Vegan Overnight Oats
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Published May 10, 2021, Updated Aug 17, 2023
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These vegan overnight oats are so easy to make and have a delicious peanut butter flavor. Just prep, soak and wake up to a tasty breakfast.
I’ve shared a recipe for basic overnight oats and countless flavor variations but what about making vegan overnight oats?! That’s what I’m sharing in today’s post!
Sure, you can modify most overnight oat recipes to be vegan, but this recipe is totally vegan without any modifications and it’s absolutely delicious.
Why Overnight Oats?
If you’ve never had overnight oats before, you are in for a treat!
The base of the recipe is rolled oats that you soak in dairy-free milk overnight. The oats absorb the liquid and soften overnight. Overnight oats are served cold, straight from the fridge with toppings of your choice. They’re perfect during warmer months when you don’t feel like having a bowl of hot oatmeal. And they’re awesome for meal prep because they can be prepped in advance and eaten any time for a delicious, filling meal.
Vegan Overnight Oats Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make vegan overnight oats:
- old-fashioned rolled oats – rolled oats are the best option for overnight oats. Quick oats get too mushy and steel cut oats take forever to soften and don’t soak up the liquid as well.
- almond or oat milk – any dairy-free milk works here but I prefer unsweetened almond or oat milk.
- peanut butter – I personally love adding nut butter to my overnight oats and peanut butter is an awesome addition to this vegan version. The flavor is soo good. Feel free to use a different nut butter (like almond, cashew or pecan butter) instead of peanut butter.
- maple syrup – adds a hint of sweetness!
- chia seeds – adds fiber, healthy fat and protein to the oats. Chia seeds also absorb excess liquid!
- vanilla extract – a staple ingredient in overnight oats – it adds a great, subtle flavor.
- sea salt – I know it might seems weird to add salt to a sweeter breakfast but it helps make all of the flavors pop, promise!
- vanilla protein powder – this is optional but a great way to make the overnight oats more filling. Feel free to use your favorite brand of plant-based protein powder. My favorite brand of protein powder is Nuzest! Use code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.
Toppings and Mix-Ins
This is the fun part! There are so many options for flavor additions. Here are some of my favorites:
- Vegan yogurt – looking to make your overnight oats extra creamy? Add a little vegan yogurt. I’m a big fan of Culina yogurt.
- Fresh berries – can’t go wrong with adding fresh berries! I love blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, but any berry works!
- Sliced banana – one of my go-to toppings for overnight oats.
- Chopped nuts – add extra crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts on top of your oats.
- Granola – another great way to add crunch to your overnight oats! I love my hemp granola.
How Long do Overnight Oats Have to Soak?
While they are called overnight oats, they technically don’t need to soak overnight! If you forget to prep the night before you can make them in the morning and let them sit for 2-3 hours. It is important to note that the longer you soak them, the softer the oats will be. If you only soak for a couple of hours, the oats will be chewier. I don’t mind the chewier texture, but it comes down to personal preference!
How Long do Overnight Oats Last?
Like I mentioned earlier, overnight oats are amazing for meal prep! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The longer you soak, the more liquid the oats will absorb so you may want to add an extra splash of milk before serving.
More Overnight Oat Recipes to Try
- Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
- Zucchini Bread Overnight Oats
- Tropical Overnight Oats
- Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats
- Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats
- Banana Bread Overnight Oats
- Blended Overnight Oats
- Low Calorie Overnight Oats
- Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats
Check out all of the overnight oats recipes as well as the full collection of oatmeal recipes on EBF!
Vegan Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups almond or oat milk
- 2 scoops, 24 grams vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt, if pb is unsalted
- Toppings of choice: drizzle of peanut butter, banana slices and berries
Instructions
- Combine: Add oats, milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla and sea salt into a big bowl and stir together. Transfer into two 8 oz mason jars with lids. Place in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush you can shorten the soak time to 2-4 hours.
- Serve: The next morning (or when ready to eat), remove lid and give oats a big stir. If they seem too thick you can add a little more milk to loosen the mixture. Top with fresh berries and nut butter. You can eat the oats straight from the jar or pour into a bowl for serving.
Video
Notes
- Peanut butter bottom: To make the jars in the photos, I just put 1/2 Tablespoon of peanut butter at the bottom of each jar and then put my overnight oats on top.Â
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this variation – so good! Topped with a ton of berries and almonds for some texture.
Yay! I’m so glad this recipe was ah it, Kim! Thanks for the review. I really appreciate it!
These oats are quick and easy! I also love that it makes 2 servings so I don’t have to worry about making oats every night for the next morning. I like adding blueberries as a topping. For me, the hint of peanut butter flavor and blueberries work.
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying these overnight oats, Tammi! Thanks for the review 🙂
These are delicious! I have been making them for the past week and they are so easy to put together. Thank you for another great recipe 🙂
Penelope
I’m so glad these overnight oats were a hit, Penelope! Thanks for the review and star rating. It means so much to me!
Nice oatmeal variation. It makes a perfect breakfast!
Sarah
http://www.dietofcommonsense.com
So glad you enjoyed these overnight oats. Thanks for the review, Sarah!
Hi Britany,
What jars are you using for these and how many ounces are they? Also, what jars did you use on your mango and coconut chia pudding recipe?
Thanks Brittany.
These are Weck mini tulip jars. (https://amzn.to/3q2v97U) And the ones for the mango + coconut chia pudding are the .5 liter jars. (https://amzn.to/3DYeuY8).
It is delicious! I made them last week and just added Wellabs Vitamin B12 to the dish. To make food more nutritious for vegan ration. Thanks for sharing, Brittany 🙂
I am so happy that you enjoyed this recipe, Alisa! Thank you for your review + star rating, I so appreciate it!