Very Berry Vanilla Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are one of the best and quickest ways to eat a nutritious breakfast. It’s simple: Combine oats, milk, fruit, and spices in a jar or container. You’ll have a delicious and healthy vanilla overnight oats breakfast in the morning!

There are many ways to make overnight oats and endless possibilities. You can make them sweet or savory, depending on your preference and what you have on hand. They’re easily customizable to fit your needs and dietary restrictions.

If you’ve never tried overnight oats before, now is the time! They’re an incredibly filling and versatile breakfast option. It’s best to start your day with at least 15 grams of plant-based protein.

Ingredients Used

The base of this vanilla overnight oats recipe calls for only a few simple ingredients that are staples on a vegan grocery list. Here’s what you need;

Rolled Oats: This variety of oats works best when softened with milk. If you hate the texture of overnight oats, you could try steel-cut oats for a chewier texture.

Soy Milk: this is a high-protein option, but any non-dairy milk will work in this recipe

Soy Yogurt: Pick an unsweetened soy variety. Yogurts can contain hidden added sugar, so double-check the nutrition facts. If you don’t like soy, you can use any non-sweetened non-dairy yogurt.

Vanilla Extract: of course, we need vanilla extract to make these vanilla overnight oats! I like using pure vanilla extract instead of imitation.

Fruit: Fresh or frozen fruit is a great way to add sweetness and flavor to your oats. Diced apples, bananas, berries, cherries, and mango are all delicious options.

Nuts and seeds: For an extra boost of “keep you full” fats, nuts, and seeds can be a great option. Opt for an option like hemp seeds, sliced almonds, or walnuts.

Benefits of Eating Overnight Oats

Incorporating overnight oats into your diet has endless benefits. Because this dish is so customizable, you can add ingredients based on your nutritional needs. Oats as the base provide heart health benefits by lowering cholesterol and managing type 2 diabetes.

Adding protein, like protein powder, also helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling fuller longer. Proteins are made up of amino acids that our bodies need to function properly. As a vegan, you can get plenty of plant-based protein, and this recipe is a great way to start the day.

Overnight Oat FAQs

Here are some answers to your common overnight oats questions. This recipe is great for begginners and will easily become a staple in your house like it is in mine.

Q: Do I have to refrigerate overnight oats?

A: Yes, you need to refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight so the oats can soften and absorb the liquid. You don’t have to keep them overnight, but in most cases, that is how people prefer them.

Q: Can I make overnight oats ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make them up to five days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them.

Q: What kind of milk should I use?

A: Any non-dairy milk will work, including almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, and soy milk. You can even use water if you like, but the oats will be less flavorful and less creamy.

Q: Can you heat up overnight oats?

A: Yes! If you don’t like the idea of cold oats, you can heat up the overnight oats in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until the desired temperature is reached. To adjust the thickness, you can add additional non-dairy milk or water.

Variations on the recipe

If you like the base but want to add more variety to keep things funky and fresh or want to try something a little different, here are some ideas;

• Flavored protein powder: Use a different flavor of protein powder for more variety and to change it up.
• Swap out the milk: You can use juice or strong coffee instead of non-dairy milk. This will change the flavor of the oats, so experiment until you find a combination you like.
• Add spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and gingerbread spice can all be added to the oats for extra flavor. Start with a little bit and then add more to taste.
• Make it sweeter: If the oats aren’t sweet enough, use a sweetener like maple syrup or chopped dates.

Did you try this recipe? Follow and tag me on Instagram @phxvegandietitain!