Easy Overnight Oats (Base + Flavor Options!) - Kitrusy (2024)

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What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a no-cook, no hassle, breakfast option that involves soaking raw oats in milk/liquid and allowing it to sit overnight in the fridge so that the oats can soften into a creamy oatmeal that you enjoy cold. Honestly, it’s more reminiscent of a dessert pudding than a breakfast…I mean, dessert for breakfast, doesn’t that sound amazing?

Are they Vegan Friendly?

To make your overnight oats vegan friendly, be sure you’re using a plant-based milk (oat, almond, cashew, or coconut are great options) and use your preferred sweetener such as pure maple syrup or raw cane sugar.

Are they Gluten Free?

Oats are naturally gluten free, but to be on the safe side, ensure that the brand you’re using is certified gluten free, which means that the oats are processed in an isolated (gluten-free) factory to ensure there’s no cross contamination with any wheat/gluten products.

What Texture Should My Overnight Oats Be?

Honestly, this is up to you! Some people like their overnight oats slightly looser, while others prefer their oats to be thick like pudding and some even prefer theirs to be so thick that it can be cut/sliced once it sets up. Just remember that the oats will absorb the liquid and will look a lot wetter when you first combine the ingredients together than the final overnight set will be. Also keep in mind that the more things you add to your overnight oats (powders, chia seeds, etc.) the more liquid will be absorbed and the thicker your oats will be so be sure to experiment until your find your ideal.

How Long Do Overnight Oats Last/Hold In the Fridge?

Your oats will hold for 2-3 days once prepped. For best results I recommend enjoying and consuming within the first day (after an overnight soak).

Are Overnight Oats Healthy?

Absolutely! Looking at the nutritional information of oats alone we can see that:

• they’re loaded with heart healthy vitamins, and minerals (such as manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorous, copper, folates, B1 and B5 , selenium, magnesium, etc.)
• one half cup of dried (rolled) oats contains 5 g of protein and 4 g of fiber.
• they also contain avenanthramides which are a group of antioxidants that helps to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation
• they contain beta-glucan which is a type of soluble fiber that has thepotential to reduce both total and LDL cholesterolas well as reduce blood sugar spikes and aids in keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

I’ve broken down these oats into 4 “sections”:

• The base recipe.
• The optional add-ins.
• The flavor combinations.
• The toppings.

Base Recipe for Overnight Oats:

• Oats:We’ve tested this recipe using various types of oats and we’ve found that Old Fashioned Rolled Oats work the best. OR you can use Steel Cut Oats – the healthier option since it’s more of a whole grain -note that steel cut will require more time and liquid and the texture will be firmer with more of a chew. While you can use plain quick oats, I’ve personally found the texture of the overnight soak to be too mushy/gloopy.
• Liquid: I’m using whole milk, however depending on your preference and dietary needs you can use any “milk” of your choosing from coconut milk to almond milk or oat milk.
• Sweetener: Today I’m using maple syrup, however you can use any natural sweetener of your choosing such as honey or finely blendedraw cane sugar or, if sweet things aren’t your cup of tea, you can omit the use of any sweetener.
• Salt: I’m using a Himalayan pink salt but you can also sea salt if you like. A small pinch of salt goes a long way in enhancing the sweetness and flavors of your oatmeal. If you’re omitting the use of a sweetener you can also omit the use of salt too.

Other Optional Add-Ins:

These add-ins will be mixed in and combined with the base recipe before being put into the fridge to sit overnight.

• Spices:You can add in a pinch (or two) of any of your favorite ground spices if you like. Some great options include: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, pumpkin spice, cardamom, etc.
• (Protein) Powders: If you’d like an extra protein kick, you can add in a tbsp or two of your favorite clean eating protein powder such as unflavored whey or even peanut butter powder.
• Extracts:Depending on your flavor preference, you can also add a few drops of one your favorite baking extracts such as vanilla, lemon, orange, hazelnut, almond, etc.
• Greek Yogurt:A dollop or two of plain Greek yogurt is a great way to add extra protein and a tangy creaminess to your overnight oats.
• Chia Seeds:If you’re able to digest them without issue, adding a tbsp of chia seeds is a great way to add extra micronutrients, fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids to your morning meal. Keep in mind chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their volume in liquid so 1 tbsp of seeds will be able to fully absorb 1 cup of liquid so be sure to adjust your liquid levels to suit.

