Creamy, comforting, and delightfully simple, these Vanilla Overnight Oats are a back-to-basics breakfast that tastes like a cozy hug in a jar. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a little overnight magic, you’ll wake up to a perfectly chilled, protein-rich, ready-to-eat morning meal.
When Simple is Simply the Best
Sometimes, the most basic recipes are the ones you come back to again and again—and that’s exactly what happens with these Vanilla Overnight Oats. There’s no fancy swirl, no exotic ingredients—just pure, cozy flavor and nourishing fuel.
This recipe is smooth, subtly sweet, and infused with real vanilla flavor. It’s the perfect blank canvas for all your favorite toppings—berries, nuts, seeds, or a spoonful of nut butter. Whether you’re feeding kids before school, rushing out the door for work, or just want a stress-free morning, this jar delivers.
What I love most is that this recipe is endlessly flexible. You can bump up the protein with Greek yogurt or protein powder, make it creamy with plant-based milk, or sweeten it just how you like. It’s an overnight oats staple for good reason—easy, delicious, and satisfying.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness and fiber)
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Sliced almonds or walnuts
- Nut butter
- Coconut flakes
- A dollop of yogurt
- Granola for crunch
Pro Tips
- Use good vanilla – Pure vanilla extract (or real vanilla bean) makes all the difference in flavor.
- Customize your texture – Add more milk for a looser texture, or more chia seeds for a thicker one.
- Sweeten to your taste – Some yogurts and plant milks are already sweet, so taste before adding syrup or honey.
- Stir before chilling—and after – Stir again after 15–30 minutes in the fridge to avoid chia clumping.
- Make it protein-rich – Use high-protein yogurt or add a half scoop of vanilla protein powder.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Small bowl (if blending yogurt separately)
- Refrigerator for chilling
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use coconut or almond yogurt.
- No chia seeds? Skip them or use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed.
- Nut-free? Choose a seed-based milk like oat or hemp, and skip the nut toppings.
- Low-sugar? Use unsweetened yogurt and skip sweeteners—vanilla alone adds flavor.
- Flavor twists: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or a dash of lemon zest for variation.
Make-Ahead Tips
Vanilla overnight oats are made for meal prep. They keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge, and the flavor only gets better as it sits.
Make several jars at once for easy grab-and-go breakfasts during the week. Just leave off the toppings until you’re ready to eat so everything stays fresh and crisp.
How to Make Vanilla Overnight Oats
1. Mix the Base
In a mason jar or small container, combine oats, almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, chia seeds, and salt. Stir well until fully combined.
2. Chill Overnight
Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Stir again after the first 20 minutes for best consistency.
3. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, give the oats a final stir. Top with your favorite add-ons—berries, almonds, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the mixture becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it. Keep toppings separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.
You can also portion into smaller jars for kid-friendly, single-serve breakfasts.
A Classic You’ll Always Come Back To
There’s a reason Vanilla Overnight Oats are a classic. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you keep it clean and minimalist or pile it high with toppings, you’ll always have a breakfast that fuels your morning and keeps you feeling great.
Try it once and you’ll understand why this easy recipe is a staple in so many homes. And when you do—leave a comment! Did you add fruit? Extra protein? A crunchy topping? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
