Vegan Overnight Oats

These Vegan Overnight Oats are thick and delicious with an endless array of toppings you can add. Full of health benefits, protein, and fiber, this meal is as scrumptious as it is satisfying.

Vegan Overnight Oats make an amazing breakfast. Made with plant-based yogurt for lots of protein and old-fashioned oats for a toothsome texture and healthy fiber, this dish is filling and so yummy. Some overnight oats are made with milk, but this recipe uses cashew yogurt for an extra thick and creamy meal.

There are endless options for toppings and add-ins to make these Vegan Overnight Oats taste different every time. They're also perfect for meal prep since you can put together an entire week's worth at one time, in all different flavors, so you can grab and go on weekday mornings.

Video Tutorial

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are a dish where oats are soaked in milk or yogurt overnight so the starch can break down and they can absorb the flavors and nutrients from the ingredients they are soaked with. It's more nutritious than cooked oats because heat cooks nutrients down. It's served cold and is easier to digest because of it's softened texture.

What you'll need

• Rolled oats. It's best to use old fashioned oats for the best texture. I use organic extra thick rolled oats by Bob's Red Mill.
• Milk. Here, I suggest using your favorite plant (or nut) based milk. I used oat milk.
• Yogurt. Use your favorite vegan yogurt. Don't skip this ingredient because it adds creaminess to the oats. I used cashew yogurt by Forager.
• Chia Seeds. Chia really works great here because it adds a smooth texture and extra nutrient boost. Don't skip it!
• Maple Syrup. Or whatever you like to use as a sweetener.
• Garnish. Add fresh fruits, berries, nuts, hemp seeds, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup before you serve.

How to make vegan overnight oats

If you are making a single serving, it's very easy and convenient to use jars.

1. To a jar, add all of the ingredients. Stir them nicely, place a lid on the jar, and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 2 hours.

2. When you're ready to serve, garnish it with fresh strawberries, hemp seeds, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Alternatively, you can use any garnish you like.

Health benefits of overnight oats

• Fiber- They have a high fiber content, which helps improve digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer.
• Protein- Oats and yogurt have lots of protein, and you can increase that with additional protein powder, nut butter, or other add-ins.
• Insulin level- This dish has a lot of high-resistant starch content, which increases the body's insulin level.
• Vitamins & minerals- It contains magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids, among others.

Flavor ideas for overnight oats

• Tropical: Combine chopped pineapple, mango, and banana with coconut flakes.
• Apple pie: Diced apples, cinnamon, apple juice, nutmeg, and allspice are mixed in.
• Vanilla Chai: Add cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and vanilla extract.
• PBJ: With raspberries or strawberries as the "jelly" combined with your favorite nut butter.
• Carrot Cake: Grated carrot, coconut flakes, chopped pineapple, cinnamon, walnuts/pecans, and raisins
• Chocolate: Make this one with cacao powder and cacao nibs, along with vanilla extract and cinnamon.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice.
• Banana Bread: Combine sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

Tips for the best Vegan Overnight Oats

• Go with old fashioned oats. Quick cook (instant) oats don't have an ideal texture because they are cut smaller to cook faster. But in a pinch, they work, too.
• Use a lidded jar. This is best for storing, mixing, and portioning. The tight-fitting lid keeps out the arid air from the refrigerator so your Vegan Overnight Oats don't dry out.
• Stir thoroughly. It's important to carefully stir the ingredients before putting them in the fridge. Dry patches of oats will remain if they aren't mixed in with the yogurt.
• Let it sit overnight. Try not to rush this delicious dish. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will soak into the oats and soften them, while still holding on to their great texture.

Add-ins and Substitutes

• Try it with protein powder. Adding plant-based protein powder adds flavor as well as a day's worth of protein to this meal.
• Add coffee. Make this your morning pick-me-up with the addition of coffee or espresso soaking into the oats. Or use matcha powder if you prefer tea.
• Substitute a flavored yogurt. Add a little sweetness and flavor by using flavored yogurt, such as strawberry, vanilla, or whatever flavor you like.
• Add spices. Sprinkle some cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, or others to up the flavor in your Vegan Overnight Oats.

How to Store

Store these Vegan Overnight Oats in a tightly lidded container, like a mason jar, for up to 5 days. This is when they have the best taste and texture. Enjoy them straight from the fridge.

What to Serve with it

• On their own. This can be a thoroughly satisfying meal all on its own.
• Proteins. Pair it with Veggie Tofu Breakfast Scramble, Vegan Scrambled Eggs, Vegan Breakfast Tacos, or plant-based bacon or sausage breakfast patties.
• Fruit/Vegetables. Serve it with a plate of fresh fruit, Vegan Zucchini Muffins, Vegan Banana Pancakes, or Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.
• Potatoes. Enjoy it alongside Baked Potato Breakfast Hash, Vegan Potato Pancakes, or hash browns.

I hope you love this delicious Vegan Overnight Oats recipe as much as I do. It's going to be a great start to your day!

More tasty vegan recipes:

• Vegan Tzatziki Sauce
• Spinach Orzo Soup
• Mushroom Rice
• Angel Hair Pasta