Overnight Oats: A Make-Ahead Breakfast Classic

Updated: Oct. 27, 2025

Total Time: 5 minutes active preparation + 8+ hours (overnight) soaking

Servings: 1 (easily scalable for 2+ with doubled ingredients)

Ingredients

Base Components

  • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking or instant; ensure they’re unsweetened)

  • 1 cup milk or unsweetened dairy alternative (almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk; 240ml)

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (enhances flavor; omit if using salted milk)

Flavor & Texture Enhancers

  • ¼ cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots, or chopped figs; small pieces for even distribution)

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds, flaxseeds, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds (chia/flax add fiber; poppy/sesame add nuttiness)

Optional Sweeteners

  • 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar (adjust to taste; use ½ tsp if dried fruit is naturally sweet)

Toppings (Add Before Serving)

  • 2 tablespoons toasted chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans; toasted for deeper flavor)

  • Fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., sliced banana, berries, mango; add just before eating)

Equipment

  • 1 pint (16 oz/473ml) mason jar or 2-cup (473ml) airtight resealable container

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Small knife (for chopping dried fruit)

  • Whisk or spoon (for mixing)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Overnight Base

  1. Measure & Combine: In a mixing bowl, add oats, dried fruit, seeds, milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dried fruit and seeds.

  2. Transfer to Container: Pour the mixture into the airtight jar/container, leaving ½ inch (1 cm) of headspace to prevent overflow during soaking.

  3. Seal & Refrigerate: Tightly seal the container and refrigerate for at least 5 hours (preferably 8–12 hours) or up to 5 days for optimal creaminess.

Step 2: Serve & Customize

  1. Remove & Stir: Take the container out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes (optional, for slight warmth). Stir the mixture vigorously to break up clumps and rehydrate the oats.

  2. Taste & Sweeten: Taste the base mixture. Add sweetener (maple syrup, honey, etc.) if desired, stirring until fully incorporated.

  3. Add Toppings: Just before serving, top with toasted nuts and fresh/frozen fruit. Note: Avoid soaking fresh/frozen fruit overnight, as it will cause texture degradation and excess moisture.

Pro Tips

  • Toasting Nuts: Toast nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden. Cool before adding to toppings for maximum crunch.

  • Seeds Swap: Chia seeds expand in liquid; use 1½ tbsp for a thicker, gel-like texture. Flaxseeds add omega-3s and fiber.

  • Non-Dairy Milks: Oat milk creates a creamy base; almond milk adds nuttiness; soy milk boosts protein.

  • Portion Control: Double ingredients for 2 servings (use a 4-cup container).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Are "old-fashioned oats" steel-cut or rolled?

A: "Old-fashioned" = rolled oats (not quick-cooking). Steel-cut oats are chewier and require 6–8 hours soaking.

  • Q: Can I make this room-temperature?

A: Yes! Leave the mixture at 68–72°F (20–22°C) for 8–12 hours (e.g., on the counter overnight).

  • Q: How thick should it be?

A: The consistency should be creamy and pourable. Add 1–2 tbsp milk if too thick.

Chef’s Creative Variations

  • Fruit-Infused: Use apple juice + oat milk for a spiced twist; top with fresh passion fruit.

  • Cookie Filling: Stir in homemade Fig and Cherry Cookie Pie filling (per NYT Cooking) for a dessert-like breakfast.

  • Protein Boost: Add 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla) to the base for extra nutrition.

"I use Quaker Overnight Oats for a thicker texture—worth the investment! Topped with toasted walnuts and honey, it’s my go-to morning meal."

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