10 Tasty Overnight Oats Recipes for Hassle-Free Mornings

By Ariane Resnick, CNC

June 10, 2024

Courtesy of Naturallie Plant-Based

Oats are one of the healthiest foods around. People who eat oats regularly have been shown to lower their cholesterol levels (both total and LDL), can help stabilize blood sugar levels, and are a rich source of polyphenols, which reduce inflammation that is a risk factor for heart disease. Basically, we should all be eating more oats, and although we might often associate this nutritious whole grain with sugar-laden breakfasts and desserts like maple-and-brown sugar oatmeal and oatmeal raisin cookies, oats are capable of a whole lot more. Oatmeal is so mild that it can play really well with a whole host of ingredients, both sweet and savory, so the best overnight oats recipes use this versatile grain as canvas for a wide range of big flavors.

We’ve gathered up the most inventive overnight oats recipes to get you good and excited for breakfast. Because these are all make-ahead in style, you can easily batch up your week in advance, and enjoy a fresh flavor combination however often you want to switch things up.

1. Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Naturallie Plant-Based

A cinnamon roll for breakfast is such an indulgence. Now you can enjoy those comforting flavors, but in a form that’s good for you, with 10 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber to keep you going all morning. We’d sub maple syrup for the brown sugar. Feel free to add some raisins or chopped walnut or pecans for texture.

Try this recipe from Naturallie Plant-Based.

2. Brownie Batter Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Eating Bird Food

This brownie batter concoction is one of the best overnight oats recipes, in our opinion, because it tastes like dessert, but it’s secretly packed full of protein and contains no refined sugar. With brownie-standard yet healthy ingredients like cocoa powder and walnuts, you’ll get the experience of brownie batter, but with all the wholesome benefits of oats.

Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food.

3. Green Monster Vegan Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Oh She Glows

If a green smoothie is your go-to morning beverage, this recipe is exactly what you need. By adding a large handful of spinach or kale to your oat mixture, you’ll be effortlessly starting your day with a heap of antioxidants. And thanks to the banana and almond milk, you won’t taste them. Plus, the hack of making the oats directly in a cereal bowl saves from having to wash a separate mixing bowl.

Try this recipe from Oh She Glows.

4. Pina Colada Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Craving Something Healthy

These oats will bring you one step closer to that tropical getaway that’s been on your mind. They’re hearty thanks to Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and macadamia nuts (swap almonds, if you like), with freshness from pineapple. If you don’t feel like stocking coconut extract, feel free to use vanilla instead.

Try this recipe from Craving Something Healthy.

5. Cheddar & Herb Savory Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Sinful Nutrition

Not everyone wants a sweet breakfast, but that doesn’t mean oats are off the menu. In this savory oats recipe, cheddar, garlic powder, and fresh herbs take the place of maple syrup, cinnamon, and fruit. So you can have the convenience of overnight oats and still satisfy that savory urge. Top it with an egg for even more satiating protein.

Try this recipe from Sinful Nutrition.

6. Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Life Made Sweeter

Carrot cake overnight oats let you have your cake and eat it, too. We suggest adding more than the one tablespoon of carrots suggested (maybe up to a quarter cup?), since it will enhance the carrot cake experience while providing additional fiber and vitamin A. We’d also throw in some dried ginger in addition to the other spices listed. Using the optional Greek yogurt will provide a tang reminiscent of cream cheese frosting, so we highly recommend that, too.

Try this recipe from Life Made Sweeter.

7. Mint Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Beaming Baker

Though typically found in an ice cream cone, mint chocolate chip makes for a lovely morning flavor combo, too. Fiber- and protein-rich chia seeds help to thicken the oats, while coconut cream adds silkiness and makes the dish more filling. Look for dark chocolate chips for the most benefits and least sugar.

Try this recipe from Beaming Baker.

8. Creamy Orange Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Nutrition Starring YOU

Who doesn’t have nostalgia for creamsicles in the summertime? These orange and vanilla overnight oats are sure to appeal to the kid in you. But they’ll also nourish the busy adult, with 24 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber thanks to chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and protein powder.

Try this recipe from Nutrition Starring YOU.

9. Maple Banana Peanut Butter Pecan Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Radiant Rachels

Maple banana peanut butter pecan overnight oats — the name is a mouthful, and so is the recipe. It only contains a single teaspoon of maple syrup, and instead gets the rest of its sweetness from a ripe banana that goes in the microwave. When you mix the banana with peanut butter and heat them together, the result is a luscious sweet sauce that makes these oats feel like a treat.

Try this recipe from Radiant Rachels.

10. Cherry Overnight Oats

Courtesy of Flavor the Moments

Since it makes 6 servings, this recipe is great for meal prep — plus, it’s worth it to take the extra small step of making the cherry “pie” filling. Layering the lightly sweetened oats with the cherry filling makes it feel all the more indulgent. Top it with some toasted sliced almonds or even a few mini chocolate chips to take it over the top.

Try this recipe from Flavor the Moments.