These sweet & creamy vanilla overnight oats are a perfect make-ahead breakfast. With just four simple ingredients and only five minutes of prep, they’re an easy, satisfying option for mornings, snacks, or a lighter dessert.
I love simple meal-prep breakfasts, and this vanilla overnight oats recipe is one of my favorites. It’s creamy, naturally sweet from the vanilla yogurt, and flexible—perfect for customizing with different milks, yogurts, fruits, or toppings.
If you want another easy breakfast, try Flaxseed Pudding next!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-free: No wheat ingredients are used; choose certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Vegan-friendly: Made with plant-based oat milk and yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Fast and simple: Only five minutes of hands-on time to prepare a make-ahead breakfast.
Ingredient Notes
Oats: Rolled oats are best for a creamy texture. Avoid steel-cut oats, which need different liquid and time.
Oat milk: Oat milk adds extra creaminess, but any plant-based milk will work.
Yogurt: A vanilla plant-based yogurt gives the most flavor. Use sweetened or unsweetened based on preference.
Chia seeds: Optional but recommended for extra fiber and thickness—try vanilla chia seed overnight oats for added texture.
See the ingredient list in the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Top tip: Stir the mixture well when you first combine the ingredients and again a few minutes later to break up any clumps and help the oat milk absorb evenly.
Substitutions & Additions
Swap the milk: Use almond, soy, or coconut (carton) milk if you prefer.
Change the yogurt flavor: Swap the vanilla yogurt for strawberry-banana, blueberry, peach, or another favorite to vary the taste.
Add fruit: Stir in fresh or frozen berries, sliced banana, or chopped stone fruit for natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
Boost protein: Mix in a spoonful of nut butter or top with chopped nuts or hemp seeds for added protein and healthy fats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these vanilla overnight oats is straightforward:
Step 1: Gather ingredients and decide on any substitutions or add-ins.
Step 2: Combine rolled oats, chia seeds, oat milk, and vanilla plant-based yogurt in a jar or container. Stir thoroughly, wait about three minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour; overnight yields the creamiest texture.
Step 4: Stir once more before serving. Adjust consistency by adding more oat milk to thin or extra chia seeds/oats to thicken. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Stir the yogurt first: Plant-based yogurts can separate; stir before measuring to ensure consistent flavor and texture.
- Give it time: Chia seeds and oats need refrigeration time to absorb liquid—overnight is best, but one hour is the minimum.
- Customize freely: Swap milks, yogurts, fruits, and toppings to create your ideal breakfast or snack.
Serving Recommendations
Ways to enjoy these creamy overnight oats:
- Breakfast on the go
- Layered in a parfait
- As a light dessert
- Mixed into a smoothie or smoothie bowl
- Served over granola or cereal
- Served over fresh fruit
Toppings
Popular toppings and garnishes:
- Extra yogurt
- Fresh, frozen, or dried fruit
- Granola
- Hemp seeds
- Shaved almonds or chopped walnuts
- Cereal, fresh mint, or chocolate chips
- Peanut butter or almond butter
Frequently Asked Questions
Overnight oats are not cooked. Rolled oats are mixed with oat milk and yogurt (and often chia seeds) and soften as they absorb the liquid in the refrigerator.
Store overnight oats in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
More Overnight Oat Recipes
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats-
Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit
-
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
-
Chia Seed Overnight Oats
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating or a comment — feedback is always appreciated!
Vanilla Overnight Oats
Kelsey Riley
Ingredients
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1¼ cup oat milk
- ¼ cup vanilla plant-based yogurt
Instructions
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Mix all ingredients together in a large cup, jar, or container.
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Stir again after three minutes to break up any clumps. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or ideally overnight.
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Stir once more before serving and adjust consistency with more oat milk or a bit more chia seeds if needed.
Notes
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 41.9 g
Protein: 8.9 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 9.2 g
Sugar: 12.3 g
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