you eat them cold?
Generally you eat the overnight oats cold – that’s really the whole point of overnight oats but you certainly can heat it up on the stove.
I eat them chilled!
Love these overnight oats and your marvelous book! I also am in love with these glasses pictured with the lids. Bought ours several years ago at Costco and have used them non-stop for green smoothie storage and overnight oat storage, as well. Keep on keepin’ on, girl! You’re amazing!
Thank you so much, Mame! I’m a big fan of those jars, too. :)
I like the idea of adding peanut butter and chia seeds to the overnight oats. I make them using kefir instead of milk, and love the flavour that gives – will certainly try putting peanut butter in there, too.
Kefir overnight oats sound delicious! Hope you enjoy the chia/peanut butter version.
I can’t wait to try this! Sometimes I like a little texture – do you think I could throw in a tablespoon or so of hemp seeds? Would they stay crunchy or do it just before eating? Thanks!
Ummmm… yes! I put about a table spoon of raw/shelled hemp seeds right before eating. Adds the perfect crunch and a great source of protein. Just need a touch more milk to compensate for the extra dry ingredient.
I haven’t tried, but it sounds like Kevin knows what he’s talking about! If you use my homemade muesli instead of oats, you’ll have lots of texture in your oats from the nuts and dried fruit.
Hi, any advice or different tips for making 5-6 servings in one larger bowl ( I don’t have the cute smaller cups yet)?
Hi Susan! I haven’t tried that, but I don’t see why it would work! Please report back and let us know.
I’d throw them in right before eating to make sure they stay crunchy.
You know, I think I might be the only person in the world who hasn’t tried overnight oats yet! Your article really shows how easy and customizable they can be – I’ll seriously have to try them!
Thanks :)
Perfect time to try them, then!
Can you heat these up in the morning?
Hey Lisi, overnight oats are typically served chilled, but I just tried warming them in the microwave and it worked well. I added a recipe note with more details!
I would love to make some of your recipes but there is no macros count in your sites under the recipes(unless I am not looking in right place). I am diabetic and need to keepup with Carbs and Fiber ect. Is there any way you can include that with these posts? I would be more inclined to try a recipe if I know what servings and the macros are in each one. If it too much trouble I am sorry, just never hurts to ask.
thanks.
I have nutritional information right under the recipe notes. If you click on the “nutrition information” heading, it’ll drop down. This has 37.9 g carbs per serving, with 12.1 g fiber and 5.8 g sugars.
I guess it is user error on my part. I have clicked on the nutritional information it was highlighted in blue and it allowed me to click on it but nothing dropped down to show the info you just posted. Sorry to be such a pain.
This looks great! I have tried several of your recipes and have enjoyed them all. I generally eat a Paleo diet and I just encorporate your recipes as side dishes or sometimes the main course. Thank you!
Thank you, Jaimee! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my recipes. :)
I recently discovered cashew yogurt, and using 1/4 cup with 1/4 water and 1/4 oats makes a delicious, thick, and more muesli-like overnight cereal. Mixing the spices in overnight makes them more potent I find as well, and I like to top it in the morning with a sprinkle of maca powder (slightly sweet and very superfood-y). I could eat overnight oats, and breakfast in general, for every meal! Thank you for these tried-and-true tips.
You’re welcome, Jennifer! Your version sounds great, too.
These are sooo good! I have also used coconut yogurt/almond milk and it’s very tasty. :)
Used peanut butter and cooked quinoa, will get chia, really enjoyed it.
Great simple recipe, thanks.
Thanks, J! I’ll have to try your quinoa version soon.
I know it’s crazy but I still have yet to try overnight oats! Usually I’m more of a savory breakfast fan, but these sound delish. I’ll have to give them a try!
I hope you get a chance to try it, Megan!
I don’t plan on hopping off the overnight oats train anytime soon…great post!!
Me neither!
I only tried overnight oats once and I wasn’t a fan! I prefer my oats cooked, but I can probably give overnight oats another shot! It’s SO helpful to chill them in the fridge overnight before baking them too!
I totally get that! I hope you give them one more chance, though! :)
I love the idea of having breakfast prepared and ready to go in the morning, but I have yet to join the overnight oats fan club… To me it just tastes like cereal left too long in milk so that it gets all soggy, brrr!
But will give it a final try with your recipe, everything else I’ve made from your site has been a hit!
I totally get that! I think you’ll like them better my way—it’s thick and pudding-like, rather than soggy. Please let me know!
I know overnight oats are a thing, and I love the make-ahead aspect of it, but one thing I just can’t get behind is serving them cold. I mean, oatmeal is supposed to be warm and satisfying. Can you heat them up the next day in the microwave? I make steel cut oats overnight by cooking them for one minute, putting the lid on the pan and letting them sit overnight. The next day, I microwave them and add toppings.
