What’s not to love about Vegan Overnight Oats? It’s the ultimate breakfast that makes busy mornings a breeze.
I’ve always been a fan of oatmeal, whether for breakfast in the morning or in the form of a chewy, raisin-studded cookie, perfect for dunking in a tall glass of oat milk. Over the years, however, my palate has matured, and I no longer reach for those sugar-laden packets of instant oatmeal in flavors like strawberries and cream (once my favorite). Instead, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with healthy overnight oats. And I’m definitely not alone. A search under the hashtag #overnightoats on Instagram brings up more than 1.1 million posts, and the variety is enough to satisfy nearly every craving or fit into any diet. There are chocolate overnight oats, berry-topped overnight oats, tiramisu overnight oats, cheesecake overnight oats, and even cookie dough overnight oats. Here on FFF, we’re no strangers to this delightful breakfast trend, either.
Over the last decade, overnight oats have skyrocketed in popularity due to how quick and easy they are to prepare, making them the perfect breakfast for busy mornings. Before you start getting creative, however, it’s important to master the basics. This vegan overnight oats recipe is exactly that—a simple yet delicious version of this trend-worthy breakfast.
The key to overnight oats is, of course, refrigerating them overnight. The night before you want to enjoy this recipe, you’ll combine oats with mashed banana for natural sweetness, cinnamon for a touch of warmth, aromatic vanilla, and almond milk. Chia seeds are also added to help thicken the oats. As the oats and chia seeds soak in the liquid, they soften and develop an utterly creamy, pudding-like texture.
In the morning, all you have to do is pop the jar out of the fridge and dig in! You can also mix in or top your oats with any fruit you like, whether it’s fresh berries, sliced banana, mango, or grated apple. These overnight oats are totally customizable. So get ahead and get creative! Who wouldn’t want to wake up to something new and delicious every morning?
Are These Vegan Overnight Oats Healthy?
For sure! Oats are one of the best ways to start your morning. Not only are they a great source of fiber, but they’re also filling, giving you the energy you need to tackle the rest of your day. The mashed banana means there’s no need for added sugars, while providing potassium and other essential nutrients. Plus, the chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Of course, adding fresh fruit and perhaps even nuts will only boost the flavor and nutrition even more!
Delectable Variations…
Consider this recipe a blank canvas and let your culinary imagination run wild! One of my favorite variations is adding half a teaspoon of quality matcha powder to the oats and topping them with fresh raspberries and chopped pistachios in the morning. Not only is the taste incredible, but the vibrant green from the matcha and the pretty pink-red hue of the berries make for an attractive presentation and an energizing start to the day.
Another delicious idea is banana bread overnight oats. Simply mix in chopped walnuts and raisins. If I have time in the morning, I’ll even caramelize some banana slices to crown the oats with.
Finally, for a mocha-inspired treat, stir in a teaspoon of quality cocoa powder and half a teaspoon of espresso powder. In the morning, garnish with whipped soy cream and shavings of dark chocolate.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Well, that’s basically the whole point of this recipe! Vegan overnight oats should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container, like a mason jar (my personal favorite). To get the desired overnight oats consistency, you should make them at least 2 hours prior to enjoying, but they can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days. I often make batches of overnight oats, which gives me an easy, healthy breakfast for the whole week!
Serving Suggestions
Vegan overnight oats are quite filling on their own, so you probably won’t feel the need to pair them with anything else. But there are plenty of variations worth trying! Spice up your mornings with Vegan Pecan Pie Overnight Oats or Banana-Peanut Butter Overnight Oats With Almond Milk. Looking for some awesome toppings? Drizzle your oats with this decadent Dairy-Free Vegan Caramel Sauce or add fruity goodness with some beautiful Roasted Strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 large, ripe banana mashed
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup rolled oats gluten-free, if needed
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
- Fresh fruit chopped, optional
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a small bowl until almost smooth, then mix in the chia seeds and cinnamon.
- Add the oats, almond milk, and vanilla extract, if desired. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Adjust the consistency if necessary by adding a splash of milk to loosen the oats. Garnish with fresh chopped fruit, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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