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.
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
- In a medium stockpot, mix and cook all the “Fruit” ingredients over medium heat until soft, about 20 minutes.
- 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.
- Store in fridge 6 to 8 hours (overnight).
NUTRITION
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
- Mix together all “fruit” ingredients.
- 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.
- Store in fridge 6 to 8 hours (overnight).
NUTRITION
INGREDIENTS
Foundation
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
Liquid
- ½ cup sweetened almond milk
Fruit
- 1 cup Cherry Berry Chia Jam
INSTRUCTIONS
- 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.
- Store in fridge 6 to 8 hours (overnight).
I’m going to try the apple pie and peach cobbler overnight oats. This sounds delicious Sarah!
Enjoy!! The apple pie was my favorite 🙂
I have a question. Can I make the Overnight Oats on Sunday and have them for the week or do you need to make them each night for the next morning?
Hi Kim, great question! Overnight oats stay good for 2 to 3 days in the fridge, so perhaps make a big batch on Sunday and another batch on Wednesday to get you through the week 🙂
So what do you D o in the am to cook it?
No need to cook it! That’s the beauty of overnight oats. The soak overnight has the same softening effect on the oats as cooking them. If you prefer warm oats, you can of course pop it in the microwave for a minute or two.
Hi, I was wondering if I could use homemade apple sauce in place of the apple mixture? Or would that make it too wet?
Can I use instant oats or gluten free oats in place of old fashioned rolled oats?
Thank you!
Hi Kate, I think this could work, especially if it’s a chunkier applesauce. Perhaps just reduce the amount of liquid you add to the oats to compensate for the wet applesauce. And yes, you should be able to sub instant and gluten free oats! 🙂