A creamy, sweet-meets-salty breakfast treat that tastes like dessert but fuels your morning—no cooking required!
A Spoonful of Sweet Comfort with a Nutritious Twist
Some mornings call for something indulgent. Enter: Salted Caramel Overnight Oats—a silky, dreamy jar of oats swirled with rich caramel flavor and a pinch of sea salt that takes it over the top.
It’s that perfect blend of sweet and savory that makes your taste buds perk up, but it’s also secretly wholesome, fiber-rich, and satisfying enough to keep you going for hours.
I first made this on a whim when I had a little leftover caramel sauce in the fridge and thought, “What if I swirled this into my oats?” One spoonful later, I was hooked. The oats soak up all the creamy caramel flavor overnight, and the pinch of flaky salt brings balance to the sweetness, making it feel like a decadent treat without being overpowering.
Whether you’re prepping these for a quick weekday breakfast, a sweet weekend brunch, or even a light dessert (yes, dessert oats are a thing), this recipe is a guaranteed favorite. You can make it totally plant-based, protein-packed, or layered like a parfait with your favorite crunchy toppings.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for thickness and fiber)
- ½ cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (optional for added creaminess and protein)
- 1½–2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (plus more for topping)
Optional Toppings:
- Extra caramel drizzle
- Sliced banana or apple
- Chopped nuts (pecans or almonds work well)
- Crushed graham crackers or granola
- Coconut whipped cream for dessert vibes
Pro Tips
- Use thick caramel – A rich, thick sauce works best so it blends into the oats without becoming watery.
- Add caramel last – Swirl it in after the oats are mixed for beautiful marbling and better flavor distribution.
- Layer it like a dessert – Alternate oats with caramel, fruit, and crunchy bits in a jar for a parfait-style breakfast.
- Adjust the salt – If your caramel is already salted, go easy on the sea salt topping.
- Make it dairy-free – Use coconut yogurt and almond milk for a creamy, plant-based version.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or mason jar
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Small jar for layering (if desired)
- Refrigerator space for chilling overnight
Substitutions and Variations
- No Greek yogurt? Use more milk or swap in dairy-free yogurt.
- No chia seeds? Just leave them out or use ground flaxseed for a similar effect.
- Want extra protein? Stir in a scoop of vanilla or caramel-flavored protein powder.
- Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Nut-free? Skip the nut toppings and opt for seeds or granola.
Make-Ahead Tips
Salted caramel overnight oats are perfect for meal prep. Make several jars at once and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. If they thicken too much over time, simply stir in a splash of milk before eating.
Store toppings like nuts and bananas separately until ready to serve to keep them fresh and crunchy.
You can even prep a batch of homemade caramel sauce and keep it on hand for swirls all week long!
How to Make Salted Caramel Overnight Oats
1. Mix Base Ingredients
In a bowl or jar, stir together oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
2. Add the Caramel
Spoon in the caramel sauce and gently swirl it through the mixture. Don’t overmix—you want ribbons of caramel throughout.
3. Chill Overnight
Transfer the mixture to a mason jar or airtight container. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
4. Top and Serve
In the morning, give the oats a quick stir and top with extra caramel drizzle, flaky sea salt, fruit, and crunchy toppings of your choice.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover oats in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best texture, wait to add toppings until just before serving. If the oats become too thick, stir in a little more milk before enjoying.
These also make a great light dessert—just top with a spoonful of whipped cream and a caramel drizzle!
A Cozy Classic, Reimagined for Breakfast
These Salted Caramel Overnight Oats are the perfect mix of indulgence and nourishment. They’re as easy to make as they are to love—creamy, satisfying, and just sweet enough. Whether you’re packing them for work, prepping them for the kids, or treating yourself to a slow morning, this recipe brings a little decadence to your day—without the sugar crash.
If you try them, let me know! Did you go full dessert mode with coconut cream? Keep it simple with a caramel swirl and banana? Drop a comment below and share how you made them your own!
