overnight oats

Simple Overnight Oats

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

These super simple overnight oats continue to be my go to midnight snack, even after I’ve completed my elimination diet. I make up enough servings for my work week and simply pull one out of the fridge right when I get home every night. It’s an easy to make and easy to digest snack that feels as filling as a meal with only half the calories! 

I like the taste the coconut milk brings to this snack or breakfast but if you prefer a different milk you may use any that fits within your diet parameters. At the beginning of my elimination diet coconut, oat, and rice milk were my only options. Coconut is the cheapest and most flavorful I’ve found so that feels like a win to me. Also I have some kind of mental block about using oat milk for oatmeal, it seems oddly incestuous. If you do use a less flavorful milk try adding a tiny splash of vanilla extract to the oats to boost it up. 

You can also add sugar, of course. Brown sugar is an oatmeal staple but maple syrup is also delightful. Pick any sweetener that you can use and like and you’ll be surprised at how little you need to add to a single serving.

After you’ve completed more phases of your elimination diet you might decide to add more to these oats. Sliced almonds are a favorite of mine but feel free to get creative! My husband throws trail mix into his oats and the melted chocolate always smells really good. I love using the sweetened shredded coconut because I feel it adds enough sweetness that I don’t need to add any pure sugar like maple syrup or honey. If it’s not sweet enough for you, add up to a tbsp of your sugar of choice but keep in mind that it will boost the calorie count significantly. 

Also check out this chocolatey version of hot oats

Overnight Oats FAQ

Can overnight oats go bad?

Yes! I would not recommend making overnight oats for more than 5 days in advance. Just as with most leftovers, a week is going to be your max for keeping it in the fridge. I typically make 4 servings at the beginning of my four day work week and have one each night. For every day the oats are left in the fridge the more liquid will be absorbed and the texture will become pastier.

Can overnight oats be made with quick oats?

Yes! However, this will change the texture. Rolled oats will take longer to absorb your milk of choice and will maintain their texture for longer. Quick oats are rolled oats that have been slightly ground so that they have more surface area. This means they will absorb liquid much faster and therefore become more pasty than rolled oats as overnight oats. It really comes down to preference.

Are overnight oats healthy?

Yes. Overnight oats are a good source of soluble fiber which can reduce cholesterol levels as well as other nutrients such as manganese. Oats are filling but low calorie and can help you feel full on a diet. Overnight oats have the same benefits as hot oats.

Can you make overnight oats with steel cut oats?

Overnight oats is ideal for steel cut oats, it’s an easy way to ensure they get to the desired texture without the effort of soaking and then cooking.

Can you heat up overnight oats?

Sure! Use a microwave safe dish and warm them up straight from the fridge. Keep in mind the overnight oats will already be soft, play with the timing to figure out the best texture for your preference.

Ingredients for One Serving

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup berries, mango, sliced peaches, whatever fruit you like
  • 2 tbsp sweetened shredded coconut
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • pinch salt

Instructions

  1. add all ingredients to a sealable single serving container
  2. sit in fridge overnight (at least 4 hours)
  3. enjoy cold
overnight oats

Simple Overnight Oats

Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

½ cup rolled oats

    3/4 cup coconut milk

      ½ cup berries, mango, sliced peaches, whatever fruit you like

        2 tbsp sweetened shredded coconut

          ¼ tsp cinnamon

            pinch salt

              Instructions
               

              add all ingredients to a sealable single serving container

                sit in fridge overnight

                  enjoy cold

                    Keyword gluten free, nut free, soy free recipes

                    Try these cheap and easy sealable containers, perfect for single servings!

                    affiliate link

                    rate this recipe!

                    Try this recipe? What did you think?