Overnight protein oats are a convenient and easy breakfast option with limitless variations. They are perfect for mornings when you need a quick grab-and-go breakfast that involves no cooking.
This overnight protein oats recipe includes protein powder which packs an additional health punch. I make a couple jars of overnight oats once a week and stick them in the fridge so that I have a nutritional meal ready to go when I don’t have time to cook breakfast. My kids also love these overnight oats for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients: Overnight Protein Oats
Diced fruit: This will be the heart of your flavor. Not only that, but the fruit offers vitamin, nutrients, and sweetness. Choose your favorite fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, etc. that will give you a unique flavor.
Old fashioned rolled oats: I do not recommend using quick cooking oats. They are of poor quality nutritionally and will get mushy. Old fashioned oats are less processed and will hold their texture better.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds add a boost of protein and fiber and will amplify the texture. Use a little for a looser texture or more for a thicker texture.
Protein powder: I use a vanilla flavor for its versatility with all types of fruit flavors and added sweetness.
Milk: Any kind of milk will do. You need liquid for the oats and chia seeds to soak up. Use diary or non-dairy such as almond milk. Use less milk if you prefer a thicker texture or more for a thinner texture.
Note: If you decide to exclude the protein powder, you may need to add another form of sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. The amount of sweetener you use should be suited to your taste.
I used homemade canned cinnamon apples for my fruit
Instructions: Overnight Protein Oats
Combine ingredients: Add all ingredients in a mason jar, bowl, or other suitable container. If using a mason jar or another container with a lid, cover and shake until thoroughly combined. If using a bowl, stir with a spoon and cover with plastic wrap.
Chill: Place in the refrigerator and chill overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Serve: When ready to eat, give the overnight oats a quick shake or stir. You can also add a splash of milk if you need to adjust the thickness. Enjoy it cold or warm up in the microwave if preferred. Add additional toppings such as nuts for crunchier texture.
Variations: Overnight Protein Oats
Apple cinnamon: This is my personal favorite combination. I use apples from a local orchard that I canned in the fall. Check out my canned cinnamon apples recipe. You can also use fresh diced apples with 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon. Add chopped pecans for an added crunch.
Blueberry lemon: Use blueberries as your fruit and add 1 tsp of lemon zest.
Chocolate banana: Dice half a banana and add 1 tbsp of chocolate chips.
Add yogurt: For a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup of your preferred yogurt (plain or flavored).
Other add-ins: Top with nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pecans), seeds (like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds), or dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries).
1/4cupvanilla flavored protein powderor other flavor
1/2cupmilk(dairy or non-dairy, such as almond milk)
Instructions
Dice fruit: Dice your chosen fruit to the desired size (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size)
Combine ingredients:Â Add all ingredients in a mason jar, bowl, or other suitable container. If using a mason jar or another container with a lid, cover and shake until thoroughly combined. If using a bowl, stir with a spoon and cover with plastic wrap.
Chill:Â Place in the refrigerator and chill overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Serve:Â When ready to eat, give the overnight oats a quick shake or stir. You can also add a splash of milk if you need to adjust the thickness. Enjoy it cold or warm up in the microwave if preferred. Add additional toppings such as nuts for crunchier texture.
Notes
If you decide to exclude the protein powder, you may need to add another form of sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. The amount of sweetener you use should be suited to your taste.Variations:
