These creamy, protein-packed Vanilla Overnight Oats are like waking up to breakfast that already made itself. Thick Greek yogurt swirled with vanilla, tiny chia seeds that puff up overnight, and oats that turn soft and almost pudding-like while you sleep. I started making these on Sunday nights after too many rushed mornings grabbing whatever I could find, and now I actually look forward to opening the fridge.
If you love easy make-ahead breakfasts, you might also enjoy my Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies for a sweet treat later in the day, or try my Lemon Blueberry Tart when you want something bright and fresh.
Why This Vanilla Overnight Oats Recipe Works
This isn't just Vanilla Overnight Oats soaked in milk. The vanilla Greek yogurt adds serious creaminess and a protein boost that keeps you full until lunch. The chia seeds thicken everything into this spoonable, almost custard-like texture. And because you're using unsweetened vanilla almond milk, you control exactly how sweet it gets with just a drizzle of maple syrup.
It's the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent but is actually doing your body a favor. High fiber from the oats, high protein from the yogurt, and omega-3s from the chia seeds. You can make one jar or five, and they'll wait patiently in your fridge all week.
Jump to:
- Why This Vanilla Overnight Oats Recipe Works
- Vanilla Overnight Oats Ingredients
- How to Make Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment For Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Storage Tips For Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- Why You'll Love This Vanilla Overnight Oats
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Vanilla Overnight Oats
Vanilla Overnight Oats Ingredients
Start with pantry staples and one good container of Greek yogurt, and you're set.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Old fashioned oats: These are the thick, rolled oats that soften perfectly overnight without turning mushy. Quick oats get too soggy, so stick with old-fashioned.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess, tang, and a serious protein boost. The vanilla flavor makes the whole thing taste a little indulgent.
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Keeps it light and adds a subtle nutty sweetness without extra sugar. You can use regular milk if that's what you have.
- Pure maple syrup: Just a touch of natural sweetness. You can add more in the morning if you want, but the yogurt already brings some sweetness.
- Chia seeds: These little guys soak up liquid and turn gel-like, thickening the oats into a creamy, pudding-style texture. Plus, they're packed with fiber and omega-3s.
- Vanilla extract: A little extra vanilla never hurt anyone. It deepens the flavor and makes the whole jar smell amazing when you open it.
How to Make Vanilla Overnight Oats
Mix everything the night before, and breakfast handles itself.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the unsweetened vanilla almond milk, vanilla Greek yogurt, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy, making sure the yogurt breaks up and blends in completely.
Add the dry ingredients: Add the old-fashioned oats and chia seeds to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until the oats are fully coated and no dry spots are left at the bottom. It'll look a little soupy at first, but that's normal.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, or transfer the mixture into an airtight container or jar. Pop it in the fridge and let it sit overnight, or for at least a few hours if you're in a rush. The oats and chia seeds will soak up the liquid and thicken beautifully.
Add toppings and enjoy: The next morning, pull the jar out of the fridge and give it a stir. Top with whatever you're craving: fresh berries, sliced banana, a spoonful of nut butter, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
Enjoy! Grab a spoon and dig in. You can eat it cold straight from the fridge, or if you prefer it warm, microwave it for 30 to 60 seconds and stir.
Substitutions and Variations
This Vanilla Overnight Oats is super flexible, so don't stress if you're missing something.
No Greek yogurt? Use regular yogurt, or skip it entirely and add an extra ¼ cup of milk. You'll lose some protein and creaminess, but it'll still work.
Don't have chia seeds? You can leave them out. The oats will still soften overnight, just without that thick, pudding-like texture. Or swap in a tablespoon of ground flaxseed.
Want it sweeter? Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a mashed banana. You can also use flavored yogurt if you like things on the sweeter side.
Dairy-free? Use dairy-free yogurt and any plant-based milk you like: oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk all work great.
Add mix-ins: Stir in cocoa powder for chocolate oats, a spoonful of peanut butter for extra richness, or a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for chewiness.
Equipment For Vanilla Overnight Oats
You don't need anything fancy for this one.
