Make-ahead oats that taste like a bakery treat—no stove, no stress. 🥣✨ This cinnamon-swirled jar sets overnight so you wake up to a creamy, satisfying breakfast. Add fruit and a crunchy nut topping for that “cinnamon roll” vibe without the fuss. 🍓🥜
Ingredients (1 serving)
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½ cup (45 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
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½–⅔ cup (120–160 ml) milk of choice (almond, oat, soy, pea, coconut, or dairy)
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1 Tbsp (10 g) chia seeds (optional, for extra creaminess)
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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1–2 tsp maple syrup or brown sugar (sweeten to taste)
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of fine salt
“Creamy swirl” (optional, for a cinnamon-roll finish):
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2 Tbsp (30 g) yogurt (dairy-free or Greek) + 1 tsp maple syrup + pinch of cinnamon
Topping ideas: berries, sliced banana, chopped pecans or walnuts, raisins, pumpkin seeds 🧁
Instructions
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Mix the base. In a jar or bowl, combine oats, chia, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in milk, maple/brown sugar, and vanilla until every oat is moistened.
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Chill. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
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Finish & serve. Stir, splash in a little extra milk if you prefer looser oats, then add the creamy swirl and toppings. Enjoy cold, or warm 30–60 seconds in the microwave.
Quick tip: In a rush, rest 30–45 minutes; texture won’t be as plush, but it works.
Meal-prep: Make 3–4 jars; they keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. 🗓️
FAQs
Is it vegan? ✅ Yes—use plant milk, maple (or another vegan sweetener), and dairy-free yogurt for the swirl. No eggs or butter needed. 🌱
Milk swaps that make sense. Almond or coconut milk add lovely flavor; for more protein, choose soy or pea milk. Regular dairy milk also has notably more protein than standard almond milk. Pick the one that fits your goals—creaminess, protein, or both. 🥛
Which oats work best? Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewy-creamy bite. Instant/quick oats absorb too fast and can turn mushy. Steel-cut oats stay too firm for the classic overnight texture. 🥄
How do I top it like a cinnamon roll? Add raisins, chopped pecans or walnuts, and a cinnamon-maple yogurt swirl. Fresh berries or sliced banana brighten the sweetness. A tiny pinch of extra cinnamon on top makes the aroma pop. 🍇🍌
What are overnight oats, exactly? Oats soak in milk (or yogurt) until tender—no cooking required. The result is cool, creamy, and ready when you are. It’s a 2-minute nighttime task that pays off with a 0-minute morning. ⏰
Troubleshooting softness. Make sure oats are fully submerged and the container is covered. Give them enough time—under-soaked oats stay chalky. If too thick in the morning, stir in more milk to loosen. 🛠️
Helpful Notes
Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that supports fullness and steady energy. Cinnamon pairs well not just in flavor, but also with breakfast carbs you’ll eat alongside. Adding chia or yogurt bumps creaminess while contributing fiber or protein. 🧠
For a protein boost without chalky powders, use soy or pea milk, Greek-style or dairy-free high-protein yogurt, and a handful of nuts. Most standard almond milks are low in protein, while dairy milk is naturally higher per serving. If you love cinnamon, know that Ceylon is milder; cassia is stronger—use sparingly if you prefer a softer spice note. 💡
