This is one of my favorite breakfasts to make over the summer. And this summer in particular I’ve been experimenting with lots of different combinations.
My favorite flavors use healthy ingredients with no added sugar. They are quick and easy to throw together. It’s a delicious and refreshingly cold meal for our warm summer mornings!
Overnight oats are a perfect make ahead recipe. I’m not a morning person so it’s really nice to have something ready to pull out of the fridge and not have to think about breakfast.
I also love that there’s no cooking so I don’t have to heat up the kitchen. I just have to remember to combine the simple ingredients the night before and the fridge plus time does all the work!
Basic Overnight Oats Recipe
What You Will Need:
- 1/4 cup oats (I most often use old fashioned or rolled oats, but steel cut oats are good too)
- 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant based)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp ground flax
- pinch of salt
How to Make Overnight Oats:
Measure out the oats into a glass bowl or jar with a lid.
Add the chia seeds and ground flax.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Add the milk and stir well to combine.
Cover the bowl or jar. Place in the fridge. Allow at least 4 hours to let the ingredients combine and the milk to soak in.
The next morning take it out of the fridge and give it a good stir before enjoying. The possible toppings and flavor additions are endless. Check out 3 of my favorites below!
This recipe is easily doubled which I do whenever I know my husband will want some for breakfast too.
3 Favorite Flavor Combinations for Overnight Oats
Sliced Banana
This flavor is so simple and yet it’s the original combination that I fell in love with years ago! They pair up perfectly.
Just follow the basic overnight oats recipe. In the morning, slice a ripe banana up on top of the oats and enjoy!
Adding sliced almonds or walnuts to the banana topping would be a delicious combination too.
Pumpkin Spice
This is a great one if you want some fall flavor but the hot summer weather won’t go away.
Combine the basic overnight oats ingredients. Then add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Mix together and cover with a lid. Leave in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours to combine.
If you’re not concerned about sugar you can add a little bit of maple syrup or honey before putting it in the fridge or upon tasting the next morning.
Topping this flavor with pecans is also a nice addition.
Carrot Cake
I can’t believe how much this variation tastes like carrot cake! Plus it’s a great way to get an extra serving of vegetables into your day.
Start with the basic overnight oat ingredients. Add one small to medium sized carrot shredded, 1 tbsp cream cheese, 2 tbsp raisins, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp ginger.
Mix together well, especially making sure the cream cheese is swirled throughout. Cover with a lid and leave in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours before enjoying.
If you’re aren’t worried about sugar, you can add a little bit of maple syrup or honey before putting it in the fridge or upon tasting the next morning.
More Easy Summer Recipes to Enjoy:
- 3 Healthy Homemade Salad Dressings
- 10 Flavored Water Kefir Recipes
- Sun Brewed Tea and Coffee
- How to Ferment Water Kefir
- Homemade Ginger Beer
What are your favorite easy breakfasts?
