The Simplest Overnight Oats for Busy Mornings!

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As a mom, I love preparing food ahead of time, especially for breakfast. These Overnight Oats are perfect for busy mornings-they're so easy to make! Just toss everything in a jar the night before, and you've got a ready-to-eat meal in the morning. It's a simple, healthy, and quick breakfast for the whole family, packed with flavor and energy to keep us going throughout the day.

A spoon lifting a serving of overnight oats from a jar, topped with fresh berries and dried fruit.

For my kids, I like to mix in their favorite fruits, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or stir in some yogurt for extra creaminess.

If you love easy and wholesome breakfasts, be sure to check out my Basic Sourdough Granola Recipe! It's a great way to use up sourdough discard while making a delicious homemade granola!

Ingredients

Oats: The base of this recipe.
Milk: Helps bind the oats and adds a rich flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds flavor while keeping the oats wholesome.
Chia Seeds: Help thicken the oats and add a nice texture. Packed with nutrients, including omega-3s and fiber.
Cinnamon: adds a warm, comforting spice to your oats. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the overall flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
Dried Fruits: Add natural sweetness and chewiness to the oats.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make The Simplest Overnight Oats

Add oats, milk, honey (or maple syrup), chia seeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a jar.

A jar of overnight oats with a spoon partially submerged, showing the mixture of oats, chia seeds, and milk.

Stir well to mix everything together.

A person pouring dried fruits, like raisins and cranberries, into a jar of overnight oats.

Add dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates.

Overnight oats in a jar, topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of extra dried fruit.

Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, give it a stir and enjoy!

They'll stay good in the fridge for up to three days-after that, they get a bit too soft for my liking. Perfect for prepping over the weekend so you have a ready-to-go snack whenever you need one!

Hint: For a creamier texture, try using full-fat milk or even a splash of yogurt. If you prefer it a bit sweeter, add an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup!

Substitutions & Variations

If you don't have rolled oats, you can use instant oats, but the texture will be a bit softer.
Swap in any milk of your choice-almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work great! If you prefer not to use milk, you can substitute with yogurt instead.
For sweeteners, use maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or your favorite sweetener to taste.
For dried fruits, try adding chopped dates, dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, or even goji berries for different flavor combinations.

💭Crucial Success Tips

Mix Well: Be sure to stir everything thoroughly to prevent the oats from clumping together.
Use a Mason Jar: I love using a mason jar because it makes it easy to store and grab in the morning, plus it gives the oats a nice shake to mix up.
Let It Rest: Let the oats sit for at least 6 hours to give them time to absorb the liquid and soften up. Overnight is best!

FAQ

Can I warm up my overnight oats?

Yes! If you prefer your oats warm, just pop them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Stir well, and you're good to go!

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

These overnight oats will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. After that, they can get too mushy, but they're still edible if you don't mind the softer texture.