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Overnight Vanilla Oats

Overnight Vanilla Oats

Start your day with the effortless delight of Overnight Vanilla Oats, a creamy, satisfying breakfast that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious. This recipe is your secret weapon for busy mornings, transforming humble ingredients into a comforting meal that’s ready when you are.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Breakfast
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt optional, for extra creaminess
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey adjust to your sweetness preference
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt
Optional toppings
  • fresh berries
  • sliced banana
  • chopped nuts
  • seeds
  • a drizzle of extra maple syrup
  • a sprinkle of cinnamon

Equipment

  • Jar or container

Method
 

  1. Gather Your Ingredients: Lay out all your measured ingredients on your counter. This includes the rolled oats, your chosen milk, Greek yogurt (if using), sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Have your chosen jar or container ready.
    1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant), 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk), 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch salt
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the jar or container you'll be using for storage, add the rolled oats and the pinch of salt. Give them a quick stir to distribute the salt evenly.
    1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant), Pinch salt
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, followed by the Greek yogurt (if you've chosen to add it for extra creaminess). Add the maple syrup or honey for sweetness and the vanilla extract for that unmistakable comforting flavor.
    1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk), 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. Stir Thoroughly: Using a spoon or a small whisk, stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and no dry pockets of oats remain. Ensure the sweetener and vanilla are fully incorporated throughout the mixture.
  5. Cover and Refrigerate: Securely place the lid on your jar or cover your container tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Transfer the container to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the oats soften and absorb the liquid, creating a thick and creamy texture.
  6. Enjoy Your Breakfast: In the morning, remove the jar from the refrigerator. Give the oats a good stir. They should have a thick, pudding-like consistency. If they are too thick for your liking, you can add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
    1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk)
  7. Add Your Favorite Toppings: Now comes the fun part! Top your Overnight Vanilla Oats with your favorite additions. Fresh berries add a burst of tartness and vibrant color, sliced bananas offer natural sweetness and a soft texture, and chopped nuts or seeds provide a delightful crunch and healthy fats. A final drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor even further.
    fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, seeds, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Can be frozen and thawed in the refrigerator overnight. For warm oats, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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