These creamy Vanilla Overnight Oats come together in just 5 minutes of prep and chill overnight for a nutritious, grab-and-go breakfast. Made with rolled oats, vanilla yogurt, chia seeds, and your favorite milk, they're simple, comforting, and naturally sweet. My twist? I triple-down on vanilla flavor for a rich, cozy breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels your morning.
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As a long-time meal-prep lover, I've tested dozens of overnight oat recipes, and this vanilla version has become a staple in our home for its creamy texture and customizable flavor. I meal prep vanilla overnight oats for a delicious breakfast that's ready to enjoy when I wake up.
About My Vanilla Overnight Oats
I love whipping up easy breakfast recipes, and overnight oats have become a staple in my morning routine. But after enjoying oats most weekdays, I craved more variety in my flavor options which inspired me to create these creamy, comforting vanilla oats!
Vanilla is such a timeless flavor, making it the perfect choice for a healthy, convenient breakfast you can enjoy all week long.
Here are all the reasons these oats are about to become your new go-to:
- Quick 5-minute prep. This no-cook breakfast is incredibly easy to assemble.
- Great for meal prepping. I prep multiple jars at once so my breakfast meal prep for the week is done!
- Perfect for vanilla lovers! My overnight oats are made with vanilla yogurt, vanilla almond milk, and vanilla extract for a deliciously rich vanilla experience.
- There are many benefits of overnight oats. Oats provide a good source of fiber, keeping you full and satisfied throughout the morning. Oats are also naturally gluten-free.
- Kid-friendly & family-approved. The mild sweetness and creamy texture make this breakfast easy for everyone to enjoy.
If you're on an oatmeal kick (welcome to the club!), you've got options. My high protein overnight oats are perfect for busy mornings when you need something extra filling, and if you're craving something fun and indulgent, Nutella overnight oats or cinnamon roll overnight oats always hit the spot. And my chocolate baked oatmeal is a warm and cozy option.
Ingredient Notes
You can see the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card.
- Old fashioned rolled oats are the perfect base for overnight oats because they soften slowly and evenly, giving you that thick, spoonable, creamy-but-not-mushy texture. Quick oats tend to dissolve overnight, and steel-cut oats stay a little too chewy, so stick with classic rolled oats for the best results.
- Using vanilla almond milk doubles down on the cozy vanilla flavor while keeping everything light and subtly sweet. It adds a subtle sweetness and a light, nutty flavor that complements the vanilla theme of the recipe. You can make overnight oats with vanilla almond milk or your milk of choice.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt is your secret weapon for that luscious, creamy texture. The protein in Greek yogurt not only makes the oats more filling, but it also gives the mixture a tangy balance that keeps the vanilla from tasting flat. Choosing vanilla yogurt builds in more flavor without extra steps.
- Real vanilla extract intensifies the vanilla flavor throughout the oats, adding warmth, aroma, and depth. Paired with the vanilla yogurt and milk, you get a layered, nuanced vanilla flavor instead of the flat "one-note" vanilla.
- 100% pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the oats. It rounds out the vanilla flavor and adds just enough richness to make breakfast feel a little indulgent.
- Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, providing omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They also help thicken the oats, giving them a pudding-like texture while adding a slight crunch.
Add your favorite toppings to this vanilla overnight oats recipe like fresh fruit, berries, almonds, walnuts, bananas, or a dollop of peanut butter or almond butter.
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Swaps & Substitutions
For a boost of protein, I like to make these overnight oats with vanilla protein powder. I simply stir in a scoop of protein powder to the mixture and add a splash more milk if the consistency looks too thick.
Replace the maple syrup with honey, brown sugar, or agave syrup for a different sweetener option. You can also use my homemade brown sugar syrup.
Oatmeal is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to choose certified gluten-free rolled oats if you're serving someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
If you want a dairy-free option, use vanilla coconut yogurt paired with a non-dairy milk.
How to Make Vanilla Overnight Oats
Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the wet ingredients-milk, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
Step 2: Add the oats and chia seeds to the bowl with the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Cover the bowl or add the mixture to individual jars with lids and place in the fridge.
Tips From My Kitchen
If your vanilla overnight oats are too thick, add a splash of milk until it reaches the consistency you like. If the consistency is too thin, add more chia seeds or yogurt.
Old fashioned rolled oats are the best oats for making overnight oats. These oats will give you the best texture. Quick oats will be soggy and steel cut oats will not soften as much causing the oats to be chewy.
Let the vanilla oats sit in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, for the best taste and texture. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld together.
Use a mason jar or container with a tight-fitting lid to store the oats. This will keep them fresh and prevent spills. I like these containers for overnight oats.
Recipe FAQs
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I like these containers for easy storage.
Yes, you can heat up overnight oats if you prefer them warm. Simply transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 1 minute, stirring halfway through.
Yes. Portion them into individual, freezer-safe containers before freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the oats in the refrigerator overnight and then eat them cold or warm them up.
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If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Creamy Vanilla Overnight Oats Recipe
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Equipment
- Glass jars or any airtight container with a lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk or milk of choice
- ¼ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, add all the wet ingredients (milk, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract) Whisk to combine.
- Add oats and chia seeds to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Note: Pour into individual jars with lids for a quick grab-and-go option.
- Serve warm or cold with toppings of your choice.
Notes
- Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture for overnight oats. Quick oats become too soft and mushy, while steel-cut oats don't soften enough and stay overly chewy.
- If your oats are too thick, simply add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. If they are too thin, mix in some extra chia seeds or yogurt to thicken them up.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If you are serving vanilla overnight oats warm, heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. Stir and microwave again if necessary.
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