Looking for an easy breakfast meal that will give you energy and strength for the day? Look no further! Overnight oatmeal is a perfect choice. It is a power-packed nutritious breakfast as healthy as it is delicious. This Easy Healthy Overnight Oat recipe can be made the night before and be ready for you in the morning.
Love oats? Try the following oat recipes:
What Are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are a quick and easy, no-cook way to make oatmeal. Let the oats sit overnight in almond milk, and the oats will be soft, creamy, and delicious in the morning.
Health Benefits of this Recipe
Overnight oats offer many health benefits:
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Rich in fiber
- Great source of protein
- High in antioxidants
- Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL)
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Promotes healthy bacteria in your gut
- Helps you feel full to manage your weight
Helpful Tips:
No special equipment is needed for this recipe, but I find it helpful to use a mason jar (pint-size) with a lid for the overnight oatmeal. It is also so easy to grab in the morning for breakfast on the go.
Be selective when choosing your oats. Rolled oats work best in this recipe. I can highly recommend the Sprouted Rolled Oats from One Degree Organic Foods, which can be purchased online or at Whole Foods Market. Sprouted grains break down the grain’s starch, making it easier to digest and increasing the available nutrients. Organic produce contains fewer pesticides, more antioxidants, and more beneficial nutrients.
Sweetener:
I use maple syrup as I live in New England, but feel free to use your choice of sweetener.
For a healthier choice, add the half ripe mashed banana and substitute the maple syrup with 100% frozen juice concentrate (such as apple, or white grape juice).
Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber, texture, and nutrition.
You can use any plant-based milk or water for the liquid in this recipe. I prefer almond milk.
Be creative! Think of this recipe as the canvas for adding color and flavor to fit your tastebuds. I used my homemade raspberry jam to add color and flavor to the oatmeal, but you can use any fruit sauce, fresh fruit, or jam that you have available.
A touch of vanilla also adds to the flavor experience. I am partial to vanilla paste, but vanilla extract will also do.
How to Make Easy Healthy Overnight Oats:
Ingredients you will need:
- Sprouted Rolled Oats or Old-fashion Oats
- Plant-base milk, I use almond milk
- Maple Syrup (or 100% frozen fruit juice concentrate)
- Vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- 1/2 ripe banana
- Fresh fruit, fruit sauce, or jam (raspberry jam)
The night before, add oats, milk, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and mashed banana to a mason jar. Stir to combine. Attach lid and store in the fridge overnight. The next day, add fresh fruit, jam, or fruit sauce.
My Favorite Homemade Raspberry Jam
This is my absolute favorite homemade raspberry jam recipe! It is super simple and so delicious. You can make this jam using your favorite berries. I love raspberries as they have a unique sweet-tart flavor quality, but blueberries and strawberries will work also. Click here for the recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of oats would you recommend?
I recommend using Rolled oats, sometimes called Old-fashion oats.
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but the finished product will be mushier.
Can I use steel cut oats?
Yes, but you must let them sit in liquid for at least 10 hours and they will be very chewy.
How long do I need to let the oats sit in the fridge?
Several hours – I recommend at least 6 hours.
Will the banana turn brown when left overnight?
No, if the mashed banana is mixed with the milk, it keeps a lovely color.
Why choose organic oats and chia?
Some of the pesticides farmers use to increase their crops can be harmful to humans. Organic produce contains fewer pesticides, more antioxidants, and more beneficial nutrients.
Why choose sprouted oats?
The germinating process breaks down the starch, making them easier to digest. Sprouting also increases vitamins and mineral content.
Do I need ground chia seed?
No, they can be used whole.
Can you heat overnight oats?
Yes, absolutely. You can eat it straight out of the fridge or heat right before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free oats.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes, use a nut-free plant-based milk.
Easy Healthy Overnight Oats
Looking for an easy breakfast meal that will give you energy and strength for the day? Look no further! Overnight oatmeal is a perfect choice. It is a power-packed nutritious breakfast as healthy as it is delicious. This Easy Healthy Overnight Oat recipe can be made the night before and be ready for you in the morning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 Serving 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled/old-fashion oats (organic & sprouted if possible)
- 3/4 cup almond milk (or favorite plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or 100% fruit juice concentrate)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
Instructions
- Add rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, and mashed banana to a mason jar (pint-size) or container of choice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cover with a lid. Refrigerate overnight.