Hey Lisa, that’s a good question. I just tried warming them in the microwave and it worked well! See my new recipe note for details. That said, I used to have the same issue with chilled oats, but I love the super thick version here.
This was my breakfast this morning and it’s the best overnight oats yet! I used the apples from your apple-yogurt parfait recipe in the cookbook. It was a perfect combo! BTW, we use those apples in so many recipes. Love them!
Sherry, that’s such a great idea!! I’ll have to try your apple version ASAP. So glad you enjoyed it.
The best oats I’ve found are the Coach’s Oats found at Costco’s.
Good to know!
Thanks for the tips. I am always a big fan of overnight oats, ready to grab in the morning to work. Could you let me know where you have purchased the jars? They don’t look like Mason jars.
Thanks, Pooja! The jars are available on Amazon (you’ll see a link to them in step 1 of the recipe). I’ve also bought them at Crate and Barrel.
It’s been forever since I’ve made a batch of overnight oats! It’s time to start that up again.
Yes! Let me know how it goes!
I make overnight oats all the time. My favorite is one I came up with from a cookie recipe: dark chocolate cherry overnight oats. I always put protein powder in mine to make sure I’m getting enough protein, and prefer to use chia seeds. I use equal parts oats and milk. I’ve tried some recipes that use yogurt and I hate the texture of those. I haven’t tried adding nut butter yet, but will try it soon. By the way, I have mixed chopped apples into my overnight oats and they’ve done fine. What doesn’t work is leaving them on top.
Oh my goodness, I’ll have to try those cookie oats! They are calling to me big time. Your variations sound delicious!
Kate, the way I do those oats is: in a wide-mouth pint mason jar ½ cup rolled oats, ½ t cinnamon, 1T unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 T chia seeds, 1 scoop Designer Whey dark chocolate protein powder (18g protein, in case you want to use something else), ⅛ cup dried tart cherries, scant teaspoon sugar. Mix all together, then add ½ cup of milk of your choice. Stir thoroughly, including scraping down the sides of your jar. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy in the morning. These are our all-time favorite overnight oats.
Love this recipe!!! Tasty, filling, and almost as easy as pouring a bowl of cereal. Now to try it with homemade muesli…
Ooh, yes! Report back, please!
Made the muesli without the coconut and used it for my overnight oats–sooooo delicious, and for such minimal effort! I love the flavor and texture of the pecans mixed in with everything else. Thank you so much for giving me a new breakfast staple!
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for getting back to me, Alex!
Hello. I made this and am making again as I like it so much. It is perfect for taking to work For bkfst or snack. I really enjoy your blog & other recipes too. Thank you for all you put out there for us! ❤️
Overnight oats are a true staple, that is for sure! There are so many variations so they don’t get tiring either. Enjoy, Jenny!
How would adding a 1/4 cup fage yogurt affect the consistancy? I am looking for a little extra protein and calories.
Great question, Eric! There are versions for overnight oats that call for yogurt as well. Adding yogurt will likely thicken the consistency more, especially greek yogurt as it is thick anyway. You may want to add a little extra milk to keep the consistency similar. Let me know how it goes!
Simple and tastes lovely. Made 2.5 very small jars with leftover packet muesli.
Great, Vicky! Thank you for your review :)
this is a beautiful recipe…thank you for taking the time to create and post it :)
Well, thank you! I appreciate your review.
I love this recipe – it’s become my go-to breakfast and the variations are endless. My current favorite version uses tahini instead of peanut butter and topped with apples at the end. I’ve also really enjoyed using peanut butter, bananas and chocolate chips. Really recommend experimenting with this base!
That’s great to hear, Lauren! Thank you for your review. Your variations sound wonderful.
Sorry to sound like an idiot but do you cook them before you jar them? I’m THE worlds worst cook so I literally look at recipes step by step and so literal it’s not funny. So, you jar the raw oats and other ingredients and it absorbs in the fridge?
The best thing about overnight oats, is you don’t have to cook them! Just put the raw oats, with other ingredients sealed in the jar overnight. In the morning, your oats have soaked up the liquid and are ready to eat! :)
Hi, I really enjoyed this but am trying to find the calories. When trying to calculate it I am coming out at over 400 calories is this correct?
Hi Bev! If you look below the notes after the recipe, it will provide the nutrition information. This information is just an estimate. Hope this helps!
Hi i have made the overnight oats and love them. I have been adding some vanilla essence and low fat greek yogurt. Yum!
