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Overnight Oats: 25 Recipes That Make Mornings Easier

October 21, 2017 by Jennifer Fontaine 1 Comment

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overnight oats recipes
[Photo courtesy Night Owl]
Breakfast is the most important part of the day and should not be missed. In fact, people who have a filling breakfast, eat less throughout the day which can help support weight loss and overall health. Everything that is convenient in the morning is never really good for you. Don’t fret, there is one super food coming to the rescue: overnight oats.

| Related: 7 Kid-Approved Trail Snack Ideas |

The first thing that comes to mind is that oats take forever to prepare and who really has the time. You can’t choose the instant variety because they are loaded with sugars and artificial flavors which pretty much cancel out the health benefits you were looking for. Luckily, there are tons of simple recipes for overnight oats. You simply throw the ingredients into a Mason jar or Tupperware container and put in the refrigerator overnight. No cooking required. The next morning you have a perfect healthy breakfast to go.

Overnight Oats Are Full of Healthy Ingredients

Each of the 25 recipes below incorporates healthy ingredients to get your day started right.

Oats: Oats provide a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant properties making them a must for every diet. They can additionally lower cholesterol so are beneficial for your heart health and can improve blood sugar levels. The high levels of beta-glucan provided in oats not only helps with cholesterol and insulin levels, is filling which keeps your snacking throughout the day to a minimum.

Berries: All berries contain phytochemicals which are naturally occurring nutrients that protect cells from damage. The selection is vast including strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries and more. Grab a handful of your favorites and throw them into any meal.

Nuts: Nuts are not only packed with protein but provide healthy essential unsaturated fats (good fats). They contain antioxidant properties to help fight inflammation, help with weight loss and help control cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

overnight oats recipes
[Photo courtesy Graziela Lotti]

Benefits of Overnight Oats

There are so many benefits to raw-soaked oats that they really should be included in everyone’s diet. Cooking oats can damage a lot of the essential nutrients, so the new trend of soaking them overnight with your favorite ingredients is a definite improvement. Soaked oats are easy to prepare, take up less time and are ready for you every morning.
All the work is done overnight while you sleep.

| Related: Starting a New Family Baking Tradition |

Preparation time the night before takes two minutes and there is nothing to do in the morning but eat. When people are rushed they either grab fast food or don’t eat at all. These soaked oat recipes are just what the fast paced world needs. Additionally, soaked oats are easier to digest so you are sure to get all those beneficial nutrients right away.

25 Overnight Oats You Can’t Live Without

1. Strawberry Chia Overnight Oats

The perfect combination of crunch and sweetness in a satisfying cereal helps you to stay full for longer and regulate blood sugar.

  • 1/3 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/3 sliced banana
  • 2 tablespoon almonds
  • ½ cup strawberries
  • 1 cup milk beverage of your choice
overnight oats recipes
[Photo courtesy Emma]
2. Blueberry Cashew Cream Overnight Oats

Two nutritional superstars, flax and chia, give you all you need to start your day full and healthy.

  • 1/2 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup mashed banana
  • 1 tablespoon flax
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ¼ cup milk beverage of your choice

3. Gingerbread Chocolate Overnight Oats

Gingerbread is not just for Christmas, you can enjoy this holiday-themed treat all year round without adding to your waistline.

  • 2 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cup milk beverage of your choice

4. Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats

The classic comfort sandwich taste in the morning will replace your cravings for sweet cereals and take care of your heart.

  • 2 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 2 ½ tablespoons chia seeds
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 2 cup milk beverage of your choice

5. Orchard Bircher Muesli Overnight Oats

Anything but boring, this combination of fruit and nuts fills you up and satisfies the taste buds.

  • 1 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoon chia seeds
  • ½ cup cherries
  • 2 tablespoon dries apricots
  • 2 tablespoon dries prunes
  • 1 cup milk beverage of your choice
overnight oats recipes
[Photo courtesy Will Cook For Friends]
6. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Enjoy the tastes of fall all year round and maintain that summer shape.

  • 1/2 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 6 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cinammon
  • ½ cup milk beverage of your choice

7. Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats

Who doesn’t love peanut butter, chocolate and banana? Works great to get you going in the morning or as the perfect dessert when those sweet cravings hit.

  • 1/3 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 1 container banana yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • Handful of chocolate
  • ½ banana sliced
  • ½ cup milk beverage of your choice

8. Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats

Leave the coffee in the pot, this perfect combination of chia and chocolate is all the energy boost you need.

  • 2 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 3 tabkespoons chia seeds
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 cup milk beverage of your choice

9. Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats

Get that fresh blueberry muffin taste without the extra carbs to go straight to your hips. Instead support your weight loss goals with the super high protein and fiber combination.

  • ½ cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 6 ounces blueberry Greek yogurt
  • 1 or 2 drops vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon sugar fry dry pudding mix
  • ½ cup milk beverage of your choice
overnight oats recipes
[Photo courtesy Julie West]
10. Orange Coconut and Vanilla Overnight Oats

A unique blend of citrus and coconut to wake up your taste buds and kick start your metabolism.

