Basic Overnight Oats Recipe with Flavor Ideas

Say goodbye to boring breakfasts—this Overnight Oats recipe is creamy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable for the perfect start to your day. With NINE tested and perfective creative variations, adjustable serving sizes for single portions or batch prep, and step-by-step photos, it’s foolproof and easy to follow. Plus, it’s packed with expert tricks, tips, and mix-in ideas so you can enjoy breakfast your way, every day of the week.

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overnight oats being served in jars nine different ways

Best Overnight Oats Recipe

Ultra-creamy texture: Yogurt and chia seeds give the oats a smooth, rich, velvety, dreamy consistency you will LOVE.
Flavor-packed: Vanilla Greek yogurt and a hint of cinnamon make every bite deliciously aromatic with complex sweetness.
NINE creative variations: I’ve included nine endless flavor options to keep breakfast exciting, including variations you won’t find anywhere else, like Chocolate Raspberry and Blackberry Peach Crisp.
Adjustable serving sizes: Perfect for single servings or batch meal prep, thanks to the sliding scale in the recipe card.
Customizable mix-ins: I’ve included a guide to all the best mix-ins from fruits, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners to suit your taste.

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast—rolled oats soak in milk and yogurt overnight so they become irresistibly soft, creamy, and ready to enjoy hot or cold by morning. They’re quick to prep, healthy, and endlessly customizable with your favorite fruits, nuts, and toppings, making them a wholesome grab-and-go option that feels like a treat but fuels you all day long.

up close of overnight oatmeal being served with berries

Basic Overnight Oats Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Rolled Oats: Sometimes labeled as old-fashioned oats or whole oats. Please don’t confuse them with quick oats (thinner, softer) or steel-cut oats (chopped instead of rolled). You can find rolled oats in nearly every grocery store, stocked in the cereal or baking aisle.
Milk: Dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well.
Vanilla Greek Yogurt: Adds rich creaminess and a touch of natural sweetness. It also boosts protein, making your overnight oats more filling.
Honey or maple syrup: Both work great to add natural sweetness and depth of flavor—you can pick which one to use depending on the desired flavor and add-ins. Stir it in before refrigerating for evenly sweetened oats, then you can drizzle more on top if you like it sweeter.
Chia seeds: These tiny seeds thicken your oats as they soak while adding fiber, omega-3s, and a subtle nutty flavor. They also help the oats hold their shape for easy grab-and-go meals. If you skip the chia seeds, know that your overnight oats won’t be as thick.
Cinnamon: I add ground cinnamon to all variations of my overnight oats recipes for its warm, cozy flavor. Stir it in before refrigerating so the flavor infuses overnight.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the natural sweetness and balances the flavors, bringing out the best in your mix-ins.

top view of overnight oats ingredients: rolled oats, Greek yogurt, maple, peanut butter, chia seeds, milk

Best Oats for Overnight Oats

Old-fashioned rolled oats work best—they soften beautifully without turning mushy. Quick oats will become mushy, and steel-cut oats don’t soften enough with this method unless par-cooked first, and will be unbearably chewy.

Basic Overnight Oats Ratio

The standard ratio for perfect overnight oats is:
• 1 part rolled oats
• 2 parts liquid (milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)

This ratio ensures your oats soften fully overnight while maintaining an incredibly creamy, slightly chewy texture—you will be swooning!

Tips for adjusting the ratio:
• For creamier oats: add extra yogurt.
• For thicker oats: reduce the liquid or add chia seeds to help absorb moisture.

top view of overnight oatmeal recipe being served in jars nine different way

How to Make Overnight Oats

The Base Recipe makes one jar. To prepare more than one jar, use the slider next to the servings in the recipe card and select the desired number of servings. Let’s take a closer look at how to make them with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients. If making more than one serving, combine the Base Recipe ingredients in a large bowl; otherwise, use a 16-ounce mason jar. These are the exact ones pictured. Stir until well combined.

showing how to make overnight oats by adding rolled oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, ground cinnamon to a bowl

Step 2: Add Mix-Ins. Stir in desired mix-ins such as peanut butter or cocoa powder. If your fruit stores well, like pineapple, then you can mix it directly into the oats. If your topping is perishable or won’t keep well, like bananas or nuts, then reserve it for topping after soaking.

showing how to make overnight oats by mixing the ingredients together

Step 3: Soak. Cover and refrigerate the oats for at least 5 hours, but overnight is preferred, to achieve the creamiest texture.

showing how to make overnight oats by soaking the oats overnight

Step 4: Warm or Don’t. To serve warm, microwave servings for 60 seconds, stir, then heat at 20-second intervals if desired.

showing how to make overnight oats by adjusting the consistency with added milk

Step 5: Add Toppings. Top with your favorite desired toppings and dig in!