Sounds like great additions! Thanks, Maree for the review.
Hi Kate just wanted to let you know that your overnight oats have become a favourite. I make them a few times a week at least! Love, love it. Thanks for your terrific blog. Makes loads of stuff from it. Always interesting and tasty.
I do love them as well! I’m happy to hear you do too. And, thank you :) I really appreciate your support, Penelope.
Hi Kate! Can you share the measurements to make a large batch of this for a group brunch? Thanks!
It depends on number of people. I would just increase the recipe quantity based on the number of people you plan to serve. This recipe is 1 serving. So if you plan to serve 5 people, increase the ingredients x5. Enjoy!
Hi Kate!
Amazing recipe! Just wondering if you can/ would add in Hemp seeds as well as flax to this? I was also thinking of adding in some dried raisins and slivered almonds and a pinch of greek yogurt.
Thanks!
Go for it! That will add to the overall nutrition content. Best part of overnight oats, you can make it your own. Thank you, Alexandra for your review!
Wow! That’s all I can say. It’s truly amazing how something this simple can taste so incredibly delicious. Loved it as did my son and his girlfriend. This weekend I am planning on putting together a whole bunch to have for breakfast during the week before work. So easy and convenient plus very yummy. It doesn’t get much better than that.
I’m so happy you think so, Annika! And, that it was a hit with others in your circle. I appreciate the review and comment.
Love this recipe . I add cashew butter with raspberries and blueberries <3 I also add stonyfeild yogurt :)
Sounds wonderful! Thank you, Kelsey.
Hi! Can’t wait to finally try these. When I click on the nutrition information link, nothing comes up. I’ve tried on a few different web browsers.
I’m sorry you are having difficulties! I will look into what might be happening. I know you need to make sure to have cookies enabled to populate.
Great with ground cardamom instead of cinnamon for a change of flavor.
Yum! Thanks, Kathleen!
Thanks!
Where can I buy gluten free oats?
Really hard to find
Great question, Laura! You should be able to find them at your local grocery store. Bob’s Red Mill is the brand I see most often that are certified gluten-free. Maybe health food section or you can always order off Amazon if you still can’t find it.
I loved Blue berry so much! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.
Regards
You’re welcome!
Hi Kate, do you think you can substitute the nOt butter for banana in this recipe?
Hi Kate! I love this recipe, I just finished a jar in fact! I was just wondering if you could possibly replace the but butter with banana? I’m no expert, but would it still bind?
You can leave out the nut butter if you would like. I like it in there for protein and good nutrients. Mashed banana would work great!
I didn’t like overnight oats before, but your recipe changed my mind! I definitely like it very thick and not watery, so I really appreciate that in this recipe. Question though – would I be able to add sliced almonds or other nuts for more texture? Not sure how it would come out. Also, do you have any other suggestions for fruit that stays well besides berries? Mango or peaches perhaps? Thanks! :)
I’m happy it did! Sure, add what you would like and gets you excited about them. Mangos or peaches sound great!
Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe! It got me out of bed–at 4 AM!! I added 1T of flax seeds, but will try the kefir next. I love your blog–I live outside the US and really appreciate your recipes.
4 am! That’s crazy! But, I’m glad it got you out of bed. Thank you, Laurie for sharing!
Is there any difference in using almond milk vs. cow’s milk? Does it make the consistency any different?
It depends on what you prefer. You can use cow’s milk. I prefer nut milk as I’m not a big cow milk fan. You can keep it all the same, just change up the milk.
Hi Kate,
I love this recipe. It’s easy and great for a nursing mum. Not only is it nutritious, rolled oats is also lactogenic food. It’s a bit cold in Sydney at the moment, so I microwave it for pure perfection.
I love your recipes. Simple, yummy and nutritious. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Kathy!
Hi Kate,
Loved this recipe and I’m so obsessed with it that I’m eating overnight oats EVERYDAY! I live in the UK and it’s been hot for the past weeks so this recipe is prefect for breakfast. I love to cook too and I’m in love with lots of your healthy recipes. Thank you for sharing with us. Have a great day :)
Love this recipe and so does my fiance! I will have to double the amount of oats next time though, I found that it wasn’t enough to fill me up post work-out. But its so nice to have something easy and tasty waiting in the fridge!
Thanks for sharing, Catherine! I appreciate the review.
I make this recipe all of the time! It has the best consistency of any other overnight oats I have ever tried to make. Love it thanks!
That’s great! Thanks, Rachel.
I don’t want to put the nut butter in. Will it change the consistency?
It will change the consistency, but you can omit if you like.
I love this recipe. I blended the milk together with spinach to get veggies in. You can’t even taste it.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing, Cate.