If you’re looking for a quick, nourishing breakfast that you can meal prep, this easy overnight oats recipe is perfect. Overnight oats have a creamy, pudding-like texture and can be made into lots of different flavours. I have included six of my favourites for you to try!
I have included six delicious flavour ideas in this post for you to try, including banana peanut butter, PB&J, cinnamon roll, Matcha berry, chocolate chip and carrot cake oats.
Each one is simple to prepare, made with everyday ingredients, and perfect for busy mornings when you still want something healthy and filling.
You can easily double or quadruple the recipe to meal prep for the week ahead, or just make one jar at a time to enjoy fresh.
You can play around with whatever fruits, spices, or add-ins you have on hand and mix them into the overnight oats base recipe. I promise you’ll feel so satisfied starting your day with a jar of these creamy oats.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
The printable recipe card below has the full ingredients list and instructions.
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Instant oats will go mushy, while steel-cut oats don’t soften enough.
- Milk: Any milk works here: dairy, almond, oat, or coconut.
- Greek yoghurt: Gives a lovely thickness and adds extra protein. You can substitute with plain yoghurt or a dairy-free alternative.
- Maple syrup: Adds sweetness. Honey, agave, or even a spoonful of brown sugar will also work.
- Chia seeds: Help thicken the oats and add extra fibre. If you don’t have chia, flaxseeds are a good alternative.
- Flavour additions: Cinnamon, cacao, vanilla, peanut butter, berries, grated carrot, jam, chocolate chips – all are simple pantry or fridge staples that can be swapped around depending on your taste.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the chia seeds, they’re what help thicken the oats into a creamy consistency.
- Always use a jar or container with a lid, it keeps the oats fresh and saves fridge space.
- Make a big batch if you’d like to meal prep breakfasts for a few days. I include the measurements down below 🙂
- If you’d like your overnight oats to be more filling, adding 2 tablespoons of protein powder is a great option. I like to use a simple vanilla protein powder because it blends well with all of the flavour variations, but you can use chocolate or even unflavoured if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that some protein powders absorb more liquid than others, so you might want to add an extra splash of milk when mixing.
How to Make Overnight Oats
Step 1: In a small jar or container, add oats, milk, yoghurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, and protein powder (if using). Stir well so everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Pick one of the six flavours and stir the extra ingredients straight into the base mixture. For example, mash the banana for the peanut butter banana oats or grate the carrot finely for the carrot cake version.
Step 3: Give it a good stir, making sure the oats are fully coated with liquid. Smooth the top down with a spoon.
Step 4: Cover the jar with a lid and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, so the oats can soak and soften.
Step 5: In the morning, give your oats a stir. Add a splash more milk if you like them looser. Top with extra fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter for garnish, then enjoy straight from the jar.
How to Make a Big Batch of Overnight Oats
One of the best things about overnight oats is how well they keep in the fridge, which makes them perfect for meal prep. If you’d like to make a big batch for four days, here’s the recipe:
2 cups rolled oats
2 2/3 cups milk
1 cup Greek yoghurt
4 tablespoons maple syrup
4 tablespoons chia seeds
You can divide the mixture evenly into four jars and then add your flavourings to each jar for variety. This way, you’ll have a week’s worth of grab-and-go breakfasts ready and waiting, and you won’t get bored eating the same thing every morning.
Are overnight oats actually healthy?
Yes, overnight oats are considered to be a healthy option, as they are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They can promote heart health, keep you full, and provide sustained energy throughout the day. However, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients you add, as excessive sweeteners or high-calorie toppings can change this.
What is the best milk for oats overnight?
You can use any milk in overnight oats. Dairy, almond, oat, and coconut will all work well.
What toppings go on overnight oats?
You can add whatever toppings you like onto your overnight oats. I personally love a drizzle of peanut butter, pecans and sliced banana. Other options are chopped fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butter, jam, maple syrup, chocolate chips, Greek yogurt or a simple dusting of cinnamon.
Storage Instructions
Overnight oats keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, so they’re ideal for prepping ahead. Store them in jars or airtight containers so they stay fresh.
Freezing isn’t my favourite option, as the texture changes once defrosted, but in a pinch you can freeze them for up to 2 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge and give them a good stir before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to see! Tag @makylacreates on Instagram and leave a comment below!
More Oats Recipes
Overnight Oats Recipe (6 Flavours)
Ingredients
Overnight Oats Base
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ⅔ cup milk
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup banana mashed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Matcha Berry Overnight Oats
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup berries
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
- ¼ cup carrot finely grated
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon coconut
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
PB&J Overnight Oats
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons jam
Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a small jar or container, add oats, milk, yoghurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, and protein powder (if using). Stir well so everything is evenly combined.
- Pick one of the six flavours and stir the extra ingredients straight into the base mixture. For example, mash the banana for the peanut butter banana oats or grate the carrot finely for the carrot cake version.
- Give it a good stir, making sure the oats are fully coated with liquid. Smooth the top down with a spoon.
- Cover the jar with a lid and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, so the oats can soak and soften.
- In the morning, give your oats a stir. Add a splash more milk if you like them looser. Top with extra fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter for garnish, then enjoy straight from the jar.