showing how to make overnight oats by diving the mixture into jars and topping nine different ways

How to Eat Overnight Oatmeal

Jar or bowl: If stored in a jar, you can eat directly from the container with a spoon or transfer to a bowl to more evenly incorporate more mix-ins.
Chilled straight from the fridge: Overnight oats are often eaten cold—grab a jar or bowl, stir, and enjoy.
Warm it up: If you prefer a cozy breakfast, microwave overnight oats for 60–90 seconds.
Adjust consistency: Add a splash of milk to loosen them if needed.
Top it just before serving: Add fresh fruit, granola, nuts, or seeds to keep them crunchy and flavorful. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

up close of recipe for overnight oats served with blackberries and peaches

Best Overnight Oats Flavors

FRESH FRUIT

Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Banana slices
Apple chunks
Pineapple chunks
Mango chunks
Pear chunks
Peach chunks

NUTS AND SEEDS

Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, peanuts, pistachios or macadamia nuts
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts

SWEETENERS

Honey, maple syrup, or agave
Mashed banana
Unsweetened applesauce

FLAVOR BOOSTERS

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, pumpkin pie spice
Cocoa powder
Vanilla or almond extract
Zest of lemon, lime, or orange

MIX INS

Nut butters (peanut, almond, or cashew)
Jams and preserves
Nutella
Flavored yogurts
Pumpkin puree
Cream of Coconut

TOPPINGS/ADD-INS

Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Shredded coconut or toasted coconut flakes
Dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries)
Granola

overnight oats recipes lined up in jars with spoons

Overnight Oatmeal Recipe Toppings & Add-Ins

Berry Bliss: Stir in strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry jam and top with mixed berries, sliced almond slices, lemon zest, and an extra honey drizzle.
Cinnamon Apple Peanut Butter: Stir in peanut butter and cinnamon, and top with apple chunks, crushed peanuts, and chocolate chunks (optional).
Tropical Paradise: Use coconut milk as the base and stir in one tablespoon of cream of coconut. Top with pineapple and/or mango, shredded coconut, and crushed macadamia nuts or cashews.
Chocolate Raspberry: Stir in cocoa powder, additional maple syrup, raspberry jam, and top with raspberries, chocolate chunks, and chopped pecans.
Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter: Stir in peanut butter, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon and top with sliced bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chunks.
Pumpkin Spice: Stir in pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and top with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
Blackberry Peach Crisp: Stir in dashes of nutmeg and additional ground cinnamon and top with chopped peaches, blackberries (or raspberries and granola or sliced almonds.
Peanut Butter and Jelly: Stir in peanut butter, strawberry or raspberry jam, and top with berries and crushed peanuts.

overnight oat recipe being served with apples and cinnamon

a collage showing four overnight oats recipes

Overnight Oat Recipe Tips

Add flavor early: Stir in spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and fold mix-ins like nut butter, cocoa, or jam into the oats before refrigerating to infuse flavor overnight. HOWEVER, this can also be done after refrigerating the individual jars, and they will still be tasty.
Sweeten to taste: If your oats aren’t sweet enough when you dig in, drizzle more honey or maple over the top. This can be especially true when adding cocoa powder.
Fresh toppings last longer when added later: Berries, bananas, apples, and crunchy toppings like nuts or granola are best added just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
To meal prep toppings: Place them in individual bags so you can grab them along with your jar of overnight oats as you run out the door.
Big batch meal prep: To make multiple batches at once, use the sliding scale next to the servings in the recipe card. Stir the ingredients together in a large bowl, then divide between jars or bowls.

HOW TO STORE overnight oats

Overnight oats last up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container; however, the consistency will change over time:

•Day 1: Slight chew
•Day 2–3: Creamiest
•Day 4: Softer
•Day 5: Pudding-like, add fresh toppings for crunch

Recipe for Overnight Oats FAQs

Can you use quick oats for overnight oats?

No, I don’t recommend using quick oats for overnight oats. Quick oats are more processed and thinner than rolled oats; they absorb liquid faster and can become softer or even mushy if left overnight. You can only use quick oats if you only soak them for a few hours instead of overnight; still, the texture will be different.

How long do overnight oats last?

Overnight oats typically last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. They actually get creamier as they sit, making them perfect for meal prep. You may need to thin them with milk, the longer they sit. For the best taste and texture, add fresh toppings like fruit, nuts, or crunchy granola just before serving instead of storing them mixed in.

Day-by-Day Texture Guide
Day 1: Soft but still with a slight chew—perfect if you like a bit of texture.
Day 2: Creamier, more balanced flavor as the oats fully absorb the liquid.
Day 3: Peak creaminess—most people find this the best day to eat them.
Day 4: Still delicious, but softer and a little looser in consistency.
Day 5: Very soft, almost pudding-like texture—still safe and tasty if well chilled, though best with crunchy or fresh toppings for contrast.

up close of best overnight oats recipe showing how to garnish with berries and nut

Looking for more Easy Breakfast Recipes?

