Overnight oats with coconut milk have a special place on our breakfast table. They're not just creamy and satisfying; they also simplify our busy mornings. When we talk about easy nutrition, we mean recipes like this one. It embodies everything we adore about food that’s deliciously good for us and simple to prepare.
It's crucial to know what goes into your body first thing in the morning. That's where our expertise in holistic nutrition shines. We bring the same level of care and attention to this recipe as we do to our chia seed pudding, millet porridge, and even our savory keto egg bites or keto breakfast casserole. This overnight oats recipe is by far the quickest to whip up with simple ingredients!
We carefully select sprouted organic oats and add chia seeds, a true superfood. Then, we sweeten naturally with maple syrup and add the richness of coconut milk and a dash of vanilla extract. Mix them, and let the fridge do the work. Truly the easiest meal prep.
Choosing the right food is about more than just taste. It's about starting the day with high-vibration, feel-good energy. We like to set our intentions with each meal, focusing on gratitude and well-being.
If you’re new to the idea of eating with intention, we’ve got plenty of resources, including a free guide to setting intentions that could transform your mealtime rituals.
So, for a healthy make-ahead breakfast that keeps giving back, our overnight oats recipe is a fantastic choice. Whether you warm it up or enjoy it as a chilled, grab-and-go option, it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your morning!
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Ingredients
Rolled Oats: Opt for organic rolled oats to avoid glyphosate, a common concern with conventional oats. We trust and use the One Degree brand for their sprouted rolled oats, which enhance digestibility and nutrient absorption and studies show sprouted oats have higher levels of nutrients.
Chia Seeds: A superfood staple, chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. They expand to create that signature overnight oats texture and are essential for a hearty, nutritious start.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A dash enhances the oats' great flavor. Make sure you are getting pure vanilla and not flavored artificial vanillin.
Pure Maple Syrup: Choose 100% pure maple syrup for natural sweetness without artificial additives.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to elevate the oats' flavors. Sea Salt is the best choice because it delivers trace minerals instead of the highly processed alternative table salt.
Coconut Milk (Organic): Whether you choose light coconut milk for a thinner consistency or full-fat coconut milk for a creamier texture, organic is best.
Coconut Shreds: Add texture and a tropical twist with organic coconut shreds. They're not only tasty but also a fantastic source of healthy fats and fiber.
Fresh Berries: Organic Berries are a nutrient powerhouse and the ideal fresh topping. They add a burst of antioxidants, vitamins, and vibrant color to your healthy breakfast.
Note: In choosing between quick oats, rolled oats, and steel-cut oats, rolled oats are preferred for overnight oats for their texture and nutrient profile.
Quick oats often result in a mushier texture and lack the same nutritional integrity, while steel-cut oats are too hard for this preparation. Stick with rolled oats for that perfect scoop and fullness.
Instructions
Blending the Base: Grab a jar or a roomy bowl and begin to mix oats with a good stir, combining them with chia seeds and organic coconut milk. Add a dollop of maple syrup for a little sweetener, a splash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Time to Cool: Tightly seal your blend and let it rest in the fridge. Overnight, or for at least six hours, is ideal for the oats and chia to swell, absorbing the moisture and transforming into a thick, spoonable delight.
Wake Up and Stir: Greet the morning with a good stir to your oats concoction, checking for that lush, creamy consistency we aim for. If it's a bit stiff, a modest pour of coconut milk can soften it to your preference.
Serve and Savor: Distribute your ready-to-enjoy mixture into small serving bowls or simply enjoy from your mason jar! Garnish each with a generous helping of fresh berries and a scattering of coconut shreds. Now, you're all set to indulge in a healthy, delicious breakfast.
Hint: Remember, for those who enjoy their breakfast on the warmer side, a quick heat on the stove before adding your berries and coconut can be a nice change. This step is as simple as the rest, ensuring your oats are just as delightful warm as they are cool.
Substitutions and Variations
Warming Up: For those chilly mornings, or if you don't prefer cold oatmeal, feel free to gently warm your overnight oats on the stove. Just remember to add your toppings after heating for the best taste and texture.
Switch Up Your Toppings: Beyond berries, try out your favorite fruits. Think fresh mango, apple slices, or even cocoa powder or cacao nibs for a chocolaty crunch.
Sweetener Swaps: If maple syrup isn't your go-to, try agave syrup raw honey, or your sweetener of choice for a new twist. Each offers different results in sweetness and flavor. For lower sugar content, consider pure monk fruit. (Check out our keto sweeteners guide.)
No Chia? No Problem: While chia seeds add a unique texture, you can skip them. Or, stir in flax or hemp seeds as an alternative.
Beyond Oats: Not a fan of oats or just want to mix things up? Create a base with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, or use almond butter or peanut butter for a nutty richness.
