Overnight oats are a very customizable breakfast or snack option.
Let me give you a little overview of overnight oats in case you have never heard of them before. An oatmeal recipe that does not require cooking is overnight oats. You stir-roll old-fashioned oats with liquid and other ingredients, then leave them in the refrigerator overnight rather than heating them on the stove or in the microwave. You get a pudding-like porridge in the morning, which is ideal for quick breakfasts on the run. Additionally, you may add a variety of your choice toppings and nutrient-dense ingredients to this delectable meal. This recipe guide contains everything you need to prepare your healthy overnight oats. Ranging from the classic overnight oats with the most basic ingredients to delectable pumpkin spice overnight oats which is a must in fall season, this guide contains it all. Slightly tangy to perfectly sweet, healthy overnight oats we eat!

Classic Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup (heaping) rolled oats
• ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk or ½ cup of any milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. To make overnight oats, just mix together all the ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the entire night. Overnight soaking of the milk causes the oats and chia seeds to soften, giving them a pudding-like consistency the following morning.
2. If kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, overnight oats can last up to four days. That means that you can quickly make bigger batches of the main recipe and customize each portion during the week by adding your preferred toppings.

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup plain pumpkin puree
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Preparation:

1. Add the oats, Greek yogurt, milk, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, all the spices, and vanilla essence in a bowl or jar.
2. Stir thoroughly to combine everything.
3. Refrigerate overnight with a lid on.
4. Stir and savor in the morning! For added crunch, add granola, nuts, or fresh fruit.

Lemon Blueberry Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups fresh blueberries, diced
• 2 cups unsweetened milk of your choice
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably strained
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups blueberries, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
2. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the blueberries become partially tender and a syrup emerges. Let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together your milk of choice, Greek yogurt, salt, and two teaspoons of lemon zest (optional) until smooth. Add the oats and fold until fully incorporated.
4. Four 1-cup jars with lids should be filled with ¼ cup of the oat mixture each, and each should have 1 tablespoon of the blueberry mixture on top.
5. Repeat the layering procedure twice. Refrigerate for 12 hours (or up to 3 days) with the jars covered.
6. Add the remaining blueberries and some lemon zest on top prior to serving.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, strained
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• 2 tablespoons smooth almond butter
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseeds
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and a pinch for sprinkling
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or whole milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoon raisins (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• 2 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ¼ cup yogurt, orange zest, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. Add almond milk gradually and whisk until thoroughly blended.
3. Stir in 3 tablespoons of pecans (or walnuts), coconut, carrot, raisins, and oats. For at least eight hours and up to four days, cover and refrigerate.
4. When ready to serve, combine the remaining ¾ cup yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
5. Sprinkle a little pinch of cinnamon on top and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of pecans.

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup unsweetened milk of your choice
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter if that’s preferable)
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Put the oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and chia seeds/flax seeds in a bowl or container.
2. Add the maple syrup/honey (if desired) and the banana slices and mix.
3. Refrigerate overnight with a lid on.
4. Stir and savor in the morning, garnishing with additional banana slices and, if preferred, a peanut butter/almond butter drizzle.

Suggestions for Perfecting Overnight Oats:

• Use Rolled Oats: They retain their lovely texture and absorb liquid more effectively than quick oats.
• Add Protein to your Oats: You may boost the protein value of your oats by using protein powder.
• Personalize the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, you may either cut back on the amount of sweetener or omit it completely.
• Healthy Toppings can be Used: Add some taste and texture in the morning with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butters, or even granola.

Since overnight oats are so versatile, you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your tastes!