Overnight Oats Base Recipe (2024)

Recipes > Breakfast > Overnight Oats Base Recipe

• ByVahista Ussery, MS, MBA, RDN

• Reviewed by the To Taste Team
• Published on January 15, 2018

This is one of the base recipes as seen in our Whole Life Meal Plan. Overnight oats are great for breakfast and can make busy mornings a breeze. This recipe teaches a basic overnight oats ratio so that you can customize any bowl of overnight oats to your taste!

Three Must-Know Cooking Skills

For recipe success, learn how to:

Culinary Tips for the Basic Overnight Oats Recipe

Want to make a quick and healthy breakfast for the entire week or for the whole family? To speed up prep time, make a big batch in a bowl, then distribute into individual servings.

If adding nuts, toast them first for best flavor.

If adding berries, wash and add them in the morning or whenever you plan to eat the oats. Washed berries turn mushy very quickly!

Ingredient Substitutions

• Oats: use old-fashioned or quick oats. Old-fashioned oats create a firm, chewy texture, whereas quick oats create a soft, mushy texture. Do not use steel cut oats, as these have to be cooked for optimal digestion.
• Milk: use regular or dairy-free milk. Don’t have milk? You can also make overnight oats with water, but they won’t taste as creamy.
• Sweetener: use any variety – agave nectar, brown sugar, honey, coconut sugar, or maple syrup. You can also use jam, juice, or pureed fruit in place of sweetener.
• Flavor Extract: use vanilla, almond, or coconut for best flavor.
• Spices: use cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, apple pie spice, pumpkin spice, or make your own spice blend!

Base Recipe Variations

Remember that this is a base recipe, so the goal is for you to customize it to your taste! Keep it simple or spice it up!

Use these additional ingredients for even more flavorful oats.

• Fruit: use any fruit of your choosing. Diced apple, diced pear, sliced banana, fresh berries, and frozen blueberries are just some ideas!
• Fruit or Vegetable Puree: use mashed sweet potato, pumpkin puree, mashed banana, applesauce, or pureed butternut squash.
• Greek Yogurt: substitute regular plain yogurt. Choose a fat content that works for your overall diet. Choose sugar-free varieties and sweeten to your taste. Don’t have yogurt? Simply leave it out. Want to make your overnight oats vegan? Substitute a plant-based yogurt.
• Dried Fruit: use any dried fruit – raisins, chopped figs, cranberries, cherries, and dried blueberries all work well. If using larger fruits such as dried apricots, figs, or prunes, dice into smaller pieces before adding.
• Nuts, Seeds, or Nut Butter: sliced or slivered almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground flax seeds, or hemp seeds all add great texture and nutrition. Toast before adding for better flavor. If using nut butter, don’t worry if it doesn’t combine thoroughly. It will soften overnight and be easier to mix when ready to eat.
• Coconut Flakes: use unsweetened coconut shreds, flakes, or smiles.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: substitute dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks for best flavor. We don’t recommend using milk or white chocolate, as these are not generally healthy options.
• Cocoa Powder: mix cocoa powder in with the milk and oats, or add just a dash before serving.

Need some overnight oats recipe inspiration?

Check out some of our favorite variations, then have fun exploring other flavors, ingredients, and textures!

Take a look at our stovetop oatmeal base recipe and its variations for even more ideas!

Equipment Recommendations

Use these kitchen tools for recipe success:

• Dry measuring cups & spoons
• Liquid measuring cup
• Glass storage containers

Find all of ourfavorite kitchen tools here!

Overnight Oats are a Healthy Breakfast

The first meal of the day can affect how you feel for the rest of the day. A balanced breakfast should contain fiber-rich complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The featured ingredients in this healthy overnight oats recipe are oats and Greek yogurt. This recipe also contains natural sweetener, but a much lower amount than many breakfast cereals.

Oats

Oats are a whole grain and are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. Complex carbohydrates are important for steady energy and focus. (1, 2)

Greek Yogurt

Making overnight oats with Greek yogurt creates a creamy texture and taste. Plus, it adds a nutritional boost! Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, calcium, and gut-friendly probiotics.

Less Sugar than Breakfast Cereal

Many breakfast cereals contain large amounts of added sugars that don’t support health. By making refrigerator oats, you get to control the amount of added sugar that you eat! Learn how to make your own healthy cereal here!

The fruit in this recipe also adds natural sweetness along with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The spices also add a taste of sweetness without contributing extra sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Overnight oats aren’t just for breakfast! They can also be a great snack or post-workout treat.

Serve hot or cold.

How to Store Overnight Oats

Store overnight oats in the refrigerator. They’ll be ready to eat the next morning but can be stored for up to one week. The longer the oats are held in the refrigerator, the mushier they will become.

If storing for more than a few days, add fresh fruit in the morning for best taste and texture. This is especially important for quick-to-spoil fruits like berries.

Want more healthy breakfast recipes?

Check out these healthy base recipe breakfast ideas, then adjust to YOUR taste! Also, be sure to check out this healthy oatmeal recipe roundup article for more ideas!

Kefir Smoothie Base Recipe

Greek Yogurt Smoothie Base Recipe

Homemade Granola Base Recipe

Whole Grain Pancakes Base Recipe

Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe

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