Best Way to Make Overnight Oats

Oats have come a long way in the past decade. Gone are the days of microwaveable oats for breakfast. Those sad oats are stripped of their nutrients, often covered in toxic pesticides and full of sugar and other additives. Meet overnight oats. The sexier, healthier, and tastier oat option. Oats are great for our heart health and provide us with a substantial amount of fiber. Eat them hot or cold and once you have a solid base recipe to begin with, the topping variations are endless and easy as can be! 

What are overnight oats? 

Overnight oats are soaked in liquid over a period of time, usually made the night before. Rolled oats are suggested, but any variation can work. The best liquid to use is non-dairy milk. This will provide an extra creamy texture. Water could work in a pinch but think of cereal with water… It’s just not the same. After mixing the oats and liquid together you can store it in the fridge while the soaking process begins. This soaking period softens the oats, similar to the way they soften when cooked with heat. Overnight oats can be served chilled or hot! I actually often warm mine the next morning. They reheat on the stove or in the microwave perfectly! 

Health Benefits of Overnight Oats

Since heat is not applied and the soaking process is much slower, it allows the oats to break down naturally occurring phytic acid. In return, this helps our gut with digestion and is able to absorb more nutrients. The nutrients in oats include fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, omega 3 fatty acids, and more! (1).

Extra Benefits of Overnight Oats

The amount of time you save when prepping overnight oats is amazing! You can prepare a week's worth of nourishing, balanced, and delightful breakfasts in just a few minutes. Also, there are so many variations and creative flavors you can choose from. For example, you can add protein powder for a high protein breakfast. Or, peanut butter and chocolate to curb your sweet tooth! Every morning you can look forward to your breakfast with overnight oats. If you’re feeding the whole family just up the serving sizes and the storage jar and you’ve got the easiest breakfast for many at the ready.  

Overnight Oats 3 Ways : 

I have a deep love for this breakfast, and do feel it’s the most important meal of the day, so I’m sharing with you some of my top favorite recipes! All you’ll need for the base is oats and some Malibu Mylk! 

Peaches and Cream Oats: (The peaches at the farmer’s markets right now are unbelievable and make these oats simply divine!) 

• 1/2 cup oats
• 3/4 cup malibu mylk
• 1 tbs protein powder
• pinch of pink salt<
• 1 tbs maple syrup
• pinch of cinnamon powder
• pinch of ground nutmeg

Peanut Butter Banana Oats: (who doesn’t love peanut butter! I use organic crunchy peanut butter as I love the crunch from the nuts)

• 1/2 cup oats
• 3/4 cup malibu mylk
• pinch of pink salt
• 2 tbs peanut butter
• ½ mashed banana
• 1 tsp maple syrup

Carrot Cake Oats: (a healthier take on the cherished dessert) 

• 1/2 cup oats
• 3/4 cup malibu mylk
• 1/2 shredded carrot 
• 2 tbs raisins 
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt (optional but gives the oats extra protein and creaminess!)
• 1 tbs chopped walnuts
• Pinch of pink salt