Five Ways to Enjoy Delicious Overnight Oats

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.

John Gunther

I like to be organised in the mornings! And anything that now Melissa does to help out future Melissa is very much appreciated.

So today, I’m sharing my top five overnight oats recipes with you that can prepare quickly so you have a delicious breakfast to wake up to.

I love my breakfast smoothies, but I sometimes feel like something more substantial, yet just as healthy.

As the weather cools, there’s something very comforting about a warm, hearty breakfast! These overnight oats use ingredients I already have on hand and can be eaten cold from the fridge, or warmed in the microwave.

Oats are humble, ancient grain and are the original “superfood”. Oats dietary benefits have been extensively researched. Oats are rich in anti-oxidants, are an excellent source of fibre and can improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

I use Bell preserving jars for preparing my overnight oats. They are the perfect portion size and can travel from fridge to microwave without worry.

Overnight oats are an amazing breakfast, not just because they are healthy, convenient and easy to prepare. I love them because they are so pretty! It’s like I’m eating a dessert parfait for breakfast.

The following recipes are whole food, vegan and gluten-free. I have used whole rolled oats in the recipes but you can use cooked quinoa or even cooked brown rice in these recipes if you prefer.

Cherry, Chia and Rose

Cherries are one of my favourite fruit, but they have a short fresh season here. I keep a stash of frozen cherries in my freezer at all times. Chia seeds are great for upping your fibre, and they pack a lot of nutrients into a small serving!

Pistachos are not only delicious, but they are also nutrient dense.

You will need

• 1/2 cup of whole pitted cherries (I use frozen)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds1/4 to 1/2 cup of whole rolled oats (not instant)
• 200ml of Whole Nut Milk
• 1 teaspoon of rosewater
• 1 tablespoon pistachio nuts

Preparation

1. Place your cherries in the jar and top with your chia seeds.
2. Pour your oats over the top.
3. Blend the rosewater with the whole nut milk and pour into the jar.
4. Put on the lid and place in the fridge at least overnight.

To serve

I like this one warmed in the microwave and topped with pistachio nuts.

It is also delicious topped with coconut yogurt and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

Carob, Date and Peanut Butter

Carob has been unfairly regarded as chocolate’s sad substitute, but it is beautiful in its own right! I buy the raw carob powder, but it is also available in roasted. Carob powder has many health benefits. Carob powder is sweet, like a cross between chocolate and a date.

You will need

• 1 tablespoon raw carob powder
• 1 teaspoon of date syrup or 1 whole date, chopped finely
• 1 teaspoon smooth roasted peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of whole rolled oats (not instant)
• 200ml of Whole Nut Milk
• Sliced banana and crushed peanuts, to serve

Preparation

1. Place your oats in the jar.
2. Add the date syrup or dates and peanut butter.
3. Pour the whole nut milk into the jar.
4. Put on the lid and place in the fridge at least overnight.

To serve

These overnights oats are the best warmed, with sliced fresh banana, sprinkled with crushed peanuts.

Pumpkin Maple Spice

These overnight oats are inspired by pumpkin pie! You can eat these overnight oats directly from the jar, digging down to get the pumpkin layer, or put them in a bowl and swirl through the pumpkin puree.

You will need

• 1/2 cup of cooked pureed pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of allspice
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Pinch of dried ginger
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of whole rolled oats (not instant)
• 200ml of Whole Nut Milk
• 1 tablespoon of shelled pumpkin seeds, to serve.

Preparation

1. Mix your pumpkin puree with maple syrup and put in the bottom of your jar.
2. Add the whole rolled oats on top of your pumpkin layer.
3. Add the spices.
4. Pour the whole nut milk into the jar.
5. Put on the lid and place in the fridge at least overnight.

To serve

Again, I love these oats warmed, topped with whole pumpkin seeds for a tasty crunch.

Apple, Raspberry & Hazelnut

This recipe is reminicient of traditional bircher musli, which also has grated apple in the recipe.

You will need

• 1 apple, grated. I used Granny Smith.
• 1/4 cup of raspberries, I used frozen
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of whole rolled oats (not instant)
• 200ml of Whole Nut Milk
• Coconut yoghurt and chopped hazelnuts to serve.

Preparation

1. Combine your grated apple, rasperries, cinnamon and oats in a bowl and stir until all incorporated. Put the mix in your jar.
2. Pour the whole nut milk into the jar.
3. Put on the lid and place in the fridge at least overnight.

To serve

I like these oats cold, with a little coconut yoghurt, topped with hazelnuts and the smallest drizzle of honey or maple syrup if I feel like some sweetness. If it is fresh raspberry season, a good handful on top would be extra decadent!

Blueberry, Hemp & Honey

It is blueberry season at the moment in my area and while I love fresh, I use the frozen blueberries in this recipe. I buy my hemp seeds at my local supermarket. Hemp seeds have a rich nutritional profile with a range of health benefits.

You will need

• 1/2 cup of blueberries
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of whole rolled oats (not instant)
• 200ml of Whole Nut Milk
• Hemp seeds, coconut yogurt and fresh blueberries to serve.

Preparation

1. Mix together your oats, blueberries, honey and cinnamon, put in the jar.
2. Pour the whole nut milk into the jar.
3. Put on the lid and place in the fridge at least overnight.

To serve

I like these oats warm, with a nice cold dollop of coconut yoghurt, a tablespoon of toasted hemp seeds and extra fresh blueberries to serve.

Which recipe will you try first? These are so easy to prepare and stash in the fridge! You can have these overnight oats for breakfast, but they also make a great after-school snack.

Do you have a favourite flavour combination of your own? Please share it in our comments!