Endless Overnight Oats

The secret to living apple-y ever after is Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats. Actually, I don’t know the secret to happiness in this wild new world, but I’m doing my best to find the little joys in daily life. And while everyone else is wondering, what day is it? I’ve started to name my days by the flavors of overnight oats. What day is it? Oh, Apple Cinnamon day. When is that presentation due? Raspberry White Chocolate day. Can’t remember when you last washed your hair? Probably Carrot Cake day. Oh you heard that right. And maybe it’ll mean more hair washing because Carrot Cake Oats are oh so worth it. If you’re looking for a little pep in your step, read on for any endless array of overnight oats…and a few other ways I’m coping with keeping the days straight.

Having a case of the Mondays…every day? Same. But what’s been giving me a little thrill on the daily is concocting a new variety of oats to put a little pep in my step. I’m going on week 6 of working remotely. And while I went into this thinking I’d have sooooo much time to make a delicious, homemade breakfast every day…I was quickly jolted into the reality of working remote. The number of calls have amplified x10. And with everyone wanting to stay “connected”, those calls have turned into video conference calls. While I’ve gotten real comfortable doing no-makeup conference calls, I haven’t quite worked my way up to full-on cooking during said calls.

So, overnight oats it is! And the options truly are endless. The prep is legit 5 minutes and most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry or freezer. Let’s cover some of the basics.

What kind of oats should you use?

Old-fashioned oats are the Goldilocks of overnight oats – just right. Quick oats will do in a pinch, but you’ll likely want to scale a bit back on the liquid since they won’t soak up as much. Skip the steel-cut oats , which will be too firm. Instant oats (like those found in single serve packets), will become a mush.

When should you use fresh vs frozen fruit?

Either will work! What I love about frozen fruit, is that when warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds, they get really juice and add an abundance of flavor to the overnight oats mixture. I personally prefer to reserve fresh fruit as a topping the next morning.

What else can you add to overnight oats?

Nuts, seeds and shredded coconut are all fair game to add some texture, but should be used as toppers only – they’ll get mushy if added the night before. For added health benefits, protein powder is great for a boost of protein (obviously), ground flax or chia seeds for omega-3’s and fiber, or adaptogens like maca root powder for managing stressors. These ingredients should all be added the night before so they have ample time to soak into the liquid.

How long do overnight oats last?

Technically, they’ll be good in the fridge for up to 5 days, but I find that they’re best in the first 2-3 days as they’ll continue to soften.

Ready to become a master of overnight oats? Let’s get mixing!

Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats
Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients:
Overnight Oats
– 1 C old-fashioned oats
– 1 T chia seeds
– 1 T maple syrup
– 1 1/4 C milk of choice
– 3/4 tsp cinnamon
Cinnamon Apples
– 1 large apple, peeled, cored and diced
– 1/4 tsp cinnamon
– 2 T coconut sugar
– Butter or ghee for sauteeing
Optional Toppings:
-Nut butter of choice
-Pecans

Directions:
Step 1: Make the cinnamon apples by placing the apples, cinnamon and coconut sugar in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal and shake to coat the apples. Heat a saute pan to medium heat and add a tablespoon of ghee or butter. Once melted, add the apples and stir to coat. Cover and continue to saute, stirring every once in a while until soft and easily pierced with a fork – about 5-7 minutes. If pan becomes too dry, add some water. Turn off the heat and allow to cool.
Step 2: Add the overnight oats ingredients to a quart-sized mason. Cover and shake to mix together. Add 1/2 of the cinnamon apples and shake to combine. Place in the fridge overnight. Store the remaining apples in a separate container to top the overnight oats the next morning.

Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients:
– 1 C old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 C Greek yogurt
– 3/4 C milk of choice
– 1/2 C blueberries (frozen recommended)*
– 1 T chia seeds
– 1 T maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
Optional Toppings:
-Chopped pistachios
-Additional blueberries

Directions: Add all of the ingredients (with the exception of optional toppings) to a quart-sized mason jar. Cover and shake to mix. Place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, split between two bowls and top as you’d like with additional blueberries and pistachios.

*Tip: Place the frozen berries in the microwave for 30 seconds so they become extra juicy.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients:
– 1 C old-fashioned oats
– 1 1/2 C milk of choice
– 1 T chia seeds
– 1/2 C shredded carrots
– 3 T raisins
– 2 T maple syrup
– 3/4 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp allspice
Optional Toppings:
– Pecans or walnuts
– Additional raisins

Directions: Place all of the ingredients (with the exception of the optional toppings) in a mason jar. Seal and shake to mix. Place in the fridge overnight. Split between two serving dishes in the morning and top with optional nuts or additional raisins.

Raspberry White Chocolate Overnight Oats
Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients:
– 1 C old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 C Greek yogurt
– 3/4 C milk of choice
– 1/2 C raspberries (frozen recommended)*
– 1 T chia seeds
– 1 T maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
Toppings:
-White chocolate chips
-Fresh raspberries

Directions: Add all of the ingredients (with the exception of optional toppings) to a quart-sized mason jar. Cover and shake to mix. Place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, split between two bowls and top as you’d like with white chocolate chips and additional raspberries.

*Tip: Place the frozen berries in the microwave for 30 seconds so they become extra juicy.

Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients:
– 1 C old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 C strawberry yogurt (I used Cocojune strawberry rhubarb coconut yogurt)
– 3/4 C milk of choice
– 1/2 C strawberries (frozen recommended)*
– 1 T chia seeds
– 1 T maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
Optional toppings:
-Granola crumbles
-Fresh strawberries
-Chopped pecans

Directions: Add all of the ingredients (with the exception of optional toppings) to a quart-sized mason jar. Cover and shake to mix. Place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, split between two bowls and top as you’d like with white chocolate chips and additional raspberries.

*Tip: Place the frozen berries in the microwave for 30 seconds so they become extra juicy.

Mocha Overnight Protein Oats
Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients:
-1 C old-fashioned oats
-2 T chia seeds
-1 scoop chocolate protein powder
-1/2 C chocolate almond milk
-6 T of cold brew or strong coffee
Optional topping:
– Chocolate chips

Directions: Add all of the ingredients to a mason jar, stir to combine, refrigerate overnight and enjoy in the morning! Option to top with chocolate chips.