The Basics of Overnight Oats

How to make overnight oats in three delicious flavors: Apple Pie, Peach Cobbler, and Cherry Pie!

I know I’m super behind on this whole “Overnight Oats” thing, but hey, maybe there’s someone out there just as oblivious to this ready-to-go breakfast movement as I am. But for a newbie overnight oat-er, the sheer quantity of recipes out there can be a bit overwhelming (anyone else get stressed out by oats? no? just me?…) Anywho, I’m all about efficiency. Oat-y, tasty efficiency. So here is my carefully crafted formula for infinite overnight oat recipes!

But first, what exactly are overnight oats? They’re a not-morning-person’s best friend. Mix together some oats, chia seeds, fruits, and milk at night. Stick it in the fridge. When you wake up…breakfast! The amounts below make one good-sized portion, or two not-super-hungry portions

Foundation

• ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

Liquid

• ½ cup milk: this can be soy, almond or cow, sweetened or unsweetened…whatever is to your liking (or whatever is in your fridge)!
• You can also mix Greek yogurt into your liquid for some added protein (¼ cup Greek yogurt + ¼ cup milk)

Fruit

1 cup fruit: this is where you can really go crazy. Fresh blueberries, chopped peaches, cooked strawberries, halved grapes. Go wild!

Optional Extras

For added nutrition or yums, throw in any of the following:

• 2 Tbsp chopped nuts
• 2 Tbsp shredded coconut
• 2 Tbsp peanut butter (I’m allergic so this is a total guesstimation on the amount)
• 2 Tbsp nutella (but I’m not allergic to nutella and 2 Tbsp of this magic in my oats is heaven)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cocoa powder
• 1 to 2 Tbsp honey, maple syrup, or other sweetener

After you’ve chosen the mixes and matches into your own personal overnight oat heaven, you’re ready for assembly. You can do this two ways.

• Layered (best in a clear glass jar or bowl): measure all your ingredients out into separate bowls, then layer in the oats and chia seeds, a dash of milk, and a spoonful of fruit. Repeat in this order until you’ve used all your ingredients.  Best for bringing to work or class to impress all your friends with your healthy culinary skillz.
• Or just mix it all together.

Whichever route you choose, cover with a lid or plastic wrap and throw it in the fridge for anywhere from 5 to 10 hours. If, when you wake up, it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. Too runny, add a teaspoon or two of chia seeds.

So obviously I spent an entire Sunday playing around with some flavor combos and arrived at three quite tasty varieties: Apple Pie Oats, Peach Cobbler Oats, and Cherry Berry Chia Oats.

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Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Course Breakfasts

Diet Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Occasion Valentine's Day

Time 30 minutes or less

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 2 people

Calories 253 kcal

Author Live Eat Learn

Ingredients

Foundation

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

Liquid

• ½ cup almond milk

Fruit

• 1 large apple peel on or off, diced
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg a pinch
• ⅛ tsp ground ginger
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup

Extras

• 2 Tbsp slivered almonds

Instructions

1. In a medium stockpot, mix and cook all the “Fruit” ingredients over medium heat until soft, about 20 minutes.
2. Measure out all ingredients then layer into a glass jar or bowl a scoop of the oats and chia seeds, a dash of milk, a spoonful of fruit, and a sprinkle of almond. Repeat until you’ve used everything.

3. Store in fridge 6 to 8 hours (overnight).

Nutrition Facts

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 253 Calories from Fat 104

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 11.5g 18%

Sodium 48mg 2%

Total Carbohydrates 39g 13%

Dietary Fiber 11.6g 46%

Protein 6.4g 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats

Course Breakfasts

Diet Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian

Occasion Birthdays, Valentine's Day

Time 15 minutes or less

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 2 people

Calories 257 kcal

Author Live Eat Learn

Ingredients

Foundation

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

Liquid

• ½ cup sweetened almond milk

Fruit

• 1 large peach peel on or off, diced
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup or to taste

Extras

• 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts
• 2 Tbsp shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Mix together all “fruit” ingredients.
2. Measure out all ingredients then layer into a glass jar or bowl a scoop of the oats and chia seeds, a dash of milk, a spoonful of fruit, and a sprinkle of walnuts and coconut. Repeat until you’ve used everything.

3. Store in fridge 6 to 8 hours (overnight).

Nutrition Facts

Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 257 Calories from Fat 133

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 14.8g 23%

Sodium 48mg 2%

Total Carbohydrates 32g 11%

Dietary Fiber 10.3g 41%

Protein 7.6g 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Print

Cherry Pie Overnight Oats

Course Breakfasts

Diet Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Occasion Birthdays, Valentine's Day

Time 15 minutes or less

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 2 servings

Calories 255 kcal

Author Live Eat Learn

Ingredients

Foundation

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

Liquid

• ½ cup sweetened almond milk

Fruit

• 1 cup Cherry Berry Chia Jam

Instructions

1. Measure out all ingredients then layer into a glass jar or bowl a scoop of the oats and chia seeds, a dash of milk, and a spoonful of fruit. Repeat until you’ve used everything.

2. Store in fridge 6 to 8 hours (overnight).

Nutrition Facts

Cherry Pie Overnight Oats

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 255 Calories from Fat 75

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 8.3g 13%

Sodium 47mg 2%

Total Carbohydrates 36.8g 12%

Dietary Fiber 13g 52%

Protein 9g 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Products to Help Make Overnight Oats

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