Acai Bowls
Tropical Smoothie
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Key Lime Banana Smoothie
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast Quesadillas

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Tools Used in This Recipe

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

6-pack 16oz Glass jars with Airtight Lids

Spatula Spoon

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Servings: serving/jar

Total Time: 5 15

Prep Time: 15

Soaking 5

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Ingredients

BASE RECIPE

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk (dairy or dairy free)
1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (dairy or dairy free)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1-2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
For Topping: See variations below or serve with fresh berries, bananas, nuts, seeds, chocolate chunks, etc.

Variations- See Directions for Measurements

MY FAVORITE-Tropical Paradise: Use carton coconut milk (the kind sold as a beverage) as the base (optional), cream of coconut (see Notes): pineapple and/or mango, shredded coconut, crushed macadamia nuts or cashews
Berry Bliss: Strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry jam, mixed berries, sliced almonds, lemon zest
Cinnamon Apple Peanut Butter: Extra cinnamon, peanut butter, apple chunks, crushed peanuts, chocolate chunks or cocoa nibs
Chocolate Raspberry: Cocoa powder, extra honey/maple, raspberry jam, raspberries, chocolate chunks, and chopped pecans
Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter: Peanut butter, cocoa powder, extra honey/maple, sliced bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chunks
Blackberry Peach Crisp: Extra cinnamon, nutmeg, peaches, blackberries (or raspberries), granola or sliced almonds
Peanut Butter and Jelly: Peanut butter, strawberry or raspberry jam, berries, and crushed peanuts
Pumpkin Spice: Pumpkin puree, extra maple and cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, optional pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and cocoa nibs or chocolate chunks

Instructions

Adjust Servings. The Base Recipe makes one jar. To prepare more than one jar, use the slider next to the servings above and select the desired number of servings. Note, this will increase the Base Ingredients, but the Variation measurements will stay consistent for one jar/serving. This way, each jar can be a different variation as shown – yum!
Mix the Base Ingredients. If making a single serving, stir the ingredients together in a 16-ounce mason jar (or bowl). These are the exact ones pictured. If making more than one serving, stir the Base Recipe ingredients together in a large bowl; then either soak in the bowl or divide between jars.
Add Mix-Ins. Stir in desired mix-ins such as peanut butter or cocoa powder. If your fruit stores well, like pineapple, then you can mix it in now. If your topping is perishable or won’t keep well, like bananas or nuts, then reserve it for topping after soaking. (You can still prep any toppings and store them separately.)
Soak. Cover and refrigerate the oats for at least 5 hours, but overnight is preferred, to achieve the creamiest texture. The oats can be stored for up to 5 days, but are best within the first 1-3 days.
Adjust the consistency. If desired, thin with a bit of milk (the oats will get thicker the longer they stay in the fridge).
Warm or don’t. To serve warm, microwave for 60 seconds, stir, then heat at 20-second intervals if desired.
Add Toppings. Top with your favorite fruits and nuts and either stir or dig right in!

VARIATIONS

Tropical Paradise: Use carton coconut milk (the kind sold as a beverage) as the base (optional), cream, and mix in one tablespoon of cream of coconut (NOT coconut cream, see notes) into the base. Top with pineapple and/or mango, shredded coconut, and crushed macadamia nuts or cashews.
Berry Bliss: After soaking, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry jam. Top with mixed berries, sliced almonds, and lemon zest.
Cinnamon Apple Peanut Butter: Mix in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and ¼ teaspoon extra cinnamon into the base. Top with apple chunks, crushed peanuts, and chocolate chunks or cocoa nibs.
Chocolate Raspberry: Mix in 1 ½ tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of extra honey or maple syrup into the base. After soaking, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of raspberry jam and top with raspberries, chocolate chunks, and chopped pecans.
Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter: Mix in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1½ tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the base. Top with sliced bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chunks.
Blackberry Peach Crisp: Mix in dashes of nutmeg and additional ground cinnamon into the base. Top with chopped peaches, blackberries (or raspberries), and granola or sliced almonds.
Peanut Butter and Jelly: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter into the base. After soaking, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry or raspberry jam and top with berries and crushed peanuts.
Pumpkin Spice: Mix in 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon extra maple, ¼ teaspoon extra ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and a tiny pinch of ground cloves into the base before soaking. Top with optional pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and cocoa nibs or chocolate chunks.

Video

Notes

*Cream of coconut is NOT coconut cream. It is sweetened coconut cream that is often used in mixed drinks, but does not contain alcohol. You can find it with the mixers at your local grocery store or on AMAZON HERE.