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Home » Recipes » Single Serving Breakfast

By Joanie Zisk Published: Jan 16, 2018 · Updated: Dec 27, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Overnight Oats

Jump to Recipe
overnight oats on a table next to an orange and red napkin

Overnight oats are a healthy and extremely easy breakfast that is made ahead for easy mornings. Easy to customize and incredibly delicious!

A jar of oats filled with chopped apples and pecans next to a small bowl of chopped apples

This easy overnight oats recipe will show you how to make basic overnight oats, along with several delicious overnight oats variations.

Jump to:
  • What Are Overnight Oats?
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • How To Make Overnight Oats
  • Overnight Oats Variations
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Expert Tips
  • How To Store And Meal Prep
  • Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
  • Recipe

What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a simple no-cook way to enjoy oatmeal. They're made by soaking the oats in liquid, usually milk or yogurt overnight which results in creamy oats in the morning.

Why This Recipe Works

  • A delicious breakfast or snack: The idea is to soak rolled oats in a liquid overnight so they soften. When the oats are combined with spices and/or chopped fruit, the outcome is simply heavenly.
  • Easy to customize: Overnight oats are easy to customize. You can make this recipe in any bowl, container, or jar. I love using a mason jar because I can close the lid and take it with me if I’m rushing out the door. I’ll often make up a few jars and keep them in the refrigerator to use throughout the week.
  • Healthy: Oats contain plenty of protein and are a rich source of fiber.
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Ingredients

  • Oats: Use old-fashioned oats (rolled oats). I do not recommend using quick oats because the texture and consistency are best with old-fashioned oats.
  • Milk: Use full-fat, 2%, or low-fat milk. You can also use soy, almond, coconut, oat, or cashew milk. Technically, you can use water but I prefer using milk.
  • Yogurt: This gives the oats a creamy texture, adds a tangy flavor, and provides extra protein.
  • Spices: Feel free to get creative and use spices you love. For our apple cinnamon overnight oats we use ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
  • Toppings: For our apple cinnamon overnight oats we use diced apples. For other versions, consider using other kinds of fresh fruit, dried fruit, nut butters, nuts, and seeds.
  • Sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup to sweeten the oats.

How To Make Overnight Oats

Basic overnight oatmeal recipe instructions: Use the same ratio of oats to liquid. Generally, I'll use ½ cup of oats and ½ cup of milk. Then, add ¼ cup of yogurt, some spices, and fruit (if using).

I've made many different variations of this recipe over the years but my favorite kind of overnight oats is an apple-spiced version filled with bits of apples and pecans.

To Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats:

I mix up my standard recipe of oats and milk, then I add in the yogurt, diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup or honey.

A closeup picture of a jar of overnight oats with a spoon and honey drizzled over the top.

RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes

Overnight Oats Variations

Peanut Butter and Banana Overnight Oats Recipe
Peanut Butter + Banana (Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 sliced banana, 1 teaspoon of honey to ½ cup rolled oats, and ½ cup milk)

Berry Filled Overnight Oats Recipe

Chia Seeds + Berries (Add ¼ cup chia seeds, 1 teaspoon honey, a handful of berries to ½ cup oats, and 1 cup milk)

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats Recipe
Pumpkin Puree + Walnuts (Add ⅓ cup pumpkin, pinch of nutmeg, ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, 1 teaspoon maple syrup to ½ cup milk and ½ cup oats)

Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe
Cocoa Powder + Mashed Banana + Mini Chocolate Chips (Add 2 teaspoons cocoa powder, 1 mashed banana, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon honey to ½ cup oats, and ½ cup milk)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Overnight Oats Need To Soak?

For the best overnight oats, I recommend soaking the oats for at least 8 hours.

Can You Eat Overnight Oats Hot?

Yes, you can warm overnight oats but they are meant to be eaten cold. It may seem strange but cold overnight oats are really good! If you can't bring yourself to eat them this way, warm them in the microwave.

How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?

When stored in an airtight container, overnight oats can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Are Overnight Oats Good For Weight Loss?

Overnight oatmeal is high in fiber which helps to keep you full for a longer period of time. Oats can be a good part of a healthy diet for weight loss. Oats tend to be lower in sugar and calories than other breakfast options.

Expert Tips

  • Small mason jars are a great vessel to store your prepared overnight oats.
  • If you would like to make gluten free overnight oats, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
  • For vegan or dairy free overnight oats, be sure to use non-dairy milk like almond or cashew milk.
  • If you prefer our overnight oats warm, remove the lid and microwave in a microwave-safe jar until warm.

