Vanilla Overnight Oats are a simple and tasty breakfast. Just mix rolled oats with milk, yogurt, and a splash of vanilla, and let them chill overnight!
In the morning, you’ll find creamy oats ready to enjoy. I love adding fresh fruits or nuts on top for a little crunch. It’s like a morning hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are perfect here because they soak up the milk overnight while keeping their texture. If you’re in a hurry, quick oats will work, but they may be mushier. Instant oats are not recommended, as they lack the chewiness.
Milk: You can use any kind of milk you prefer. Almond milk is a popular choice for a dairy-free option. Coconut milk adds a nice creaminess too. Don’t hesitate to use whole, skim, oat, or cashew milk—whatever you have on hand!
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt gives a nice creaminess and protein boost. If you’re lactose intolerant, try coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. Regular yogurt is also a good alternative but may be thinner.
Chia Seeds: These add fiber and help thicken the oats. If you can’t find chia seeds, ground flaxseed can be a substitution. Just note that it won’t thicken the oats quite the same way.
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. For a sugar-free option, you could use stevia or mashed banana for a natural sweetener. Just adjust the quantity to taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Overnight Oats are Creamy and Not Too Thick?
Getting the right consistency for your overnight oats is a common concern. Here’s how to achieve that creamy texture:
- Ensure you have the right oat-to-liquid ratio. For a thicker consistency, use less milk. For creamier oats, stick to the recommended amounts.
- After mixing, give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. The chia seeds will absorb moisture, so stir again in the morning.
- If the mixture seems too thick in the morning, just add a splash of milk (or your favorite milk alternative) until it reaches the desired creaminess.
How to Make Vanilla Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds (or other nuts)
- Fresh raspberries for topping
- Edible flower for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 6 hours (or overnight) for chilling. Just mix the ingredients and let them sit in the fridge—it’s that simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, chia seeds, and honey or maple syrup if you’d like it to be sweet. Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
2. Refrigerating:
Cover the jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill overnight, or for at least 6 hours. This time allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften, creating that perfect creamy texture.
3. Getting Ready to Serve:
In the morning, take the oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If they seem a bit thick, just add a splash of milk to loosen them up to your preferred consistency. It should be creamy and delightful!
4. Adding Toppings:
Spoon the oats into serving jars or bowls and top them with chopped almonds, fresh raspberries, and if you want to be fancy, an edible flower for garnish. It makes your breakfast extra special!
5. Enjoying Your Breakfast:
Serve the overnight oats chilled. Enjoy this healthy, delicious, and refreshing breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the morning!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but they will absorb the liquid faster, resulting in a softer texture. If you prefer a more chewy bite, rolled oats are the way to go.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Keep in the Fridge?
Overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness!
Can I Prepare These Oats Without Yogurt?
Absolutely! If you want to skip the yogurt, you can increase the amount of milk for creaminess or replace it with additional mashed banana or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
The options are endless! Consider adding sliced bananas, berries, nuts, seeds, or even a dollop of nut butter. Get creative based on your personal preferences!
