Overnight Oats without Yogurt

This Overnight Oats recipe is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and is creamy and delicious. No yogurt needed! While many overnight oats rely on dairy or plant-based yogurt for thickness, you can achieve the same texture using nut or seed butter. Perfect for busy mornings, this easy make-ahead breakfast is customizable and ready straight from the fridge.

Maybe you're avoiding dairy, keeping the recipe simple, or just don't have yogurt on hand.

Even without it, these oats remain creamy and delicious!

Using nut or seed butter, extra oats, or a splash of plant-based milk helps maintain a creamy texture, so you don't miss the yogurt at all.

This makes the recipe flexible, pantry-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings!

Ingredients

Using pantry staples like rolled oats and plant-based milk keeps this breakfast quick, easy, and perfect for busy mornings!

Old-Fashioned Oats: This recipe uses Old-Fashioned Oats also known as Rolled Oats instead of quick oats.

Plant-Based Milk: Any plant-based milk you like the most will work!

Chia Seeds: When soaked, chia seeds absorb liquid and help the oats thicken overnight.

Nut Butter: I used peanut butter but any nut or seed butter will work. You could also use ¼ cup of mashed banana, pumpkin purée, applesauce, or canned coconut milk.

Maple Syrup: Just a touch for added sweetness.

Add-ins: Always add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors as well as cinnamon and vanilla extract can be added for additional flavor.

Helpful Equipment

You don't need much to make these overnight oats, just a few simple items make prep and storage easy!

Jars or containers with lids are perfect for portioning out individual servings and storing in the fridge.

Something like the following: 16oz Weck Jars with Glass Lids, 8oz Jars with Latch, and 16oz Mason Jars.

How to Make This Recipe

The full recipe is detailed in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Add the old-fashioned oats to a jar or container with a lid.

Step 2: Add the plant-based milk, chia seeds, nut butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Stir to combine and seal the lid on the jar or container. Place it in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight. 

Step 4: Next day, add any desired toppings and enjoy!

Topping Ideas

Overnight oats are the perfect breakfast that is 100% customizable. You can add crunchy toppings like granola, fresh fruit like banana slices, or even chocolate chips!

Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, diced apples, and chopped mango are delicious options to top off oats with.

If you want to use frozen fruit as a topping, try my Overnight Oats With Frozen Fruit.

Dried Fruits: Try raisins, cranberries, apricots, or dates.

Granola: Homemade blueberry granola is delicious and adds crunch! Shredded coconut or coconut flakes would be great as well.

Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder are wonderful options for a chocolaty twist.

Jam or Fruit Preserves: Blackberry and strawberry are my favorites!

Substitutions

Old-Fashioned Oats: Quick oats will be thinner and have a mushy consistency but will work in a pinch.

Non-Dairy Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk are great options.

If you want to skip the chia seeds, check out my Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds recipe.

Nut or Seed Butter: You could also use ¼ cup of mashed banana, pumpkin purée, applesauce, or canned coconut milk but I'd recommend reducing the milk by ¼ cup.

Pure Maple Syrup: Brown sugar or agave syrup are great substitutes.

Tips & Tricks

Use the appropriate jar: When using an 8-ounce jar, the oats and toppings will fill it to the top, making it difficult to close the lid. But a 16-ounce jar provides enough space for both toppings and the lid to securely close.

Use rolled oats for the best texture. Old-fashioned oats soak overnight and stay thick and chewy, while quick oats can become mushy.

Adjust liquid for creaminess. Without yogurt, you may need a bit more plant-based milk or water, or a spoonful of nut or seed butter to achieve a creamy texture.

If they are too thick in the morning, add a splash of dairy-free milk until the desired consistency is reached.

Wait to add toppings: Take the extra few seconds in the morning to add the toppings fresh.

Storage

Store your overnight oats in an airtight jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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