Start your day off right with this simple no-cook concoction. In mere minutes the night before, toss wholesome ingredients together in one handy container.
The recipe calls for rolled oats, protein-rich milk and yogurt. Chia seeds boost omega-3s while melting in for thick creaminess.
Cap and stow in the fridge to allow overnight melding of flavors. Rise and shine to a ready-made breakfast that’s easy to eat on the run.
Make mornings merry by prepping this comforting blend of oats, fruits and flavors one evening. Sweet starts begin with ease thanks to clever jarred Overnight Oats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for extra thickness)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How To Make Vanilla Overnight Oats Recipe Without Yogurt
Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add your rolled oats into the bowl, and if you like a little extra texture and nutrition, sprinkle in some chia seeds. Chia seeds are optional, but they help thicken the oats and add fiber, healthy fats, and a slight crunch.
Next, in a separate smaller bowl, prepare your wet ingredients. Whisk together the almond milk (or any milk of your choice) with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract to boost the flavor and add a small pinch of salt to enhance all the ingredients.
Once your wet mixture is well combined, pour it over the oats and chia seeds. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure all the oats are coated with the liquid. This step is important because it helps the oats absorb the liquid evenly for a creamy texture.
Now, divide the oat mixture into two jars or airtight containers. Mason jars work perfectly for this, but any small container with a good seal will do. After sealing them, place the jars in the refrigerator. Let them chill overnight, or for at least 6 hours. During this time, the oats and chia seeds soak up the liquid and soften, creating a rich, pudding-like consistency.
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If the mixture seems too thick, simply add a splash more almond milk and stir until you reach your preferred texture.
Finally, top your overnight oats with your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds right before serving. Fresh berries, banana slices, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or a dollop of nut butter make delicious and healthy toppings.
Enjoy a nourishing, ready-to-eat breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings!
Toppings
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Sliced bananas with a drizzle of peanut or almond butter
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- Shredded coconut or toasted coconut flakes
- Cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg
- Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates)
- Dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Granola for a crunchy texture
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber
- Sliced apples or pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon
Top Tips
1. Use Rolled Oats, Not Instant Oats
For the best texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. They soak up the liquid overnight without becoming too mushy. Instant oats tend to break down too much and can result in a pasty consistency.
2. Adjust the Liquid to Your Preference
Everyone likes their oats a little differently! If you prefer a thicker texture, use slightly less almond milk. If you like your oats creamier and looser, simply add an extra splash of milk in the morning after they’ve set.
3. Sweeten to Taste
If you’re topping your oats with naturally sweet fruits like bananas or berries, you might not need much added sweetener at all.
4. Don’t Skip the Salt
A tiny pinch of salt may seem minor, but it makes a big difference. It enhances all the other flavors and keeps the oats from tasting flat.
5. Add Chia Seeds for Thickness and Nutrition
While optional, chia seeds create a thicker, more pudding-like texture and boost the fiber and healthy fats.
6. Make it Your Own with Toppings
Mix and match toppings like fresh fruit, nut butters, crunchy granola, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to keep breakfast exciting.
7. Prep a Few Days Ahead
Overnight oats stay fresh for about 3–4 days in the fridge, so feel free to double or triple the recipe. It’s an easy way to meal-prep breakfasts for the week.
8. Stir Well Before Eating
Sometimes ingredients settle a bit overnight, and stirring brings everything back to a creamy, even consistency.
9. Let the Flavors Develop
While the oats only need about 6 hours to set, letting them sit overnight really allows the vanilla and sweetener to infuse every bite for maximum flavor.
10. Try Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic vanilla version, branch out! Add cocoa powder for chocolate oats, a dash of pumpkin spice for fall flavors, or swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a subtle twist.
More Recipes
Vanilla Overnight Oats Recipe Without Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats preferably organic
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional, for added fiber and omega-3s
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey for sweetness, adjust based on your preference
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for added flavor
- I date
- I tablespoon almond butter
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats and chia seeds (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the oats and stir until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into two jars or airtight containers and seal them tightly.
- Refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- In the morning, stir the oats and add additional milk if needed for desired consistency.
- Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds before serving.