Make breakfast for the week in about 5 minutes with this Vanilla Overnight Oats recipe. It’s creamy, simple, and made with everyday ingredients – rolled oats, almond milk, vanilla yogurt, chia seeds, and real vanilla extract.
This healthy vanilla overnight oats recipe is filled with whole grains, fiber, healthy fats, and protein, and it’s incredibly affordable – each jar costs about $0.50 to make. Enjoy it as-is with a drizzle of maple syrup, or use it as a base to add protein powder, superfoods, fruit, nuts, or coconut. It’s the kind of breakfast that’s easy to prep, easy to love, and easy to customize.
Quick Look at This Recipe
- Prep Time: Less than 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 5 minutes (+ overnight soak)
- Servings: 1 (easy to scale)
- Method: No-cook
- Flavor & Texture: Creamy, lightly sweet, classic vanilla
Cheap, Easy & Healthy!
I make a lot of overnight oats recipes – many inspired by dessert flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats, Almond Joy Overnight Oats, and Brownie Batter Overnight Oats. But when I want something simple, reliable, and done in minutes, I always come back to this vanilla overnight oats recipe.
This is the recipe I make when I want breakfast handled for the week without thinking too hard. It uses basic pantry ingredients, comes together in under five minutes, and costs next to nothing to make. I’ll usually prep a few jars on Sunday and then switch up the toppings during the week so breakfast never feels boring.
It’s also a great option if you’re trying to use overnight oats to eat healthier without overcomplicating things. Each jar is filled with whole grains, fiber, and protein that actually keep you full. You can keep it simple with maple syrup, or build it up with fruit, nuts, nut butter, or protein powder depending on what you’re craving that day.
If you’re looking for a no-fail, flexible breakfast you can make on autopilot — this one’s it.
Enjoy,
Ingredients
You’ll find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below. These notes will help you get the best results.
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) work best for overnight oats. They soften perfectly without turning mushy. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but if that matters for you, choose certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination.
- Almond milk keeps this recipe light and dairy-free, but any non-dairy or dairy milk works.
- Vanilla yogurt makes these overnight oats extra creamy and boosts protein. I love using Siggi’s vanilla yogurt because it’s lower in sugar and higher in protein than many brands. You can also use plain yogurt to reduce sugar even more.
- Chia seeds add fiber, protein, omega-3s, and help create that thick, pudding-like texture.
- Pure vanilla extract adds a little extra vanilla — just ¼ teaspoon makes a big difference.
How to Make Vanilla Overnight Oats (step-by-step)
Step 1. Add the rolled oats, almond milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and vanilla extract to a mason jar or glass container.
Step 2: Stir well until the oats are fully covered in liquid.
Step 3: Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight.
Step 4: In the morning, take off the lid (he oats will be thick, that’s normal) stir in maple syrup or your preferred sweetener.
Step 5: Add a splash of milk if needed, until you get the consistency you like.
Step 6: Add toppings and enjoy straight from the jar or in a bowl.
Want to create your own flavors? Check out my How to Make Overnight Oats tutorial to learn the simple formula.
Make-ahead Tips
For the week: Overnight oats are a natural meal prep breakfast. Prep jars the night before or make 3–5 jars on Sunday. In the morning, add sweetener, adjust the liquid if needed, and enjoy.
For the freezer: To freeze overnight oats, combine all ingredients except the milk in jars or freezer-safe bags and freeze. When ready to eat, add milk and refrigerate overnight. This is one of my favorite ways to stay stocked with easy breakfasts.
Other Overnight Oats Recipes
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Raspberry Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Overnight Oats
- Cherry Overnight Oats
- Overnight Oats with PB2
- Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
- Banana Overnight Oats
See all of my healthy oatmeal recipe.
Vanilla Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 1 16-ounce mason jar or airtight containers
- 1 mason jar lid
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk can use coconut milk or dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1/4 cup sigi's vanilla yogur or any greek yogurt.
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Place Into a 16-ounce mason jar, or another glass container, the rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and pure vanilla extract.
- Stir ingredients together until combined and the oats are completely covered in liquid.
- Tightly place the lid on and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 5 hours.
- Remove the lid and stir in 1-2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup. If the oats are a little on the thick side then stir in a splash or 2 of additional milk.
- Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Notes
Favorite overnight oats toppings
Fresh fruit – Bananas, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are delicious in this vanilla overnight oats recipe. Chopped apples, peaches, kiwi, and just about any fruit will be tasty. Dried fruit – cranberries, cherries, blueberries, and other dried fruits add another layer of texture and flavor. Nuts – Pecans, almonds, and cashews give this recipe a nice crunch and flavor. Nut butter – Stir in some peanut butter, almond, cashew, or any nut butter for added protein and flavor. Shredded coconut – Sprinkle on top or stir in shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you tried these Vanilla Overnight Oats, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating — it helps other readers find the recipe and supports me in creating more simple, healthy breakfasts for you.
Yolande says
Can you use steel cut oats?
Tammy Overhoff says
Unfortunately, I don’t recommend steel cut oats for this recipe. They won’t process and end up crunchy.
Pamela Anderson says
No salt?? My grandmother taught me that oatmeal always need a pinch of salt and I have to agree. When I’ve forgotten to add it to my oatmeal (overnight oats or just regular cooked oatmeal), they just aren’t quite the same. 😉
Barbara J. says
Started using your recipe a while ago right down to the mason jars and the plastic lids. You got me started with overnight oats and this my favorite – just the basics without any add-ins even!
Tammy Kresge says
Hi Barbara! I love this recipe too. It’s nice to have a basic recipe so you can just throw in an extras, if you want, or just eat it plain.
Ellen Bordman says
17g of protein! Sign me up!
Janel L Butcher says
Simple and delish!
Tammy Kresge says
Thanks so much for your feedback! This is one of my favorites too!