Milk Magic: Swap out coconut milk for almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, raw milk, or any milk you prefer. Full fat coconut milk amplifies the coconut flavor, while coconut water can lighten things up.
Mix in More Creaminess: Try coconut cream instead of milk for a creamier texture. Add a spoonful of cashew butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt to make your oats even creamier. The extra protein or probiotics is a bonus!
Experiment with different sweeteners or a variety of toppings. Enjoy crafting your signature bowl!
Storage
When it comes to storing your overnight oats, making multiple servings is a breeze for the week ahead. Start by preparing your oats mixture in a large bowl, after scaling the recipe to the amount desired.
Once you've combined all your ingredients with a final good stir, you're ready to think about storage.
For individual servings, divide mixture into 1-cup mason jars. These are not only perfect portions but also make your breakfast quick to grab and go. Plus, they're an excellent airtight container option, keeping your oats fresh.
If you prefer to keep it all together, simply cover the large bowl with plastic wrap or an eco-friendly beeswax wrap. This method is just as effective and keeps your oats sealed and safe in the fridge.
When it's time to serve, you can scoop out just what you need, whether it's for a solo breakfast or you're setting up a morning feast for the family. Your overnight oats will stay delicious in the fridge, waiting for you to enjoy day after day.
Top tip
In the morning, always give your overnight oats a taste test before serving. This is the perfect time to adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a touch more flavor, drizzle in some extra maple syrup or sprinkle a bit more vanilla extract. Tailor it to your taste buds for the ultimate breakfast experience!
FAQ
The secret to perfect overnight oats lies in the ratio of liquid to oats, which ensures a creamy, delightful texture by morning. Using a 1:1 ratio of oats to your liquid of choice, like creamy coconut milk, typically yields the best results. Another tip is to add a mix of textures and flavors through toppings and mix-ins, allowing you to customize your breakfast to suit your taste preferences every time.
It's best to avoid adding fresh fruit directly into the oats before refrigeration, as some can become too soggy or alter the flavor in an undesirable way. Instead, add these elements in the morning, right before eating. Ingredients that lose texture or flavor overnight, like crunchy granola or delicate berries, should also be saved until serving time.
A few reasons could cause overnight oats not to work as expected. The most common issue is an incorrect liquid-to-oats ratio, which can result in oats that are too dry or overly soggy. Using the wrong type of oats can also affect the outcome; old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal because they absorb liquid well and soften nicely without disintegrating. Lastly, not giving the oats enough time to soak can also prevent them from reaching the desired creamy texture.
Overnight oats can be a healthy addition to many diets, offering a good balance of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, especially when combined with nutritious toppings. The key is choosing high-quality ingredients. Opting for organic oats is crucial, as conventional oats may contain residues of glyphosate, a concern due to many recent revelations about the dangers of glysophate.
While overnight oats can fit into a variety of dietary needs, they may not suit everyone, especially those on medically restrictive diets. It's essential to consult with your doctor to ensure they align with your unique medical needs and dietary restrictions.
Listening to your body and adjusting ingredients based on your health goals is a great way to personalize overnight oats for optimal benefits.
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Recipe
Easy Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk and Chia Seeds
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl or jar
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spoon for mixing
- 1-cup mason jars or small serving bowls for dividing
- Plastic wrap or beeswax wrap to cover
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats organic, sprouted preferred
- 1.5 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1.5 tablespoon maple syrup or adjust to taste
- pinch sea salt
Toppings:
- ¼ cup Blackberries
- ¼ cup Raspberries
- 1 tsps Coconut Shreds
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large jar or mixing bowl, stir the rolled oats, chia seeds, creamy coconut milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until they are fully mixed and the oats are submerged.
- Chill: Seal the bowl with a tight lid or wrap and let the mixture rest in the fridge overnight, or for a minimum of 6 hours. This allows the mixture to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Morning Prep: Give your oats a good stir to check the consistency the next morning. If it's too thick, a little more coconut milk can create the creaminess you desire.
- Top Oats & Enjoy: Dish out the oats into jars or bowls and top with blackberries, raspberries, and coconut shreds. Seal jars if you're on the go, or dive in if you're ready to eat.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
I'm a huge fan of overnight oats. The no-cook method, utilizing old-fashioned oats, becomes a go-to base recipe that invites endless experimentation. It’s incredibly easy to play with flavor combinations, integrating various superfoods each time to not only delight your taste buds but also enhance your health.
We love seeing how you make these recipes your own! Don’t hesitate to comment with your questions and variations; tag us on social media (@mindfullyhealthymama on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, @mindfullyhealthyliving on Facebook, and @mindfullywell1 on Pinterest), and share your culinary creations. Your feedback and photos inspire us and our community to keep exploring healthy and delicious possibilities.
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Be well,
Natalie
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