As much as I love warm creamy oats, standing in front of the hot stove stirring a pot of oatmeal isn't very therapeutic in the summer. Overnight oats is perfect, since you can just grab it out of the fridge, grab a spoon from your drawer, and you're good to go! If you make it in a mason jar, you could even take it with you to work!
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats is a preparation method of oats that doesn't use heat. Rolled oats and liquid are mixed and left to soak overnight. It's a great way to save some time in the morning but still have a healthy breakfast!
How to make overnight oats
Overnight oats is one of the easiest dishes to make! All you need to do is measure out ingredients and stir with a spoon. Think you got what it takes? (Please say yes).
For simple and basic overnight oats, mix together oats, chia seeds, salt, maple syrup, and almond milk. As long as you have these core ingredients, you can get creative with mix-ins! For this overnight oats recipe, I've added cinnamon, vanilla, and dried tart cherries. Technically, salt and maple syrup are optional, but oats are quite bland so I consider both mandatory ingredients.
Although I enjoy overnight oats with almond milk, feel free to switch it up and use any milk of your choice! You can use cow's milk, or keep it vegan with dairy-free milk. I'd love to try it with some hazelnut milk using homemade roasted hazelnuts.
Tips for a pretty presentation
1. Don't put the oats into individual dishes until the morning. If you mix the ingredients in individual dishes, you can't avoid getting the sides or rims dirty (or, at least I can't). Mix all the ingredients in a bowl or tupperware first, and once the oats have soaked overnight, dish it out.
2. Toppings! Let's be honest. Overnight oats, much like oatmeal, isn't visually pleasing. On its own, it doesn't get me excited. So add some toppings for pretty points and texture!
My suggestions for toppings would be some coconut yogurt for extra creaminess, toasted sliced almonds for crunch, and more dried tart cherries for a fruity bite!
Overnight oats can also be gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats! If you need some recipe ideas, here are 20+ gluten-free dairy-free desserts to check out!
Overnight Oats with Tart Cherries and Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- pinch of fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ vanilla bean
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup dried tart cherries
- 1¼ cups unsweetened almond milk
- coconut yogurt (optional)
- toasted sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl or large tupperware, combine all the ingredients. Cover and set in the refrigerator overnight, or a minimum of 5 hours. Serve cold with a dollop or coconut yogurt and a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
Nutrition
More Breakfast Ideas
These blueberry overnight oats are a fun, fruity twist! You can make it with either fresh or frozen blueberries.
Can't get enough oats in the morning? Try my gluten-free granola recipe! You won't be disappointed!
Another breakfast I often like to meal prep are these gluten-free waffles! I love my strawberry waffles and red velvet waffles as well, but the plain ones are the ones I always have in my freezer.
Looking for something a little more indulgent? Try my gluten-free coffee cake or blueberry coffee cake—perfect to serve your guests at brunch!
Kalyon Subbarao says
Have always thought of making such oats, a perfect and tasty breakfast dish...:-)
Ai says
Definitely try it out! 😉