- Small bowl: For mixing everything together. A jar works too if you want to prep and store in the same container.
- Whisk (optional but helpful): Makes blending the yogurt smoother, but a fork or spoon works fine.
- Airtight container (optional for storage): A mason jar, Tupperware, or any container with a lid keeps everything fresh in the fridge.
Storage Tips For Vanilla Overnight Oats
Vanilla overnight oats keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days, which makes them perfect for meal prep. I like to make a big batch on Sunday night and portion them into individual jars so I can grab one each morning.
Store them in airtight containers or jars with lids to keep them fresh. Don't add toppings like fresh fruit or granola until you're ready to eat, or they'll get soggy.
If you want to freeze them, you can, but the texture changes a little when you thaw them. The Vanilla Overnight Oats can get a bit watery, so I'd recommend just making smaller batches and keeping them in the fridge instead.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ways to make your Vanilla Overnight Oats even better.
Top with fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and sweetness. Add a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter for richness and extra protein. Sprinkle on some granola, chopped nuts, or a handful of chocolate chips for crunch. Drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or honey if you want it sweeter.
You can also layer the Vanilla Overnight Oats with yogurt and fruit in a jar for a parfait-style breakfast that looks pretty enough to post on Instagram.
Expert Tips
Use old-fashioned oats, not quick oats. Quick oats turn mushy and lose their texture overnight. Old-fashioned oats hold up perfectly and give you that creamy, chewy bite.
If your oats seem too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk to loosen them up. If they're too thin, let them sit a little longer or add a few more oats next time.
Don't skip the chia seeds if you can help it. They're what give the Vanilla Overnight Oats that thick, almost pudding-like consistency. Plus, they add fiber and keep you full longer.
Make a big batch and portion it into individual jars. It's so much easier to grab a jar on your way out the door than to make breakfast from scratch every morning.
Wait to add toppings until right before you eat. Fresh fruit, granola, and nut butter all taste better when they're added fresh instead of soaking overnight.
Why You'll Love This Vanilla Overnight Oats
This vanilla overnight oats recipe is one of those rare breakfasts that actually gets better when you ignore it. You mix everything in a bowl, stick it in the fridge, and wake up to something creamy and satisfying. No reheating, no extra dishes, no thinking required before coffee.
It's also crazy adaptable. Swap the almond milk for regular milk, skip the chia seeds if you don't have them, or double the batch and meal prep for the whole week. You can top it with whatever's in your fridge: berries, sliced almonds, a drizzle of peanut butter, even a few chocolate chips if you're feeling rebellious.
And because it's high in protein and fiber, it keeps you full. Not that fake full where you're hungry again in an hour, but the kind that carries you through your whole morning without thinking about snacks.
FAQ
Can you put vanilla in overnight oats?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet flavor that makes the oats taste more indulgent. You can also use vanilla yogurt or vanilla almond milk to layer the flavor even more.
Is oats overnight actually healthy for you?
Yes! Overnight oats are packed with fiber, protein (especially if you use Greek yogurt), and healthy fats from chia seeds. They're a balanced breakfast that keeps you full and energized. Just watch the added sugars if you're using sweetened yogurt or lots of toppings.
How much vanilla essence to add to overnight oats?
A teaspoon is perfect for one serving. It's enough to taste without being overpowering. If you're making a bigger batch, use about a teaspoon per serving and adjust to your taste.
What did Princess Diana eat for breakfast every morning?
Princess Diana reportedly loved a simple breakfast, often choosing fresh fruit, yogurt, and sometimes a bowl of bran cereal or muesli. She preferred light, healthy options that kept her energized throughout the day.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Vanilla Overnight Oats
Vanilla Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Method
- Add the vanilla almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a small bowl.
- Whisk the mixture together until smooth and well-combined.
- Stir in the old fashioned oats and chia seeds.
- Cover the bowl or transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the oats overnight or for at least a few hours to allow them to set.
- Remove the oats from the refrigerator the next morning and top with your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy your creamy vanilla overnight oats!
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