The Best Vanilla Overnight Oats
This is the ultimate vanilla overnight oats recipe, and one you’ll keep coming back to if you love a super easy prep-ahead breakfast! Oats get soaked in vanilla milk with a little maple syrup and fresh banana, then left in the fridge to soften overnight. By morning, they’re thick, creamy, and ready to go. Just add whatever fruits you like, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that’s going to keep you full until lunch.
These are made with vanilla soy milk, so they’re naturally vegan, but you can use whatever milk you prefer or whatever you’ve already got at home. Dairy, almond, oat, all work fine.
Don’t forget to check out more of my best overnight oats recipes. I think you’ll also love the banana overnight oats, which are a real staple in my household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Short, simple ingredient list: Just a few basics you probably already have
- No last-minute grocery runs: Easy to make with whatever milk and fruit you’ve got in the fridge
- Super customizable: Swap the fruit, change the milk, or mix in extras depending on what you’re in the mood for
- Easy to add protein: Stir in protein powder, yogurt, cottage cheese, or nut butter without overthinking it
- Great base recipe: Perfect if you like oats but don’t want to keep experimenting. This one just works!
- Meal prep friendly: Make a batch once and you’re set for the next few mornings
What You’ll Need
No fancy ingredients needed here! You’ve probably got everything you need already in your fridge and pantry ready to go.
Note: At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a recipe card that you can print off at home. We recommend that you don’t skip the coming sections though, as you’ll find extra hints, tips, variations, etc.
- Rolled oats: The base of the recipe. They soften overnight but still keep a good texture.
- Vanilla soy milk: Adds flavor and creaminess. You can use any milk you like. Just add a splash of vanilla extract if it’s plain.
- Maple syrup: Adds a little sweetness without overpowering everything.
- Banana: Brings natural sweetness and helps make the oats extra creamy.
- Blueberries & strawberries: Add freshness and a little texture. You can use fresh or frozen depending on what you have.
How To Make Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Add the oats and vanilla soy milk to a jar or container, then stir well to combine.
- Slice the banana and layer it into the jar with the oats. You can press a few slices against the side of the jar if you want it to look pretty.
- Cover with a lid and place in the fridge overnight.
- In the morning, add the blueberries and strawberries on top before serving.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mash the banana into the oats instead of layering it.
Serving Ideas
You can eat these straight from the fridge or warm them up. Both work really well.
If you want them warm, just microwave for 30–60 seconds, then add your toppings after so everything stays fresh.
These are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week, then portion it out and switch up the toppings each day so it doesn’t feel repetitive!
Variations
- Add protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder and add a splash more milk to keep the texture right.
- Make it creamier: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Switch up the fruit: Use whatever you have. Raspberries, apples, mango, or even frozen fruit.
- Add crunch: Top with nuts, seeds, or granola right before serving.
- Change the sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup or swap for honey or another sweetener.
- Try different milks: Almond, oat, dairy, or coconut milk all work. Each one gives a slightly different flavor.
- Add extras: Chia seeds, flaxseed, or nut butter are easy ways to make it more filling.
- Flavor it up: Add cinnamon, peanut butter, or cocoa powder to turn it into a completely different base.
The Best Vanilla Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla soy milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 banana
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup strawberries
Instructions
- Add the oats and vanilla soy milk to a jar or container, then stir well to combine.
- Slice the banana and layer it into the jar with the oats. You can press a few slices against the side of the jar if you want it to look pretty.
- Cover with a lid and place in the fridge overnight.
- In the morning, add the blueberries and strawberries on top before serving.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mash the banana into the oats instead of layering it.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback means so much, and helps us to create more recipes you’ll love making in your own kitchen.