How To Store And Meal Prep

It's as easy to make a single serving of overnight oats as it is to make several. Just double or triple the ingredient amounts.

To store: Overnight oats will stay good when stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Related: Simple Cooking For One Tips and Tricks

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this apple cinnamon version of overnight oats, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

  • Oats: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Orange Oatmeal Cake, Baked Oatmeal
  • Milk: Pralines, Strawberry Milkshake, Biscuit With Sausage Gravy
  • Yogurt: Fruit Quesadilla, Tropical Smoothie, Curried Butternut Squash Soup
  • Apples: Dutch Apple Pie, Apple Dutch Baby, Apple Galette
  • Cinnamon: Snickerdoodles, Apple Cinnamon Scones, Donut Holes
  • Nutmeg: Garam Masala, Creamed Spinach, Eggnog
  • Maple syrup or honey: Pecan Pie, Butter Pecan Granola, Sweet Potato Pie
  • Walnuts: Maple Walnut Muffin, Gingerbread Granola, Carrot Cake Cupcakes

If you would like more information on the baking dishes I use in our single serving recipes, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried these overnight oats or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!

Recipe

a bowl of overnight oats topped with apples and pecans

Overnight Oats

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe - perfectly spiced and filled with fresh apples. Plus, a great list of other overnight oats recipes. See how easy it is to make a hearty, healthy and delicious bowl or jar of overnight oats with your favorite ingredients.
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Resting time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 267kcal
Author: Joanie Zisk

Ingredients

  • ½ cup old fashioned oats
  • ½ cup milk (use your choice of regular, almond, soy or coconut)
  • ¼ cup yogurt (use your choice of plain, vanilla or Greek)
  • ¼ cup diced apples
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • walnuts for topping, (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the oats to a container of your choice. Pour in the milk and add the remaining ingredients.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight. 
  • In the morning, add walnuts, additional apples and maple syrup or honey, if desired and enjoy.

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Small mason jars are a great vessel to store your prepared overnight oats.
  • If you would like to make gluten free overnight oats, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
  • For vegan or dairy free overnight oats, be sure to use non-dairy milk like almond or cashew milk.
  • If you prefer our overnight oats warm, remove the lid and microwave in a microwave safe jar for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Overnight Oats
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 267 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Cholesterol 3mg1%
Sodium 102mg4%
Potassium 493mg14%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 250IU5%
Vitamin C 1.4mg2%
Calcium 292mg29%
Iron 1.7mg9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Sally Putnam says

    December 09, 2022 at 12:53 pm

    Question, i do not like cold oatmeal. Could I take this out of the refrigerator and warm it up before adding things?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      December 09, 2022 at 4:28 pm

      If you prefer our overnight oats warm, remove the lid and microwave in a microwave-safe jar for 1-2 minutes.

      Reply
  2. Eileen Strain says

    March 20, 2022 at 9:44 am

    What can you use in place of the yogurt?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      April 11, 2022 at 11:22 am

      You can use a little additional milk or add applesauce or mashed banana.

      Reply
  3. Teacher479 says

    December 05, 2020 at 10:16 pm

    I plan to bump up the protein by adding a scoop of protein powder. I think I’ll add my daily scoop of unflavored collagen powder supplement as well.

    Reply
  4. Nancy Saxon says

    September 05, 2020 at 11:56 am

    I'm not fond of cold oatmeal. Could you heat this up in microwave before eating? Or will it be too mushy>

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      September 08, 2020 at 11:30 am

      You can briefly heat it in the microwave if you'd like. It's delicious.

      Reply
  5. Pat says

    August 18, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Can you use quick oats for this?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      August 18, 2020 at 8:03 pm

      I don't recommend using quick oats. They will almost completely dissolve in the milk.

      Reply
      • Pat says

        August 22, 2020 at 12:33 pm

        Thanks. I’ve put old fashioned oats on my grocery list.

  6. Debbie says

    August 13, 2019 at 9:58 am

    How long do they last before you need to eat them?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      August 14, 2019 at 11:44 am

      Hi Debbie,

      The overnight oats keep well in the fridge for 4 days. They will soften as they remain in the fridge which makes them extra creamy.

      Joanie

      Reply
      • Debbie says

        August 14, 2019 at 12:06 pm

        Oh great, thank you so much. Anxious to try now and make a couple so as to use an entire apple!

  7. Denay DeGuzman says

    January 18, 2018 at 9:29 pm

    I absolutely love making overnight oats. Your delicious Apple Spiced Overnight Oats contains so many wonderful breakfast flavors packed into a single fabulous dish. Yum, yum!

    Reply
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