These Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds are thick, creamy, and perfect for an easy make-ahead breakfast. If you're skipping chia seeds, this recipe uses ground flax to help the oats thicken! Made with rolled oats and plant-based milk, the oats soak overnight and turn into a creamy breakfast you can enjoy straight from the fridge or warmed up.
Chia seeds are commonly used in overnight oats because they absorb liquid and help thicken the mixture as it chills.
Whether you dislike chia seeds or simply ran out, you can achieve the same creamy texture by using rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and the right liquid ratio.
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Ingredients
Overnight oats are the no-cook method of making oatmeal.
The oats soak in milk overnight, becoming soft and creamy without any cooking. It's a simple, make-ahead breakfast that's perfect for busy mornings.
Old-Fashioned Oats (Rolled Oats): These are best for overnight oats because they absorb liquid slowly and create a creamy texture. Avoid quick oats, which tend to become thin and mushy.
Plant-Based Milk and Yogurt: Almond, oat, soy milk, or any non-dairy milk will work in this recipe. I'd recommend using unsweetened for both!
Ground Flaxseed: Used in place of chia seeds to help thicken the oats as they sit. Ground flax blends smoothly and avoids the gel-like texture chia can create.
Maple Syrup: Adds just enough sweetness!
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon!
Helpful Equipment
Overnight oats don't require any fancy equipment!
But 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
This overnight oats recipe is easy, filling, and a perfect base for customizing to your taste!
You can mix in different flavors, fruits, or toppings each morning to keep breakfast fresh and exciting.
The full recipe is detailed in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add the old-fashioned oats, plant-based milk, vegan yogurt, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a jar or container that has a lid.
Step 2: Stir well to combine and seal the lid tight. Place in the fridge overnight.
Step 3: Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Topping Ideas
This easy breakfast is a great way to try different flavor variations daily!
Fresh Fruit: Mango, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or even chopped apples or pears are great toppings.
Want to add frozen fruit? Try my Overnight Oats With Frozen Fruit recipe!
Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or cacao nibs. A drizzle of chocolate almond butter is another fun option!
Nut Butter: Drizzle creamy peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
Crunchy Toppings: Add texture with your favorite vegan blueberry granola or chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds are also great.
Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of vegan protein powder or sprinkle hemp seeds on top for a protein-packed breakfast.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice are always a delicious addition.
Tip: Soft fruit and mix-ins can go in before soaking the oats, while crunchy toppings should be added in the morning to keep them crisp.
Substitutions
Oats: Use rolled oats (old-fashioned) for the best texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. They'll be softer!
Plant-Based Milk: Any non-dairy milk works!
Ground Flaxseed: Reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons when skipping the flaxseed. If the oats are too thick after soaking, simply stir in a little more milk in the morning.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup can be replaced with agave syrup or brown sugar.
If you're also skipping yogurt, check out my creamy Overnight Oats Without Yogurt for alternatives!
Using just water? My Overnight Oats With Water recipe is a simple, no-milk version that's perfect for meal prep.
Substitutions may slightly change texture, so check the oats in the morning and adjust with a splash of plant-based milk if needed.
Tips & Tricks
If your oats seem too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of plant-based milk to reach your desired consistency.
Overnight is best, but 4-6 hours works in a pinch. The longer they sit, the thicker and creamier they become.
Add toppings like berries, banana slices, or granola in the morning to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Storage
Store your overnight oats in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
They shouldn't be! But if your oats are watery, add more ground flax or stir in a little extra rolled oats. You can also adjust the consistency in the morning with a splash of plant-based milk.
Ground flaxseed is a great substitute, but you can also use a little more oats or less milk.
More Overnight Oat Recipes
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Recipe
Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- ½ cup Old-Fashioned Oats
- ½ cup Plant-Based Milk unsweetened
- ¼ cup Plant-Based Yogurt unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup more to preference
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Add the old-fashioned oats, plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a jar or container that has a lid.
- Stir well to combine and seal the lid tight. Place in the fridge overnight or for at least 5-6 hours. Overnight is best.
Notes
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