A Quick and Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast You’ll Adore

Oatmeal is one of the most classic breakfast options out there – it’s been around for thousands of years. And since it comes together quickly, fills you up and gets your day off to a satisfying start, it’s certainly not going out of style any time soon. If you aren’t yet aware of the amazingness that is overnight oats, let me formally welcome you to the future of oatmeal.

This simple take on your basic bowl of oatmeal requires zero boiling, baking, microwaving, or anything of the sort! You simply mix the ingredients together at night and let it all rest in the fridge. The next morning, you’ll wake up to the creamiest oatmeal you’ve ever tasted. It’s truly magical!

The magic happens slowly as the oats absorb the almond milk while the mixture sits. Overnight oatmeal is meant to be served cold, but you can certainly warm it up if you’d like. I personally prefer enjoying it straight from the fridge – it makes me feel more awake and refreshed than warm oatmeal, which can be cozy enough to lure even morning people back to bed.

The vanilla-almond flavor of this particular overnight oatmeal is just incredible. It has the perfect balance of nutty and sweet, and it tastes amazing with all sorts of different toppings! And because it lasts in the fridge all week, it’s definitely one of those recipes that you’ll be doubling or tripling every time.

A close-up shot of a jar of vanilla almond overnight oatmeal shown from above

Are Overnight Oats Healthy?

Very much so – overnight oats are a nutritious breakfast full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and protein. Rolled oats are actually among the healthiest grains of all! The other ingredients used in this recipe only enhance that nutritional value. This tasty vegan breakfast has the potential to decrease blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss efforts and even reduce the risk of heart disease. Heck yeah!

What You’ll Need

Ready to get the ball rolling? Round up the ingredients listed below.

Rolled Oats: Use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
Chia Seeds: These are a great source of antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats.
Vanilla Extract: If you want to get the best possible vanilla flavor, go for a high-quality extract.
Maple: Be sure to use pure maple syrup and not the artificial stuff.
Raw Almonds: Sliced.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened.

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Vanilla almond overnight oats in a jar on a plate with a bunch of fresh berries in the background

Can I Use Quick or Steel Cut Oats Instead?

When it comes to overnight oatmeal, it’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats will get a bit too soft while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough. Different kinds of oats also require different amounts of liquid, so using another type would throw off the recipe.

How to Make Vanilla Almond Overnight Oats

This will most likely be the easiest oatmeal you’ve ever made! You just have to combine the ingredients in a jar and place the jar into the fridge.

Combine Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a mason jar or another jar that can be tightly sealed. Stir everything together.

Chia seeds being poured into a glass jar containing rolled oats

A tablespoon of pure maple syrup being poured into a jar full of chia seeds and old-fashioned oats

Chill: Place the jar into the fridge and leave it chilling overnight.

Enjoy! Serve your oatmeal the next day as-is or with your favorite toppings.

Three servings of vanilla almond oatmeal in separate jars on a granite countertop

Tips for Success

Want some more advice to help you nail this make-ahead breakfast? I’ve got you covered!

Stir Well: Be sure to give your ingredients a thorough stir before you leave your jar of oatmeal in the fridge to chill. All of the oats must be moistened by the milk to properly soften.
Chill for 6 Hours Minimum: I recommend letting your oatmeal sit for 12 hours or longer before digging in, but 6 hours is the absolute minimum. If you don’t give the oats enough time to soften up, your body may struggle to digest them.
Want Warm Oatmeal? If you’d like to warm up your oatmeal before you enjoy it, simply pop it into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir well after each interval and reduce the microwave time as needed.

A jar of vanilla almond oatmeal on a plate with two fresh strawberries

Add-Ins & Toppings

These overnight oats pair wonderfully with tons of yummy toppings, and you can also add ingredients before the chilling process! Try one of the following ideas:

Almond Butter
Fresh Berries
Shredded Coconut
Banana Slices
Peanut Butter
Pumpkin Seeds
Dried Apricots
Cacao Nibs
Walnuts
Hemp Seeds
Raisins

Two jars of vanilla almond oatmeal topped with strawberry slices, almond butter and cacao nibs

How Long Does Overnight Oatmeal Last?

As long as you keep your oatmeal refrigerated in a tightly sealed jar or container, it will last for up to 5 days. However, I prefer making it 1-3 days before digging in. I find that the oats get a bit too soft for my liking after 3 days.

Can I Freeze This?

Yes – If you’d like to freeze your overnight oatmeal, store it in the freezer immediately after combining the ingredients. Make sure your airtight container is freezer-safe. You can store your oatmeal in the freezer for up to 3 months, thawing it out in the fridge overnight before enjoying it.