Easy Classic Overnight Oats Recipe Vegan Healthy

A simple, nutritious breakfast that requires no cooking. Rolled oats are softened overnight in non-dairy milk and coconut cream, creating a creamy, pudding-like texture. The addition of chia seeds provides extra protein and omega-3s, while vanilla and maple syrup add natural sweetness. Perfect for busy mornings when you want a healthy meal ready to grab from the fridge. This vegan version uses plant-based ingredients throughout, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy. The oats continue to thicken over time, creating an increasingly satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- ½ cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ cup non-dairy milk
- 3 tablespoons coconut cream or non-dairy vanilla yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- ½ cup fruit
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts or seeds
Instructions
- 1
Set aside two resealable jars for medium servings or one large jar for single serving
- 2
Add all ingredients to jars leaving room to stir, or combine in mixing bowl then transfer to jars
- 3
Stir until well mixed and seal jars
- 4
Refrigerate overnight for up to 5 days
- 5
Add non-dairy milk to thin if desired, enjoy cold or heat in microwave in 20-second increments
Tips
Oats become thicker each day in the refrigerator, so add more non-dairy milk if you prefer a thinner consistency
Use a mixing bowl first for easier stirring, then transfer to jars for storage
Heat in 20-second microwave increments if you prefer warm oats instead of cold
Good to Know
Refrigerate in sealed jars for up to 5 days. Oats will thicken over time.
Best made the night before. Can be prepared up to 5 days in advance.
Serve cold directly from refrigerator or warm in microwave. Add fresh toppings before serving.
Common Mistakes
Use enough liquid to avoid overly thick oats that are hard to eat
Leave room in jars for stirring to avoid overflow when mixing
Don't skip the overnight rest time as oats need time to soften properly
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
contains gluten
FAQ
Can I use regular dairy milk instead of non-dairy milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but this will no longer be vegan. Use the same amount and adjust sweetness as needed since dairy milk is naturally sweeter.
How long do overnight oats keep in the refrigerator?
Overnight oats will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The texture becomes thicker each day, so add more liquid if needed.
Can I freeze overnight oats for longer storage?
While possible, freezing changes the texture significantly. The oats become mushy when thawed. It's better to make fresh batches every 5 days.