This recipe for Creamy Vanilla Bean Overnight Oats is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. This easy, no-cook breakfast is the ultimate meal-prep solution, combining hearty rolled oats with the warm, aromatic flavor of real vanilla bean. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and elegantly simple breakfast that provides a perfect, lightly sweet canvas for all your favorite toppings.
This recipe takes just five minutes to mix together the night before, and the refrigerator does all the work. You’ll wake up to a thick, creamy, and perfectly flavored breakfast that’s ready to grab and go. It’s a wholesome, versatile classic that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Elegant: A classic, sophisticated flavor that never gets old.
- 5-Minute Meal Prep: The perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
- Healthy & Filling: Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds to keep you full and energized.
- A Perfect Base: The ideal neutral, delicious base for any fruit, nut, or seed topping you can dream of.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned)
- 2/3 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup Vanilla Greek Yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- Optional Toppings: Fresh berries, sliced banana, granola, almond butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mason jar, small bowl, or any container with a lid, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla bean paste, and salt.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Serve: The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If they are thicker than you’d like, add another splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Top with your favorite additions and enjoy cold.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: Using vanilla bean paste will give you those beautiful black specks and a more intense, authentic vanilla flavor than extract alone.
- Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder with the dry ingredients. You may need to add an extra splash of milk.
- Add-Ins: Stir in a tablespoon of shredded coconut, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or some chopped nuts before chilling.
- Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based vanilla yogurt and your favorite non-dairy milk to easily make this recipe vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I warm this up?
- Absolutely. While delicious cold, you can warm these oats in the microwave for 60-90 seconds for a cozier breakfast.
- How long do these last in the refrigerator?
- You can meal prep these for up to 4 days. Store them in individual airtight containers in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go breakfast all week.
- Can I use steel-cut or quick oats?
- Rolled oats provide the best chewy texture. Quick oats will result in a much softer, porridge-like consistency, while steel-cut oats will not soften enough without being cooked.
Serving Suggestions
- These vanilla overnight oats are the perfect blank canvas. Serve them chilled and topped with a handful of fresh berries (like blueberries and raspberries), a sprinkle of crunchy granola, and a drizzle of almond butter for a complete and delicious breakfast.
Vanilla Overnight Oats
These creamy Vanilla Overnight Oats with chia seeds make the perfect easy make-ahead breakfast. Sweet, wholesome, and ready when you are!
Equipment
- Jar or container with lid
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 1/4 cups oat milk
- 1/4 cup vanilla plant-based yogurt
Instructions
- Mix oats, chia seeds, oat milk, and vanilla yogurt together in a large cup, jar, or container.
- Mix again after three minutes to break up any clumps forming. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
- Stir again before serving and adjust consistency with extra oat milk if needed.
Notes
Adjust oat milk depending on desired consistency—add more if too thick, or an extra scoop of chia seeds if too runny. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
