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This easy make-ahead Overnight Oats recipe is exactly what we need for busy mornings. Unbelievably quick to throw together the night before, it’s then ready for your choice topping in the morning – VOILÀ! Your healthy, delicious, satisfying and low-effort breakfast is good to go.
I first created my Baked Oats recipe a while back, and it was so well received that I thought I would share a spin-off that was quicker and easier to prepare.
If you’re wondering whether there’s really more to Overnight Oats than shoving oats, yoghurt and milk in a container and putting it in the fridge before you go to bed, the answer is yes and no.
Yes, it’s pretty much that easy, but there are also a few things to consider to make them really delicious, satisfying and nourishing.
Mainly it’s down to the different toppings you can add. I love oats in the morning and I have to say, I had lots of fun trying different topping options with this! (See these below.)
I went back to retesting this to make sure the basic recipe gives us the perfect ratios so it’s neither too dense or watery.
I also wanted to add chia seeds in as they give a little extra texture and a good amount of fibre, although these are optional (just make sure you add an extra 2 tablespoons of extra milk to soak them up if you do put them in.)
Other than that, they’re pretty low maintenance. I use glass jars for these but any container will work, and any milk and oats work too (although I do prefer jumbo).
You can enjoy them hot or cold, and you could even add protein powder if you like.
Why you’ll love this Overnight Oats recipe
⭐️ Budget-friendly, quick and convenient
⭐️ A strong, healthy start to the day 💪
⭐️ A whole world of toppings to try!
Toppings
The topping options for Overnight Oats are endless but these are our top 5 favourites (almost like having pudding for breakfast, but healthier!)
Anything goes though. For example, jams, purees, frozen fruit, nuts, spices, seeds, and nut butters work well, and you could add protein powder if you like.
I do think this recipe benefits from having at least a little sweetness added, such as maple syrup, honey or Nutella(!) But it’s down to personal preference, so you decide.
➡️ Banana and Peanut Overnight Oats
➡️ Raspberry and Nutella Overnight Oats
➡️ Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
➡️ Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats
➡️ Apple Pie Overnight Oats
(See full instructions and ingredients for each in the recipe below.)
When to add the toppings
You can add these either the night before OR in the morning, just before you’re ready to eat.
I tend to add them in the morning, as the oats will last up to 3 days without the toppings.
If you want to save time, and plan to eat them after just one night in the fridge, adding the night before is fine.
PLEASE NOTE that a coupe of the toppings involve adding an ingredient or two at the initial oat-mixing stage for optimal flavour.
⬇️ The image below shows what they look like before and after they’ve been soaked.
Ingredients for Overnight Oats in a jar
- Oats – Either jumbo oats or rolled oats is fine (see notes below for more on these.) For one portion, add about 5 tablespoons (40g).
- Yoghurt – I use low fat Greek because it’s what we have in the house. Any yoghurt works though (if it’s very thick though, be aware you may need more milk). About 3 tablespoons (50g) should do it.
- Milk – Your milk of choice (about 5 tablespoons).
- Chia seeds – Optional. Remember, for 1 tablespoon add an extra 2 tablespoons of milk if you use them.
Which oats to use
It’s tricky to advise on exactly which ones to choose because the different brands and different supermarkets call the same oats different things!
For example, some own-brands’ rolled oats are very different to ones by luxury brands.
That said, we prefer jumbo oats, also known as old fashioned oats (the image below shows what the different types look like when they’re dry.)
The smaller ones are standard porridge oats, or quick oats.
Don’t panic though, the recipe works with either, so go for whatever is in your cupboard or whichever you know you enjoy! (Or go for half-and-half, like in my Flapjack recipe!)
How to make Overnight Oats
1. Mix the Overnight Oats basic ingredients together, according to the amount you want to make at once. Divide them into jars (as per the full recipe below).
2. Before you eat, add your favourite topping combinations, including banana and peanut butter, and raspberry and Nutella.
3. You could go my ‘Chocolate Orange’ topping, which is cocoa powder, orange extract, satsuma and chocolate!
4. Other favourite toppings include ‘Apple Pie’ and ‘Carrot Cake’ (see the recipes below.)
Substitutions
- Vegan overnight oats – Make this dairy-free by using a cow’s milk substitute (like almond or oat) and a vegan yoghurt.
- Gluten free overnight oats – Use GF oats and make sure your toppings and milk are gluten free too.
Storing
In the fridge You can store these without toppings for up to 3 days.
In the freezer You can freeze Overnight Oats! The best way to do this is to make them up in containers (without toppings), then freeze, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you want to eat them.
Top Tips
Overnight Oats basic ratio
To make one portion, add 40g (5 tbsp) of oats, 50g (3 tbsp) of yoghurt and 80ml (5 tbsp) of milk. For chia seeds, add 1 tbsp and an extra 2 tbsp (30ml) of milk.
