Why does oatmeal get such a bad rap? There's something comforting about warm spicy oatmeal in the fall and winter, and cold overnight oats in the summer. The first time I had oatmeal was when I was visiting family in the states and my baby cousin had dino oatmeal as a snack. You know, the kind with sugar eggs that melt when you add hot water and the sugar dinosaurs come out? No, it's definitely not a healthy breakfast, if you were wondering.
The instant packets of raisin and spice oatmeal were my favorite throughout college, but after learning to make it from scratch, I've never looked back! In fact, I love it so much that I have it for breakfast almost every single day! Especially since becoming a mom, I've kept up with my oatmeal breakfast to support my breastmilk production.
As much as I love warm creamy oats, standing in front of the hot stove stirring a pot of oatmeal isn't very therapeutic in the summer. It's gotten so hot this past week, I can't live without my AC on! Overnight oats is perfect, since you can just grab it out of the fridge, grab a spoon from your drawer, and you're good to go! If you make it in a mason jar, you could even take it with you to work!
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats is a preparation method of oats that doesn't use heat. Rolled oats and liquid are mixed and left to soak overnight. It's a great way to save some time in the morning but still have a healthy breakfast!
How to make overnight oats
Overnight oats is one of the easiest dishes to make! All you need to do is measure out ingredients and stir with a spoon. Think you got what it takes? (Please say yes).
For simple and basic overnight oats, mix together oats, chia seeds, salt, maple syrup, and almond milk. As long as you have these core ingredients, you can get creative with mix-ins! For this overnight oats recipe, I've added cinnamon, vanilla, and dried tart cherries. Technically, salt and maple syrup are optional, but oats are quite bland so I consider both mandatory ingredients.
Although I enjoy overnight oats with almond milk, feel free to switch it up and use any milk of your choice! You can use cow's milk, or keep it vegan with dairy-free milk. If you know my love for hazelnuts, you know I'm dying to try it with hazelnut milk!
Tips for a pretty presentation
1. Don't put the oats into individual dishes until the morning. If you mix the ingredients in individual dishes, you can't avoid getting the sides or rims dirty (or, at least I can't). Mix all the ingredients in a bowl or tupperware first, and once the oats have soaked overnight, dish it out.
2. Toppings! Let's be honest. Overnight oats, much like oatmeal, isn't visually pleasing. On its own, it doesn't get me excited. So add some toppings for pretty points and texture!
My suggestions for toppings would be some coconut yogurt for extra creaminess, toasted sliced almonds for crunch, and more dried tart cherries for a fruity bite!
Overnight oats can also be gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats! If you need some recipe ideas, here are 20+ gluten-free dairy-free desserts to check out!
Need some other ideas for an oaty breakfast? Try my gluten-free granola recipe! You won't be disappointed!
Overnight Oats with Tart Cherries and Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- pinch of fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ vanilla bean
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup dried tart cherries
- 1¼ cups unsweetened almond milk
- coconut yogurt (optional)
- toasted sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl or large tupperware, combine all the ingredients. Cover and set in the refrigerator overnight, or a minimum of 5 hours. Serve cold with a dollop or coconut yogurt and a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook says
I could imagine myself enjoying this one! I love overnight oats and I love all the ingredients, Ai. Yay also for the giveaway! 😀 Goodluck to everyone! Thanks for sharing this at this week's Fiesta Friday!
Ai says
Thanks Jhuls! Happy Fiesta Friday!! Just gave you a shoutout on my Insta story😘
Josi says
Um YES. I'm all about overnight oats! Love the idea of making it with cherries!
Ai says
Yay! Overnight oats help me stay a little saner in the morning haha.
Erika says
I love making overnight oats! It's so nice to have something ready for breakfast every morning.
Ai says
Exactly! One less thing to have to do in the morning 🙂
Aimee DiPasquale says
can overnight oats be heated up? overnight oats are one of those things that I want to like so much but the temperature is off putting to me for some reason.
Ai says
Good question! I honestly don't know, but I don't see why you couldn't heat it up in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of milk, assuming it'll thicken up. Let me know if you try it out!
Shari Eckstrom says
A beautiful presentation of your overnight oats. Great post.
Ai says
Thanks Shari!
Jacqueline Debono says
What a delicious and healthy way to start the day! I've never tried dried cherries but they sound like a yummy addition!
Patrice | Cardamom Magazine says
I love overnight oats and am always looking for new ideas. Your photos are making me hungry for more!
Ai says
What do you like adding to your overnight oats? I'm always tempted to add chocolate 😛
Anindya Sundar Basu says
Overnight oats bowl is the perfect healthy breakfast for me. here is how we do it https://www.pikturenama.com/recipe/overnight-oats-bowl-with-mixed-berries-easy-and-delicious/
Ai says
Yum!
Simone says
Ooooh I just love all the healthy ingredients you've put together here! Looks like a great way to start your day off right!
Ai says
Thanks Simone!
Delux Designs (DE), LLC says
This looks tasty! Definitely interested in trying this recipe.
Ai says
Thank you! Hope you like it 🙂
Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef says
Yes! I love overnight oats and these look like such a tasty way to start the day, yum!
Ai says
Thanks Angela!
Beth says
I so enjoy your comments about the ingredients, with all details and photos, and cooking methods. And, I just love the lovely photography, clear writing and detailed recipes on your site!
Ai says
Thanks so much Beth! Glad you like my site🥰❤️
Lathiya says
This makes a perfect breakfast on quick days. Healthy and delicious.
Ai says
Agreed!
Sonila says
I love overnight oats and the cherries on top make it look more like a dessert than breakfast, real treat!! Your pictures are amazing:)
Ai says
Thank you Sonila! Spending the extra couple of minutes to make it decorative gets me excited to eat it haha.
Kalyon Subbarao says
Have always thought of making such oats, a perfect and tasty breakfast dish...:-)
Ai says
Definitely try it out! 😉