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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.
Anything that can be prepped ahead with little faff or effort is ALWAYS a winner in my book. And we need that more than ever when it comes to breakfast on busy mornings.
Nothing brightens up my week more than having a fridge full of prepped breakfasts, knowing that everyone is starting the day well with something delicious and nutritious in their bellies.
With just 3 ingredients (oats, yoghurt and milk) and a spare minute or two in the evening, we have our basic overnight oats to see you through the morning.
This recipe will help you with a few tips and tricks, plus some ideas for toppings, so you know exactly how to do overnight oats and get the very best out of them.
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!
How we came up with this recipe
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.
I love oats in the morning, and prep-ahead breakfasts are fantastic for families, so I decided to give this one a try.
I have to say, I had lots of fun trying different topping options with this! (See below for some ideas.)
More make-ahead breakfast recipes
These are PERFECT for on-the-go or busy mornings:
⭐️ ⭐️
⭐️ Breakfast Cookies ⭐️
⭐️ Slow Cooker Porridge ⭐️
⭐️ ⭐️
⭐️ Slow Cooker Granola ⭐️
Ingredients for Overnight Oats in a jar
- Oats – Either jumbo oats or rolled oats is fine
- 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)
- Milk – Your milk of choice
How to make Overnight Oats
- For basic overnight oats, mix the ingredients together and store in the fridge until morning.
- Add your additional toppings either the night before or before you eat.
- Stir well before serving.
Toppings
Here are 5 different ideas that I tried out myself, but go crazy and try whatever takes your fancy! For example, jams, purees, frozen fruit, nuts, spices, seeds, and nut butters work well.
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.
➡️ Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats
➡️ Nutella Berry Overnight Oats
➡️ Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
➡️ Apple Pie Overnight Oats
➡️ Chocolate Orange 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.
Substitutions
- Vegan overnight oats – Make this dairy-free by using a cow’s milk substitute (like almond or oat) and a vegan yoghurt
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 ratio
To make one portion, add 40g of oats, 50g of yoghurt and 100ml 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.
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!
Which type of oats
In the photo below I’ve used both whole (jumbo oats) and also rolled oats. As you can see, there’s hardly any difference between them after a night in the fridge.
They look slightly different but the texture when eating them is almost identical. So, simply put, use whichever you have in the cupboard!
FAQs
Are overnight oats healthy?
Yes! Where do I start with 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!
Can I heat overnight oats up?
Yes. Just pop into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well between bursts of heating.
How long will overnight oats keep in the fridge?
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.
Help! My overnight oats are too thick!
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.
Can I make more than one portion at the same time?
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).
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5 from 12 votes
Overnight Oats {3 Ingredients + Topping Ideas}
By Sarah Rossi
The easiest every Overnight Oats recipe, made with just 3 ingredients! Here’s some simple topping ideas too, plus tips and tricks for getting this right every time – and you’ve got a healthy make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 Portion
Ingredients
Overnight Oats – 3 Ingredient Recipe:
- 40 g Oats
- 50 g Yoghurt
- 100 ml Milk
Peanut and Banana Flavour:
- 1 Small Banana
- 1 tbsp Peanut butter
- 1 tsp Honey
Nutella Berry Flavour:
- 4 tbsp Mixed berries
- 1 tbsp Nutella
Carrot Cake Flavour:
- 1 Small Carrot, Peeled and grated
- 1 tsp Walnuts
- 1 tsp Raisins
- 1/2 tsp Mixed spice
- 1 tsp Maple syrup
Apple Pie Flavour:
- 1 Small Apple, Cut into chunks or grates
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp Honey
Chocolate Orange:
- 1 tsp Cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp Orange extract
- 1 tsp Chocolate chips
- 1 Small Orange/satsuma, Peeled and broken into segments
Instructions
To make the basic Overnight Oats:
Mix all of the ingredients together and store in the fridge overnight.
Stir well before serving.
To add flavours:
Add your additional ingredients either the night before or in the morning when ready to eat.
I tend to add 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 after just one night, adding the night before is fine.
Notes
Nutritional value: The nutritional value shown related to the basic 3 ingredient Overnight Oats before toppings are added.
Yoghurt: I use low fat Greek but any yoghurt works (if it’s very thick though, be aware you may need more milk)
When to add the toppings: The night before if you intend to eat them the following day, or in the morning just before eating.
Type of oats: Either whole (jumbo) or rolled oats are OK.
How long to keep: Up to 3 days (without toppings) in the fridge. Up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to heat them up: Pop into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well between bursts of heating.
Type of container: Any you can put a lid or covering on. I use these jars. Be sure there’s enough space to allow for the oats to plump up and to add your toppings.
Nutrition
Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 67mgPotassium: 378mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 254IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 203mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Family Food
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Categorized as:
Breakfast, Cheap Eats, Collections, Comfort Food, Freezer Friendly, Light Bites, Most Popular, Recipes, Under 15 minutes
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Hi, I'm Sarah. I help busy people decide 'What's for Dinner?' Find hundreds of recipes here, and also in my bestselling recipe book. Hope my recipes make your life easier ❤️
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