How to Make Overnight Oats: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Learning how to make overnight oats is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and no-cook breakfast. This simple meal prep idea allows you to combine oats and liquids the night before, resulting in a creamy, ready-to-eat breakfast in the morning. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or just someone who likes hassle-free meals, overnight oats are customisable, healthy, and delicious.

For an even better start, try oats from Oats My Goodness. These oats are plant-based, vegan-friendly, and free from wheat, rye, and barley, making them ideal for those with gluten intolerance and some coeliacs. Each serve offers 20 grams of protein and provides one-third of your daily fibre needs. The oats contain no preservatives, seed oils, or refined sugars. These ingredients are often linked to inflammation and other health issues. Instead, Oats My Goodness uses clean, easy-to-understand ingredients. They are also perfect for eating on the go and are packed sustainably.

Base Ingredients You Need to Make Overnight Oats

The beauty of overnight oats lies in their simplicity. You only need a few basic ingredients:

• Rolled oats – The best option as they soften perfectly without getting mushy.
• Liquid options include milk (dairy or plant-based), yogurt, or water for a lighter alternative.
• Sweetener – Honey, maple syrup, or agave for a flavour boost.
• Chia seeds (optional) – Adds thickness and extra nutrition.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract (optional) – For a warm, aromatic touch.

If you’re using oats from Oats My Goodness, you’re also choosing clean ingredients—ones you can understand. Our products contain no harmful additives, such as preservatives, seed oils, or refined sugars, which are often linked to inflammation and poor digestion. These oats support a cleaner, healthier start to your day.

Combine all these ingredients in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and wake up to a creamy and satisfying breakfast.

The Best Overnight Oats Ratio

The best ratio for overnight oats is 1 part oats and 1 part liquid. For example, use ½ cup oats and ½ cup milk. If you like a thinner mixture, add more liquid. For thicker oats, use less. Opt for rolled oats for best results.

Tips for Making the Best Overnight Oats

Use a liquid sweetener

Liquid sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave mix easily into oats and dissolve better than granulated sugar. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons per serving for light sweetness, which you can adjust to taste. Stir well to distribute the sweetener evenly. This step helps balance the flavour.

Use rolled oats

Rolled oats work best for overnight oats. They absorb liquid well and maintain a good texture. Instant oats can be too soft, and steel-cut oats will be too hard. Opt for rolled oats to get the right balance between chewiness and softness.

Don’t forget the salt

Salt can enhance the flavour of some foods, including oats. Even a small pinch can make a big difference. Add a pinch when mixing your ingredients. Salt enhances both sweet and savoury versions. It doesn’t make the oats salty but sharpens the overall flavour. 

Add a little vanilla

Vanilla adds a delicate, sweet aroma and flavour. You can use ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract per serving. Vanilla goes well with many toppings. Add it when mixing your ingredients. It gives your oats a richer flavour.

For the creamiest dairy-free oats, use oat milk

Oat milk thickens and softens the oats. It mixes well with the rolled oats and doesn’t have a strong flavour. It also keeps the recipe vegan. Use the same amount as you would with cow’s milk.

Add a tablespoon of chia seeds

Chia seeds thicken overnight oats and add fibre. Use one tablespoon per serving. Stir well to prevent clumping. Let them soak until they form a gel-like texture. This will make the oats thicker and smoother.

Popular Add-ins & Toppings

Nuts for Crunch

Add nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, for added texture and flavour. Chop the nuts before adding them, and mix or sprinkle them on top before eating. Nuts add healthy fats and protein. Use about a tablespoon of these nuts per serving.

Fruits for Freshness

Fresh fruits, such as berries, bananas, and apples, add a natural sweetness. Cut them into small pieces and add them to the fridge or eat them before. These fruits provide flavour, texture, and vitamins.

Sweeteners for Flavour

Use natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, or agave. These ingredients blend well and enhance the flavour. Start with a small amount. You can always add more later. Sweeteners make oats more delicious.

Seeds for Nutrition

Add flaxseeds, hemp, or sunflower seeds for an extra nutritional boost. These foods provide fibre, protein, and healthy fats. Use one teaspoon to one tablespoon per serving. Mix with other ingredients.

Spices for Depth

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for flavour. Use a pinch or up to ½ teaspoon per serving. Mix with your oats before refrigerating. Spices provide variety and warmth.

Unexpected Twists

Try ingredients like shredded coconut, cacao powder, or matcha. They can change the flavour and make your oats more enjoyable. For a better flavour, use them in small amounts. This is an easy way to try new combinations.

Creamy Elements

Add yogurt, peanut butter, or mashed banana to soften the oats and add protein and flavour. Use one to two tablespoons per serving. Stir before refrigerating.

Overnight Oats Recipes

Try these easy recipe ideas using the base method.

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Mix rolled oats, milk, chopped apple, cinnamon and maple syrup. Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of chia seeds. Refrigerate overnight. Top with extra apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.s 

Banana Nutella Overnight Oats

Combine oats, milk, mashed banana and a spoonful of Nutella. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Leave to chill overnight. Top with banana slices and crushed hazelnuts.

Peach Crisp Overnight Oats

Use oats, oat milk, chopped peaches, cinnamon, and a little honey. Add chia seeds and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate. Add granola or crushed nuts before eating.

Peanut Butter Jelly

Mix the oats, milk, peanut butter, and a spoonful of jam. Stir in vanilla and salt. Let it sit overnight. In the morning, add jam or berries.

Almond Joy

Combine oats, almond milk, shredded coconut, cacao powder and chopped almonds. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup. Refrigerate. Top with shredded coconut.

Maple Brown Sugar

Use oats, milk, maple syrup and a spoonful of brown sugar. Add vanilla and salt. Refrigerate overnight. Add a pinch of cinnamon before eating.

Blueberry Lemon Muffin

Mix oats, milk, blueberries, lemon zest and honey. Add chia seeds and a pinch of salt. Let it sit overnight. Top with additional blueberries. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Overnight oats are a quick, healthy, and easy-to-make breakfast option. Use simple ingredients and follow a basic method. Add your favourite toppings for variety. They are great for busy mornings.

Oats My Goodness makes it even easier to enjoy this breakfast. Their oats are the perfect meal on the go—sustainable, ready-to-eat, and packed with benefits. They are wheat, rye, and barley-free, making them suitable for those with gluten intolerance and even some celiacs. Each serve is plant-based, vegan-friendly, and contains 20 grams of protein and one-third of your daily fibre needs. With no nasties like preservatives, seed oils, or refined sugars—often linked to inflammation and poor digestion—you get clean, simple ingredients you can understand.

Try high-quality oats from Oats My Goodness to get started today.