Overnight Oats – Quick and Easy

Overnight oats are quick and easy to make and also, a great source of energy to get you through your next adventure. This recipe is lightweight and can be made while you are on the trail or on the road. It’s full of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

After all of my research, I felt overwhelmed with the number of choices and flavors there were to choose from. Because of my overwhelm, I decided to keep it simple and easy! I am going to show you the basic recipe and all the different ways you can change up the flavor.

Basic Questions

• What are overnight oats?
  • A no-cook method of preparing oats by soaking them overnight in liquid. This liquid can be water or milk depending on your preference.
• Do you eat overnight oats cold or warm?
  • Typically eaten cold, but they can be warmed up if preferred.
• How long do overnight oats need to soak?
  • At least 4 hours, but ideally 8+ hours for the best texture. Which is why it’s called “Overnight” Oats.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• What type of oats should I use?
  • Old-fashioned rolled oats work best; avoid instant oats as they get mushy.
• Can I use water instead of milk?
  • Yes, I have mostly used water because it is more convenient when camping or backpacking. However, milk (dairy or non-dairy) makes it creamier and more nutritious.
• What are the best sweeteners for overnight oats?
  • The best sweeteners are the natural ones. Honey is my go-to favorite sweetener. However, you can also use maple syrup, mashed bananas, or dates.
• Do chia seeds make a difference?
  • Yes, they add fiber, protein, and help thicken the oats.
• Can I make them without yogurt?
  • Yes, yogurt adds creaminess and probiotics but isn’t necessary.

Storage & Shelf Life

• How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
  • 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container.
• Can I freeze overnight oats?
  • Yes, in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.

Nutrition & Health

Customization & Flavor

• What are the best toppings for overnight oats?
  • Fruits, nuts, seeds, nut butter, and spices like cinnamon.
• How do I make overnight oats thicker?
  • Add more chia seeds, yogurt, or reduce the liquid.
• Can I add protein powder to overnight oats?
  • Yes, mix it with the liquid before adding the oats.

Simple Overnight Oats Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup rolled oats (or old fashioned oats)
• ½ cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tbsp Chai or Flaxseeds (optional, for thickness and nutrition)
• 1 tbsp Natural Sweetener (honey or maple Syrup)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
• ¼ cup Fruit (optional: strawberries, blueberries, bananas, etc.)

Directions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a jar or bowl, mix the oats, water (or milk) seeds, and Sweetener. Stir well to combine.
2. Add Extras: If using, mix in vanilla extract and berries.
3. Refrigerate: Cover and place in the fridge (or outside if it’s cool out) for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
4. Stir & Serve: The next morning, stir well and enjoy cold. You can also warm it up in the microwave (or over a fire) if preferred.
5. Top It Off: Add extra berries, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter for more flavor and texture.

Storage

Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Resources

Light weight, compact container

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy overnight oats recipe. There are so many different flavor options. Feel free to change it up. Add or subtract items that you like or dislike. If you are not connected to electricity, you can always leave your overnight oats outside if it’s cool out, you can also place it in a stream or lake to keep it cool. It does not need to be refrigerated but you want to keep it cool enough so it doesn’t spoil. If you want to heat it up, you can use microwave, stove or fire. You can also use dehydrated fruit if you don’t have an option to keep fresh fruit. Just make sure you add a little extra water than normal. Change it up, have fun with it!

Let me know how you liked this recipe in the comments!

Yield: 1 Serving (1 Cup)

Overnight Oats - Quick and Easy

Print

Overnight oats are quick and easy to make and also, a great source of energy to get you through your next adventure. This recipe is lightweight and can be made while you are on the trail or on the road. It's full of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup rolled oats (or old fashioned oats)
• ½ cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tbsp Chai or Flaxseeds (optional, for thickness and nutrition)
• 1 tbsp Natural Sweetener (honey or maple Syrup)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
• ¼ cup Fruit (optional: strawberries, blueberries, bananas, etc.)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a jar or bowl, mix the oats, water (or milk) seeds, and Sweetener. Stir well to combine.
2. Add Extras: If using, mix in vanilla extract and berries.
3. Refrigerate: Cover and place in the fridge (or outside if it's cool out) for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
4. Stir & Serve: The next morning, stir well and enjoy cold. You can also warm it up in the microwave (or over a fire) if preferred.
5. Top It Off: Add extra berries, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter for more flavor and texture.

Notes

Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Feel free to change it up. You can add things you think will make it better or you can take some ingredients out. My husband likes a thicker oatmeal, so I reduce the water. Make it your own. Have fun with it!