9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (2024)

Oats can be a friend to basically any food item. Fruit, spices, nuts, meats, sweet, savory, breakfast, lunch, dinner — you name it, there’s a good chance it’ll feel right at home in a big ole breakfast bowl of oaty wonder.

Factor in that they’re easy as heck (and healthy AF) to make and you’re going to wonder why you don’t use them every morning.

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These overnight oats recipes double down on convenience so you don’t have to do anything in the morning besides falling out of bed, throwing on a sweater, and revving yourself up for the day.

Who’s ready for fruit and oats, that unbeatable combo?

1. Spiced pear and walnut overnight oats

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Depending on how strapped for time you are, this recipe can range from “sweet Lord, thank you for accepting me into the promised land” to “I’m definitely still on Earth, but this is delicious.”

If you’ve got time, you can bake the pears in maple first. If not, simply mix everything together and enjoy it hold or cold the next morning. Either way, this’ll take you no more than 15 minutes, tops.

2. Cranberry pecan overnight oats

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There’s enough options on here to sate a sweet tooth — it’s time to get a little tart.

Cranberries provide an interesting take on sweetness if you’re not after a bland breakfast but feel like branching out from maple syrup and honey.

Pecans and chia seeds bring the protein. Otherwise, it’s oaty goodness as usual with yogurt, almond milk, and unsweetened dried coconut.

3. Baked apple overnight oats

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Apple picking season is here (and we love apples, so someone’s gotta pick ’em). Prep for it with a baked apple breakfast — one that involves very little in the way of prep.

There’s not much sugar in this recipe, but if you really need it (totally not projecting) the creator recommends maple syrup, and we’re gonna second that.

Nut butter makes the oats extra creamy — just try to resist taking it out of the fridge until morning (we dare ya).

And all things nice, too, we guess.

4. Maple, brown sugar, and cinnamon overnight oats

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Take a classic oatmeal flavor on the go by making it the night before and putting it in a mason jar. Yeah, trendy and useful — people have been sleeping on your drip for too long.

It’s a delicious, gluten-free alternative to sugary granola bars if that’s all you find yourself having time for most mornings (like many of us).

Using actual cinnamon sticks is optional, but, man, does it look good. This recipe even offers some alternatives for maple syrup haters (no judgment, it really isn’t the same as pancake syrup) and people with nut allergies.

5. Vanilla chai overnight oats

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It’s like Starbucks in a jar of oats. Hurrahbucks!

Unfortunately, there isn’t any actual caffeine in this recipe, but it looks so good we think it’ll make up for that. With spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, this is a deeply satisfying, warming, and toasty way to wake up.

The recipe creator even recommends cutting open a real vanilla bean and using full-fat coconut milk to get that authentic chai taste.

6. Gingerbread overnight oats

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Not the gumdrop buttons! 😱😱😱

It’s not Christmas yet, but it can’t hurt to prepare (plus gingerbread is great to eat year-round). Any gingerbread people reading this, we apologize, but you are just too delicious.

This recipe calls for yogurt and a sweetener of your choice, as well as chia seeds and a bit o’ salt. The chia adds a nice serving of fiber and protein so you can feel even better than you already do in the morning.

7. Pumpkin pie overnight oats

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Have you tossed all your shorts and tank tops out the window yet? If not, you might after tasting the pumpkin pie flavor in these oats. (Watch out for passers-by down below.)

This recipe is a little more involved (in that you make your own pumpkin puree — sorry). But once that’s done, you can enjoy a healthy, dessert-like breakfast in just a few minutes.

8. Butternut squash overnight oats

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Soup, curry, oats, risotto — is there anything the humble, phallic butternut squash can’t do?

Heat a chunk in the microwave for around 5 minutes until it’s soft. Then, mash it up and combine it with vanilla extract, yogurt, fruit, and honey.

This is quick, easy, and delicious. And that’s what breakfast is all about.

9. Sweet potato pie overnight oats

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Last but ABSOLUTELY not least, the unsung hero, sweet potato, makes an appearance, sweeping the audience off their feet with an unexpected cameo.

(Okay, maybe not, but it’s still autumnal and delicious.)

It’s no secret that sweet ‘taters are filled with nutrients and taste great, so honestly it was about time they showed up for breakfast (they’re already a sleeper dessert superstar).

This recipe calls for baking your sweet potatoes, so it takes a bit longer than everything else on this list. But it’s so worth it.

Aside from getting to put your exemplary sweater collection to good use, fall is notable for its hearty, earthy flavors.

And you don’t need to head out on a pumpkin spice rampage (and pay for the expensive coffee shop variations) either — you can make cinnamon-ginger, wintry breakfast goodness with nothing more than oatmeal and a few different ingredients.

If you’re more into savory breakfasts than sweet, oatmeal doesn’t stop at fruit or pies-in-a-jar. Here are some oatmeal recipes to… savor.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (2024)

FAQs

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

The Bottom Line

Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you're ready to start your morning with a bowl of oats, try our Cinnamon-Roll Overnight Oats.

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.

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."

Will I gain weight if I eat overnight oats everyday? ›

Excessive calories from mix-ins, toppings, and sweeteners in overnight oats can contribute to weight gain. By being mindful of portion sizes and choosing nutrient-dense toppings you can still enjoy the convenience of overnight oats as a wholesome and satisfying breakfast without compromising you weight loss goals.

Can I eat overnight oats for weight loss? ›

Not only is it lower in calories compared to many other breakfast foods, but it also has a number of other health benefits. These include: Weight management: Oats have high fiber content, which can make you feel fuller for longer. This helps to control your appetite, naturally reducing your calorie intake.

What kind of milk is best for overnight oats? ›

Milk Options for Overnight Oats: Dairy and non-dairy milks work well for overnight oats. Coconut, soy and oat milk yield thicker mixtures, which you can thin with more milk before serving if you'd like. If you use sweetened non-dairy milk, taste the soaked oats before adding more sweetener.

Are old-fashioned oats better than rolled 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 can I use instead of yogurt in overnight oats? ›

No, yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. You can use nut butter, banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds? Chia seeds add a nice thick and creamy texture.

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.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

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.

What liquid should you use 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.

Do you eat overnight oats cold? ›

Though typically served cold, overnight oats can be eaten warm if you wish. But it is usually eaten cold; that's why it's a grab-and-go breakfast. If you prefer warm oats in the morning, just place them in the microwave for a minute.

What is a substitute for chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Here are some alternatives. Flaxseed: If you don't like flaxseeds or chia seeds, you can replace them with nut butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or mashed fruit. Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or brown sugar is an excellent replacement for maple syrup.

What will happen to your body if you start eating oats everyday? ›

Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They're a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Is oats overnight actually healthy? ›

We obviously love the flavour and texture of overnight oats, but did you know they're a healthy breakfast idea perfect for any time of year? Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content.

Are overnight oats good for your gut? ›

Oats improve gut health

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. Interestingly, these friendly bacteria are hard at work when they are well-fed.

Is it OK to eat oats every night? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

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