5-Minute Protein-Packed Overnight Oats: 7 Flavors You'll Love
Transform your mornings with these creamy, protein-packed overnight oats. Made in just 5 minutes, these oats are perfect for busy weekdays. No cooking required, endlessly customizable, and packed with nutrition. Includes 7 delicious flavor variations to suit every craving!
Ingredients
- Rolled Oats: The base of our overnight oats! Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch but can get a bit mushy. Steel-cut oats are not recommended as they don't soften well overnight.
- Chia Seeds: These little powerhouses add fiber protein, and healthy fats, plus they help thicken the oats. If you don't have chia seeds, you can omit them, but the texture will be slightly thinner.
- Plant-Based Milk: Use your favorite! Almond soy, oat, or even coconut milk all work well. The type of milk will subtly influence the flavor, so experiment to find your preference.
- Yogurt optional: Adds creaminess and a boost of protein. Use a plant-based yogurt like coconut, almond, or soy. If you're avoiding yogurt, just use more milk.
- Sweetener: A touch of maple syrup agave, or honey (if not vegan) enhances the flavor. You can also use dates! Adjust the sweetness to your preference or omit it entirely if you prefer.
- Protein Powder: Level up your oats! Add a scoop of vegan protein powder for a more fulfilling meal.
- Flavorings: This is where the fun begins! Consider these flavors and additions: vanilla extract cinnamon, fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a mason jar or container, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, plant-based milk, yogurt (if using), sweetener, and protein powder (if using).
- Stir Well: Thoroughly stir all the ingredients until everything is well combined. Make sure there are no clumps of protein powder.
- Add Flavorings: Now's the time to get creative! Choose your desired flavorings and add-ins (see variations below). For example, if you're making chocolate peanut butter overnight oats, stir in cocoa powder and peanut butter.
- Mix Again: Give everything one final stir to evenly distribute the flavorings.
- Refrigerate: Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the oats to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy: In the morning, give your overnight oats a quick stir and enjoy straight from the jar. If desired, you can add a splash more milk to adjust the consistency.
Notes
- Don't skip the chia seeds! They're essential for that perfect creamy texture.
- Adjust the liquid to your liking. If you prefer thicker oats, use less milk. For thinner oats, add more.
- Make sure your container is airtight to prevent the oats from drying out in the refrigerator.
- If your oats are too thick in the morning, simply stir in a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- If your oats are too hard, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Experiment! The best part about overnight oats is the endless possibilities for flavor combinations.