Overnight oats with coconut milk are creamy and satisfying. They simplify busy mornings with convenience and nutrition. When we talk about easy nutrition, we mean recipes like this one. This healthy make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings. Just top it with your favorite berries, nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes for a deliciously easy on-the-go breakfast.
It's crucial to know what goes into your body first thing in the morning. Choosing the right ingredients makes a world of difference.
If you love easy superfood breakfast dishes, check out the chia seed pudding, instant pot millet porridge, or Nekter Acai Peanut Butter Bowl. This overnight oats recipe is by far the quickest to whip up with simple ingredients! The easiest meal prep! Just whisk together and pop it in the fridge!
Before getting started, I always recommend setting some intentions. If you’re new to the idea, check out my free guide to setting intentions.
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Ingredients
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.
In choosing between quick oats, rolled oats, and steel-cut oats, I prefer the rolled oats for 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.
Chia Seeds: A superfood staple, chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. They expand with the oats to create a nice overnight oats texture and add amazing nutrition.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 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: For a thicker texture full fat coconut milk in a can works well. For thinner texture, use coconut milk in a carton. As always, organic is best.
Check out our article comparing coconut milk in a can vs carton.
Coconut Shreds: Add texture and a coconut flavor with organic coconut shreds. They're also a fantastic source of healthy fats and fiber.
Fresh Berries: Organic Berries are a nutrient powerhouse. They add a burst of antioxidants, vitamins, and vibrant color to your healthy breakfast.
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 fave, try agave syrup or raw honey. 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. Check out our guide: chia vs flax vs hemp seeds.
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!
How to Make Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk
Step 1: Grab a jar or bowl and mix oats with chia seeds and coconut milk. Add a dollop of maple syrup for a little sweetener, a splash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir.
Step 2: Tightly seal your blend and let it rest in the fridge. Overnight, or for at least six hours is ideal.
Step 3: In the morning give it a good stir, checking for a nice creamy consistency. If it's a bit sticky, add a splash of coconut milk to soften it.
Step 4: Distribute your ready-to-enjoy mixture into small serving bowls or simply enjoy from your mason jar! Garnish each with fresh berries and coconut shreds.
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.
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!
Recipe FAQ's
The secret to perfect overnight oats lies in the ratio of liquid to oats. This ensures a creamy, delightful texture by morning. Using a 1:1 ratio of oats to your liquid of choice 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 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.
More Breakfast Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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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 combined.
- 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.
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