Type of container
Any container that you can put a lid or covering on works well. Just be sure it has enough space to allow for the oats to plump up and to add your toppings.
We love the glass jars for stacking in the fridge and seeing which flavour is which easily.
I really like using these Kilner jars as they have a wide top to be able to reach your spoon in easily AND they have liquid measurements on the side so you can just pour milk straight in without measuring in a jug. YESSS!
More make-ahead oaty breakfast recipes…
FAQs
Yes! I am no health expert but it’s not a secret about how much goodness is in oats. They’re rich in fibre, protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
They help protect against heart disease and diabetes, reduce cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar and help metabolism. They’re also filling, so reduce the likelihood of unhealthy snacking.
What a way to start the day!
Yes. Just pop into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well between bursts of heating.
Without the flavours/toppings, they will be fine for 3 days after you make them.
Some people say longer, but I think they do go a bit of a strange texture if left for longer.
The first time you make them is a bit of trial and error, but you’ll get to know the right consistency for you and your own ingredients.
Add a little more milk and stir well if it’s too thick. Equally, if too runny, next time add less.
Yes! You can make a bigger batch according to the amount of people you’re serving.
Make sure you use a big enough container, like a bowl, and allow plenty of room for expanding oats and toppings.
Let me know how you got on and what you thought of these recipes. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below.
Also I’d LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).
Overnight Oats {4 Ingredients + Topping Ideas}
Ingredients
Overnight Oats base recipe:
- 40 g (5 tbsp) Oats
- 50 g (3 tbsp) Greek yoghurt
- 80 ml (5 tbsp) Milk
- 1 tbsp Chia seeds (optional), Add 2 tbsp extra milk if using
Banana & Peanut flavour:
- 1 Small banana
- 2 tbsp Peanut butter
- 1 tsp Honey
- 2 tsp Roughly chopped peanuts
Raspberry and Nutella flavour:
- 75 g (0.5 cup) Raspberries
- 2 tbsp Nutella
Carrot Cake flavour:
- 1/2 tsp Mixed spice
- 1/2 Carrot, Grated
- 1 tsp Maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Raisins
- 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
- 4-5 Pecans, Roughly chopped
Chocolate Orange flavour:
- 1 tsp Cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp Orange extract
- 1 Small satsuma, Peeled and broken (or cut) into segments
- 1 Square chocolate
Apple Pie Flavour:
- 1/2 Red apple, Chopped
- 1 tbsp Granola
- 1 tbsp Pecans, Chopped
- 1 tbsp Honey
Instructions
To make the basic Overnight Oats:
- Mix all of the ingredients together and store in the fridge. Stir well before serving.
For the Banana and Peanut topping:
- When ready to eat: Mash half of the banana and mix into the overnight oats, then slice the rest of the banana and add to the top of the oats with the peanut butter, honey and chopped peanuts.
For the Raspberry and Nutella topping:
- When ready to eat: Mash most of the raspberries (leaving a few whole to serve) to make a puree and spoon onto of your oats. Top with the Nutella and the remaining raspberries.
For the Carrot Cake topping:
- When making your oats: Mix in the mixed spice, carrot, maple and most of the raisins.
- When ready to eat: Top your oats with the Greek yoghurt, the remaining raisins and the chopped pecans. (You could add a little extra grated carrot for colour too.
For the Chocolate Orange topping:
- When making your oats: Mix in the cocoa powder and orange extract.
- When ready to eat: Top with the satsuma and grate over the chocolate.
For the Apple Pie topping:
- When ready to eat: Top with the apple, granola, pecans and honey.
Did you make this recipe? Click here to let us know how it went and give it a ⭐️ rating! Your feedback helps us to make more recipes you really want.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Nutritional values are per portion unless otherwise stated.
This recipe was first published here on February 11th, 2021. It was updated again on April 27th, 2026 to add additional step-by-step videos.
This post was originally published on February 11, 2021 and updated later to make improvements.
I make my o/night oats with half a cup rolled oats, half a mashed banana, a half cup of full cream milk and a quarter cup of vanilla Greek style yogurt mixed together and add some blueberries as well.Cover and leave in fridge overnight.Absolutely delicious 😋
Absolutely love these overnight oats. Sometimes I make them the night before and sometimes in the morning. Jaffa cake is definitely my favourite!
Really great recipe 😍. We have loved trying all the flavours and the apple pie one is my favourite, but my boys like the Nutella ones best, although we found 1tbsp Nutella too much and added less.
Love all your recipes, I’ve tried lots of them and have never been disappointed. Thank you for making cooking exciting.