Creamy vanilla overnight oats are vegan, gluten-free and a healthy meal prep breakfast idea! Made with plant-based ingredients, this simple and nourishing recipe is a flavorful way to start your day.
If you are looking for a quick and easy breakfast, these vanilla overnight oats come together will minimal effort the night before and are ready in the morning! They are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and a life saver on busy mornings.
I make this version of vanilla oats often in rotation with my favorite creamy orange creamsicle overnight oats! They are both a nutritious, hearty and a great way to start the day.
Plus, I love how easily you can customize overnight oats. Top them with berries like pictured or use chocolate chips with some nuts. Add-in protein powder, dried fruit or nut butter and you will be making these creamy oats over and over again.
Vanilla Overnight Oats Ingredients
Simple ingredients are all you need to make these vegan vanilla overnight oats! You may already have all the ingredients on hand.
- Oats: You will need rolled oats for this recipe. Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed. Do not use quick oats, instant oat or steel cut oats.
- Milk: I recommend unsweetened vanilla soy milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can use any milk you like including regular milk or dairy free milk.
- Maple syrup: I chose to sweeten the oats with maple syrup, but you can use honey, agave nectar, coconut sugar or whatever sweetened you prefer.
- Fruits: One banana, fresh blueberries and fresh strawberries can be layered into your jar before serving or use them to top the oats.
How to Make Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Place your old fashioned rolled oats in a bowl and pour your soy milk over it to combine. Add your maple syrup and stir to combine.
- Place a lid over the container and store in the fridge overnight.
- Spoon your oats into half pint mason jars or a bowl and add desired fruits.
- Serve your vegan vanilla overnight oats and enjoy!
Tips
- Meal prep: Use half pint mason jars to make and store your overnight oats. It works great for busy mornings.
- Fruit toppings: Your fruits are best added right before serving otherwise they will release more moisture than needed and you will have soggy overnight oats.
- Double or triple the recipe: If you are feeding al ot of hungry bellies!
- Salt: Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of the oats.
Add-Ins and Topping Ideas
Overnight oats are so versatile and customizable, that is probably the best part of making them! Try some of these add-ins and boosters to enjoy with your creamy breakfast.
- Top with other fruits such as raspberries, peaches, mango or cherries.
- Protein powder is a great way to boost the protein, try adding your favorite while making the oats!
- Warm spices like cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg could be added in or sprinkled on top.
- Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate bar could be added before serving.
- Stir in some nut butter for delicious taste and protein!
- Chia seeds will add a boost of Omega’3s and could be added when making the oats.
- Dried fruits like chopped dates, raisins or cranberries could be added to the oats while they rest in the fridge as they will plump up for a really great texture.
- Shredded coconut, granola or nuts and seeds will add crunch when added right before serving.
Storage
Tightly sealed they can be stored in the refrigerator up to 5 days. They are best the first day, but will still be delicious on day 4 or 5.
FAQs
Sure! Adding a scoop of protein powder will make these a high protein overnight oats recipe. You can use your favorite unflavored protein powder or any fun flavor you like!
Yes! Oats for high fiber which is great for digestion and will help keep you full longer. The soaking process also helps bread down the starches which can help your body absorb the nutrients more efficiently.
Yes! Follow the recipe as is and before you top them with the fruit, warm up on the stove or in the microwave until desired temperature is reached. You may need to add more milk to obtain a creamy consistency after warming up the oats as they will thicken.
Yes! Reduce the added milk slightly and add your preferred dairy free yogurt. Try vanilla yogurt for an even more rich vanilla overnight oats flavor.
More Vegan Breakfast Recipes
- Peach Crumble Breakfast Slices
- No Bake Apple Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Banana Oat On the Go Breakfast Bars
- Vegan Gluten Free Breakfast Recipes
Vegan Vanilla Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats , gluten-free if needed
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla soy milk
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup strawberries
Instructions
- In a container add the oats and soy milk. Mix well and close with a lid.
- Rest in the fridge overnight.
- Divide oats into 2 jars and layer with toppings.
Optional toppings: Chopped nuts or seeds, seed or nut butter, flaked coconut
Notes
- Optionally mix your ingredients together and pour into jars before refrigerating.
- Add up to 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for more vanilla flavor.
- Add up to 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Store up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy cold or heat in the microwave until warmed to desired temperature.
