These Overnight Oats with Almond Milk are made with simple ingredients and only require 5 minutes of prep time! Simple, filling, and completely customizable. This is the perfect breakfast for those busy mornings.
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They are dairy-free, and vegan, and can easily be made gluten-free as well by using certified gluten-free oats.
My schedule recently got a lot busier and these overnight oats are a breakfast game-changer for me!
This easy breakfast is simple, filling, and incredibly delicious while also being healthy. Whip them up before bed and your morning will be a breeze.
What are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are the no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking oatmeal on the stovetop or microwave, simply soak the oats with milk overnight in order to create a soft and creamy breakfast or snack.
The soaking process allows the liquid to be absorbed by the oats and even though they are called overnight oats, they technically only need to soak for 2 hours.
But prepping this simple overnight oats recipe the night before is the most efficient method so the name fits!
Ingredients
These almond milk overnight oats with berries are a refreshing and easy make-ahead breakfast. You're going to love this super customizable snack or breakfast.
This is a basic overnight oats recipe that is perfect for customizing to your preferences. Add any additions and toppings you love.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: I highly recommend using Old-Fashioned Oats (Rolled Oats) instead of quick oats. Quick oats will be thinner and have a mushy consistency which is not ideal.
Chia Seeds: This is optional but chia seeds are a healthy addition and I love the texture of them. You could add ground flax instead if desired.
Almond Milk: These overnight oats are made with almond milk but you can make overnight oats with coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
Non-Dairy Yogurt: Yogurt is going to give these oats extra creaminess and a boost of plant-based protein. I recommend using an unsweetened variety or you'll need to adjust the maple syrup.
Maple Syrup: Just a tablespoon for sweetness! You can add 1 or 2 tablespoons depending on how sweet you would like your oats. This will also depend on the toppings that you choose.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a lot of flavor to the oats. Cinnamon and nutmeg would be delicious as well!
Helpful Equipment
You don't need anything fancy to make overnight oats. I recommend buying a few jars with lids so you can prep your overnight oats in advance to have them on hand for a few days.
I recommend either 8-ounce jars or 16-ounce jars.
Here are a few small jars that I recommend: 16oz Weck Jars with Glass Lids, 8oz Jars with Latch, and 16oz Mason Jars.
How to Make This Recipe
Add the old-fashioned oats, almond milk, vegan yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a jar that has a lid.
Stir well to combine and seal the lid tight.
Place in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.
The next morning, remove the lid and stir well. Add any desired toppings to the top and enjoy!
Topping & Additions
This overnight oatmeal is a very simple base recipe and could use some flavorful additions and toppings!
That's the fun about oats, you can change them up and make new flavor combinations every day. Meal prep individual portions and different toppings for each one to enjoy a new flavor each morning.
- Apple Pie: Chopped apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Pumpkin Pie: Whisk in a spoonful of pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice, and top with whipped coconut cream.
- Fresh Fruit: This one is the one I typically go with. Chopped mangoes, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries work best!
- Jam: Store-bought or homemade. My favorite is my homemade strawberry jam.
- Chocolate: Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips!
- Nut butter: Drizzle your favorite nut butter over the top. I love almond butter and peanut butter.
- Granola: Add a crunchy topping like your favorite vegan granola.
- Carrot Cake: Stir in shredded carrots, coconut flakes, and cinnamon.
- Cinnamon Bun: Stir in cinnamon and top with a vanilla powdered sugar drizzle.
- Protein Powder: Add a scoop of vegan protein powder for a protein-packed breakfast
Tips & Tricks
Use the appropriate jar: An 8oz jar will be filled to the top with oats and the toppings will overflow a bit so the jar won't close whereas a 16oz jar will allow room for toppings and the lid to close. The 16oz jar is preferred if you're taking the oats on the go.
Wait to add toppings: This is important! Take the extra few seconds in the morning to add the toppings fresh. You won't regret it.
Salt your oats! I know this sounds weird but trust me. It will help balance and bring out the flavors and won't make your oatmeal salty.
Substitutions
Almond Milk: Any plant-based milk will work for this. You can use soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or even coconut milk. I recommend using unsweetened almond milk or non-dairy milk or you'll need to adjust the maple syrup.
Chia Seeds: If you don't like chia seeds, you can replace them with ground flax seeds. I wouldn't omit this ingredient entirely because it helps soak up the liquid and adds a boost of nutrition.
Maple Syrup: Agave syrup is an excellent replacement for maple syrup.
Vegan Yogurt: I love the addition of vegan yogurt because it adds creaminess and a boost of plant-based protein. You can use mashed bananas, pumpkin purée, or apple sauce in replace of it but it will change the overall flavor of the oats.
Storage
Storage: Store your overnight oats in an airtight jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold and straight from the fridge unlike traditional warm oatmeal but if you tried it and aren't a fan, simply heat them in the microwave until warm.
Overnight oats made with quick oats tend to fall apart and get mushy much faster. If you want to use quick oats, eat them within the first day.
Yes! Check out my post on Overnight Oats with Water.
Yes! Check out my post on Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit.
Steel-cut oats will work but keep in mind that they will need to be soaked longer and will remain dense and chewy.
More Overnight Oat Recipes
Recipe
Overnight Oats with Almond Milk
Ingredients
- ½ cup Old Fashioned Oats
- ½ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Vegan Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup or Date Paste
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Add the old fashioned oats, almond milk, vegan yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a jar that has a lid. Stir well to combine and seal the lid tight. Place in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.
- The next morning, remove the lid and stir well. Add any desired toppings to the top and enjoy!
Notes
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Wendy Prieur says
Hi Liv
I am wondering if you have the caloric intake for your recipes. I would appreciate that information. The recipes I’ve tried so far have been delicious!
Liv says
I'm so glad you are enjoying the recipes. I don't include calorie counts at the moment but it's something I'm considering adding. 🙂
Suee33 says
Easy, Fast and very good and healthy. Thanks I added frozen blueberries when I put it together.
Liv says
Frozen blueberries are a wonderful addition! Glad you enjoyed 🙂