A cozy, naturally sweetened breakfast that’s creamy, satisfying, and ready when you are. Just stir, chill, and enjoy!
A Sweet Start That’s Simple, Wholesome, and Family-Friendly
If you’re looking for an easy, make-ahead breakfast that everyone in the family will love, Maple Syrup Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds might just become your new go-to.
This simple recipe delivers a bowl of creamy oats with the perfect hint of natural sweetness from pure maple syrup and a texture boost from chia seeds. This is the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but fuels your day with fiber, plant-based protein, and slow-burning energy.
The combination of oats and chia seeds soaks up the milk overnight, transforming into a thick, pudding-like consistency that’s both satisfying and nourishing. And the maple syrup? It’s just the right touch of cozy.
What I love most about this recipe—besides how delicious it is—is how adaptable it can be. Whether you’re making it for a school morning, post-workout breakfast, or even a late-night snack, it takes just five minutes to prep. And once you have the base down, you can customize it endlessly with fruit, nuts, or a dollop of yogurt.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess and protein)
- 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced banana or apple
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Extra maple syrup drizzle
- Cinnamon
- Granola or toasted coconut
Pro Tips
- Use pure maple syrup – Not pancake syrup! Pure maple adds rich, natural flavor with no artificial aftertaste.
- Stir twice – After mixing, let the oats sit for 5–10 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping from the chia seeds.
- Don’t skip the salt – Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Make it creamier – Greek yogurt or full-fat coconut milk makes the texture extra luxurious.
- Kid-approved version – Layer with bananas, berries, or a swirl of nut butter to make it more fun for little ones.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or jar
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Mason jar or lidded container
Substitutions and Variations
- No yogurt? Just use extra milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- No chia seeds? Swap in ground flaxseed for similar nutritional benefits.
- Low sugar? Reduce maple syrup to 1 tsp or swap in a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- More protein? Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or collagen.
- Add spices – Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced version.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a few jars on Sunday and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. The oats will continue to thicken slightly as they sit, so just add a splash of milk before serving if needed.
You can also freeze the base mixture (without toppings) in small containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, stir, and add your toppings fresh in the morning.
How to Make Maple Syrup Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds
1. Mix the Base Ingredients
In a bowl or mason jar, combine oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt (if using), maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until evenly mixed.
2. Let Sit and Stir Again
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then stir again to break up any chia clumps and ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the jar or container and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, give the oats a stir and add your favorite toppings—banana slices, chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or an extra maple drizzle.
Leftovers and Storage
Store overnight oats in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Stir before serving, and add more milk if needed to loosen the texture. Keep toppings like fruit or granola separate until you’re ready to eat.
These oats also freeze well without toppings—just thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy as usual.
Comforting, Nourishing, and Naturally Sweet
These Maple Syrup Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds are the perfect combination of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. They’re ideal for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a breakfast you can count on to be both satisfying and delicious.
Give this recipe a try and make it your own! Did you add berries, swirl in nut butter, or sprinkle with granola? Leave a comment below and share your favorite way to enjoy this cozy classic.