How To Make Your Overnight Oats.

Making the base recipe for your overnight oats is as simple as combining your raw, dried oats with a pinch of salt, a touch of sweetener (I’m using maple syrup), and your liquid (I’m using whole milk), along with any optional add-ins such as yogurt, chia seeds, powders, extracts or spices (today I’m using cinnamon).

Place all ingredients into a jar or container that has a lid or cover and stir to combine everything before covering and placing into the fridge from anywhere from 2 hours to as long as overnight (hence the recipe’s name!).

And that’s it! That’s the base recipe for your overnight oats. Now, if you’d like to get creative, you can add in other flavorings and try different combinations. This is a great chance to experiment. Here’s a few ideas…

Other Flavor Combinations:

• Chocolate: Add in 2 tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder to your base recipe.
• Double Chocolate: Mix in 2 tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder along with 1-2 tbsp of dark chocolate chips/chunks or cocoa nibs.
• Peanut Butter: Mix or swirl in 1-2 tbsp of natural peanut butter or peanut butter powder to your base recipe.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly: Make the peanut butter overnight oats ^ and layer it or just top it with your favorite clean jam, jelly or fruit compote to serve.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter: Mix or swirl in 1-2 tbsp of natural peanut butter or peanut butter powder and add 1-2 tbsp of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
• Almond Joy: Add in unsweetened coconut flakes (you can toast them lightly for an even more pronounced flavor), dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs and top with toasted slivers of almonds.
• Nutella: Add in 1/2 tbsp of cocoa powder and 1 tbsp hazelnut butter. Alternatively you can mix in 1-2 tbsp homemade Nutella
• Banana Bread: Mash an overripe banana into a smooth paste, add in 1/2 tbsp of melted butter, a pinch of ground cinnamon, 1/2 tbsp of finely blended raw cane sugar (as your sweetener), and a tsp of molasses (optional) to your base oatmeal. Top with toasted walnuts/pecans and slices of banana.
• Apple Pie: To your base recipe, add in half of a peeled and diced apple along with 1/4 tsp of apple pie spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cardamom).
• Pumpkin Pie: To your base recipe add in 2-3 tbsp of pumpkin puree, a 1/4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice, a few drops of vanilla extract and orange extract and sweeten with finely blended raw cane sugar.
• Blueberry Pie: To your base recipe add 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract. To serve, layer in fresh or frozen wild blueberries and/or a blueberry jam or compote and top with granola.
• Maple and Brown Sugar: Sweeten your base with finely blended raw cane sugar, a tsp of molasses and a few drops of maple extract.
• Orange Cranberry: To your base recipe add 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp orange extract, 1/2 tsp freshly grated orange zest and add in 2-3 tbsp of unsweetened dried cranberries.
• Cinnamon Bun: Combine 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder (more if you like a strong cinnamon flavor), 1 tbsp finely ground raw cane sugar, 1/2 tbsp melted butter, and 1/2 tsp molasses together and mix it into your base recipe. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon OR combine 1 tbsp of super finely blended raw cane sugar with a few drops of milk and cinnamon powder to create a thick icing. Drizzle a swirl of the icing over your overnight oats and enjoy.
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: To your base recipe add in 1/4 tsp of cinnamon along with 2-3 tbsp of raisins. You can sweeten your base recipe with coconut sugar, maple sugar, or, if using finely blended raw cane sugar, add 1/2 tsp molasses to it.

Topping Choices:

You can finish your set overnight oats with any choice of topping that you enjoy / best complements your oatmeal.

• Toasted nuts: Crushed /chopped or sliced, such as walnuts, almond, pecans, pistachios, etc.
• Fruit: Fresh, frozen, dried, or made into a compote/jam.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes.
• Dark chocolate chips/chunks or cacao nibs
• A sprinkle of spicessuch as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, or a combination like pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.

And there you have it, simple, easy, hassle-free, and with a plethora of flavor options and toppings and countless ways to personalize your oats to suit your dietary needs, you’ll never be bored with this healthy breakfast (or dessert, or post workout treat) recipe! We hope you enjoy this dish as much as we do and if you do, leave us a comment below and let us know your favorite flavors and combinations, add-ins and toppings! 🥰