Grain-Free Overnight “Oats”
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Published Mar 01, 2018, Updated Jan 30, 2024
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A basic grain-free overnight “oats” recipe! This recipe replaces the oats with hemp seeds and chia seeds for a make-ahead breakfast that is paleo, vegan, grain-free and keto-friendly.
Overnight oats are all the rage, and for good reason. You can throw them together ahead of time and have a breakfast or snack ready to eat! But what if you don’t tolerate grains or you’re following a paleo, grain-free, keto or low-carb diet? I’ve got a solution for you. Hemp hearts!
Hemp has a mild, nutty flavor that doesn’t compete with other flavors, allowing the rest of the ingredients to shine! This is a basic recipe, but just like with overnight oats and chia pudding, the variations are endless. I’ll be sharing more of my favorite grain-free overnight “oat” combinations soon but in the meantime, get creative! I want to see what flavor combinations you come up with — be sure to tag me on social media!
What are Hemp Hearts?
Hemp hearts, also known as hemp seeds, are packed with so many awesome nutrients. Hemp is one of the best plant-based sources of protein — it’s a complete protein (meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids), it’s high in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s rich in magnesium, which is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies. It’s also high in iron, vitamin E and fiber. A true superfood!
Ingredients in Grain-Free Overnight “Oats”
- hemp hearts/seeds
- coconut flour
- vanilla protein powder – I use a plant-based vanilla protein powder that is sweetened with stevia. If your protein powder isn’t sweetened, you’ll likely want to add a little sweetener like maple syrup to your oats.
- chia seeds – these little seeds add a bit of fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids and they help absorb some of the liquid which gives the oats a thicker consistency.
- milk – I like using canned full-fat coconut milk to make the overnight “oats” extra thick, but any type of milk will work!
- cinnamon
- Toppings – feel free to get creative! Fresh berries, cacao nibs, coconut and/or almond butter are some of my favs.
How Long Do Overnight “Oats” Need to Soak?
Given the name, you’d assume overnight oats need to soak overnight, but you can actually make them in 2-4 hours if you’re in a rush. While it does take some time for the oats to absorb the liquid, they don’t necessarily have to be soaked overnight. I recommend at least 8 hours for true overnight oats, but there have been mornings where I decide I want overnight oats for breakfast even though I didn’t prep them the night before. When this happens I’ll make them the morning of and let the oats soak for just 2-4 hours. With this quick soak, they’re not as soft as overnight oats that have soaked longer and they’re a bit more liquidy, but they’re still delicious.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge overnight oats should last for up to 5 days. They will soften more the longer they sit so I find they’re best on days 1-3, but they’re still safe to eat on days 4 and 5. With this said, overnight oats are great for meal prep. Feel free to make a whole batch for the week on Sunday. I like prepping them in wide mouth 16 oz mason jars.
More Overnight Oats Recipes to Try:
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Bircher Muesli
- Protein Overnight Oats
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
More Grain-Free Recipes to Try:
Grain-free Overnight “Oats”
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons hemp hearts/seeds
- 1/2 Tablespoon coconut flour
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 2/3 cup non-dairy milk, I like almond milk or coconut milk
- sprinkle cinnamon
- Toppings: fresh berries, cacao nibs, coconut and/or almond butter
Instructions
- Combine: Add all ingredients except toppings to a mason jar. Stir until well combined. Top with a lid and place in the fridge overnight (or at least for a few hours) to thicken.
- Serve: Remove from fridge, add more milk if needed, stir and sprinkle on your toppings.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi Brittany! Thanks for the recipe. I am always after quick and make ahead grain free breakfast ideas. I was just wondering I never really use protein powder do you have any recommendations for what to buy or look for? (I am in Australia-if that helps or makes it difficult)
Thanks!
Will it hurt to omit protein powders if not is there an easy substitution you recommend. Thank you for sharing your website, Instagram, knowledge and recipes. It’s all very helpful, Best wishes
Hi I love this recepie but substitute the protein powder with cooked quinoa (which is a seed so also GF)
Hi! Was wondering why the coconut flour was used?
Thanks!
Hi Vanessa. Coconut flour helps to absorb the liquid.
Thank’s for grain free overnight recipe i will try this recipe
I don’t have coconut flour, can I use almond flour instead for this recipe?
Hi Erika! You can definitely try using almond flour instead of coconut flour, but you’ll likely need to increase the amount because coconut flour soaks up more liquid than almond flour. I’d start with 1 Tablespoon and then decide if you want to add more in the morning! 🙂 Let me know if you try the recipe.
How much is 2/3rds of a cup of almond milk in mils. Dont use cups in the UK!
Hi Deb! I just Googled it and it looks like 2/3 cup is 157.725491 milliliters.
Is it possible to omit the chia seeds? I’m not a huge fan of them.
Use linseed (flax) instead 🙂
I cant stand the texture of chia seeds. I have found that throwing them into the coffee mill and making them a flour instead allows them to thicken pudding and cereal without the slimey gel that covers whole seeds.
My seeds were still crunchy after sitting overnight…did I do something wrong???
Hi , is it necessary to use the coconut flour
It’s not 100% necessary but it does help thicken the overnight oats. If you have access to it I would definitely try to get your hands on some and include it.
Hi! Have you had this “oatmeal” warmed up? Does it warm up well?
I haven’t tried it, but I’m sure it’d be just fine warmed up! Let me know if you try it and how it turns out. 🙂
don’t have coconut flour, can I use almond flour instead for this?
I think almond flour should definitely work, you’ll likely just need to add a little more because it’s not as absorbent as coconut flour.
I love this! It has become my new morning go to I make the night before and grab and go. I top mine with cacao nibs and blueberries.
Love that I have an option to have the overnight “oats” that are grain free! I can’t have grains and so oatmeal doesn’t work. Thank you and can’t wait to see more variations.
Of course! I am so glad you found this recipe, Jenna. Thank you for your review & star rating, it means so much to me!
Loved this one just ate it!
I am doing “grain free” ATM delicious!!
Thank u❤️
Yay! I am so glad you found this recipe and are loving it, Heather. Thanks so much for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!