  • 2 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut
  • Zest and juice of one mandarin or orange
  • 1 ½ cup milk beverage of your choice

11. Figs and Honey Overnight Oats

Fiber rich figs will keep you full until lunch and all the potassium will keep your gut bloat free and happy.

  • ¼ cup whole grain oatmeal
  • ½ tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 fresh fig sliced
  • ½ tablespoon raw honey
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
  • ½ cup milk beverage of your choice

12. Maple Bacon Overnight Oats

Everyone wants bacon for breakfast and now toy can have it and stay healthy too. This combo of nuts, oats and syrup delivers sweet, savory and crunchy sensations all at the same time.

  • 1 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoon chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 slice maple bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinammon
  • 1 cup milk beverage of your choice

13. Salted Caramel Overnight Oats

Sweet and savory melt in your mouth and help to melt away those extra pounds.

  • 1 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 1 cup caramel soy yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon chia seeds
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup milk beverage of your choice
overnight oats recipes
[Photo courtesy Health Care]
14. Bananas Foster Overnight Oats

What is not to love about waist-shrinking coconut oil, cholesterol fighting flax and bananas and spice?

  • 1 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 2 teaspoon ground flax
  • 3 bananas sliced
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 cup milk beverage of your choice

15. Coconut Latte Overnight Oats

Get your coffee kick in a healthier format. The java taste you need without all the harmful and addicting caffeine.

  • 1 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • ¼ coconut water
  • ¼ cup brewed coffee
  • 1 tablespoon coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup milk beverage of your choice

16. Double Chocolate Cashew Overnight Oats

By soaking overnight in chocolate, these flavorless grains transform into a sweet wake up call.

  • 1 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • ½ cup low fat vanilla yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoon chopped cashews
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 cup milk beverage of your choice

17. Mango Lassi Overnight Oats

A filling dose of fiber and impressive amounts of vitamins A and C is all you need to get a good start to your day.

  • ½ cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 cup chopped mango
  • ½ cup vegan yogurt
  • ¾ cup milk beverage of your choice
overnight oats recipes
[Photo courtesy Trending News]
18. Almond Joy Overnight Oats

Unlike the candy bar you love, these oats deliver fiber, protein and a healthy dose of sugar.

  • ½ cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoon shredded coconut
  • ½ tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ¾ cup milk beverage of your choice

19. Maple French Toast Overnight Oats

Typical French toast is full of calories and will only add to your belly fat, but this healthier oat version gives you the same great taste and much more nutritional value.

  • 1 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • ½ mashed banana
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¾ cup unsweetened milk

20. Blackberry Mojito Overnight Oats

With only 250 calories this is a popular morning pick-me-up and fiesta inspired delight.

  • 1/3 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 2 tablespoons fresh minced mint
  • ½ teaspoon rum
  • Zest from ½ a lime
  • 1 cup milk beverage of your choice

21. Matcha Overnight Oats

Loaded with EGCG, a compound that stimulates the breakdown of far, matcha powder is the perfect addition to any breakfast bowl.

  • ½ cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 banana mashed
  • 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
  • 3 or 4 fresh strawberries
  • 2 or 3 tablespoons fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup light coconut milk
overnight oats recipes
[Photo courtesy Miriam]
22. Skinny Funfetti Cake Batter Overnight Oats

If cupcakes are your weakness, then this is the recipe for you. Get the batter taste you love with nowhere near the calories.

  • 1/3 cup whole grain oatmeal
  • ¼ teaspoon butter extract
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons rainbow sprinkles
  • 2/3 cup milk beverage of your choice

23. Kiwi Coconut Cashew Overnight Oats

This tropical-inspired recipe is rich in vitamins, fat busters and stress reducing agents, making every morning feel like a tropical getaway.

  • 2 ½ cups whole grain oatmeal
  • 5 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 5 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 ½ cups kiwi
  • 5 tablespoons toasted nuts of your choice
  • 2 ½ cup milk beverage of your choice

24. Vegan Overnight Oats

All the healthy ingredients you need for a high-fiber and vegan-friendly breakfast,

  • ½ cup whole grain oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 large mashed banana
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¾ cup milk beverage of your choice
  • Toppings of your choice: fresh fruit, granola, coconut flakes, nuts or seeds.

25. Cherry Chia Overnight Oats

Low sugar and high protein oatmeal is possible and delicious with this sweet and creamy breakfast treat.

  • 6 tablespoons whole grain oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut milk
  • ¾ cup pitted cherries
  • ½ cup milk beverage of your choice

Let’s face it in today’s society sitting down for breakfast is a rarity. Most people are up and out the door trying to beat the traffic or catch the bus or train. There is no need to skip breakfast or grab something unhealthy. A healthy start will set the tone for your day so you want to eat right. Starting with a quick and simple overnight oats recipe not only saves you time but delivers all the nutrition you need.

Read Next: No-Bake Triple Chocolate Energy Balls >>>

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Filed Under: NOURISH, RECIPES Tagged With: Fall 2016, food, healthy, overnight oats, recipe, Winter 2017

Comments

  1. Elizabeth says

    October 27, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    Yum! Blueberry banana is a favorite around here, but I would like to try pumpkin!

    Reply

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