Vanilla Overnight Oats with Cinnamon is an easy, make-ahead breakfast that’s creamy, satisfying, and nourishing. This chilled oatmeal variation is prepped in minutes and stores well in the fridge so you can enjoy quick breakfasts throughout the week.
These overnight oats are simply flavored with vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, giving a warm, comforting base that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, nut butter, or granola. Prepare a batch on Sunday night and you’ll have ready-to-eat breakfasts for days.
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe takes less than 5 minutes to prepare and is entirely make ahead, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- No cooking required. The oats simply soak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours and are ready to enjoy chilled.
- The flavor is intentionally simple—vanilla and cinnamon—so the oats are a versatile canvas for many toppings and mix-ins.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats—use these rather than steel-cut or instant oats for the best texture.
- Milk of choice to provide moisture and creaminess; unsweetened almond milk is a great option.
- Plain Greek yogurt (or skyr) for body and extra creaminess.
- Chia seeds help thicken the mixture as they absorb liquid, giving a satisfying, spoonable texture.
- Pure maple syrup to lightly sweeten; honey works well too.
- A pinch of salt to highlight flavors.
- Vanilla extract and ground cinnamon for warm, comforting flavor.
See the recipe card below for exact amounts and full instructions.
How to Make This Recipe
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until evenly mixed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. For grab-and-go portions, divide the oats into small containers before refrigerating. When ready to serve, top with your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, or spreads.
Expert Tips
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the ideal balance of creaminess and texture. If you prefer a thinner consistency in the morning, stir in a splash more milk before serving. Store portions covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FAQS
Overnight oats are a chilled method of preparing oats similar to muesli, a cold oat dish originating in Switzerland. Muesli traditionally combined rolled oats with fruit, nuts, and dairy or citrus, and was developed in the early 20th century as a healthful dish for patients.
Overnight oats are not heated. Instead, rolled oats soak in milk and yogurt (or skyr) plus a sweetener and chia seeds, which soften and thicken the mixture. The result is a creamy, chilled oatmeal with a different texture than hot, cooked oats.
Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick-cooking oats become too mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough without cooking.
Portion the oats into sealed jars or containers and refrigerate. Covered overnight oats stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Stored in covered containers, overnight oats keep for about 4 days in the fridge.
Overnight Oat Topping Ideas
Use toppings to vary flavors and textures. Some favorites:
- Fresh berries or sliced banana
- Chopped apple, mango, or pineapple
- Coconut flakes or cacao nibs
- Toasted nuts and seeds
- Granola or a dollop of nut butter
- Jam, preserves, or seasonal fruit compote
- Shredded carrots with warm spices for a carrot-cake inspired bowl
Related Recipes
If you enjoy oat-based breakfasts, you might also like these recipes:
-
Homemade Cardamom Granola with Almonds
-
Rye and Oat Muesli with Dried Cherries and Hazelnuts
-
Simple Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Cream
-
Baked Nordic Oat and Rye Porridge
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and snap a photo of your Vanilla Overnight Oats with Cinnamon to share on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tag @true_north_kitchen.
Recipe
Vanilla Overnight Oats with Cinnamon
5 minutes
3 hours (or overnight)
5 minutes active
Ingredients
For the Oats:
- 1 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or skyr)
- 1 1/3 cup milk of choice (unsweetened almond milk suggested)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Optional Toppings:
- Berries or other fruit
- Toasted nuts
- Coconut flakes
- Additional maple syrup or honey
- Extra yogurt or milk
- A dollop of nut butter (roasted almond butter recommended)
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator. Let sit for at least 3 hours or overnight. For individual portions, divide the mixture between 4 small sealed containers before refrigerating. Overnight oats will keep well-covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- When ready to serve, top each portion with desired toppings and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 45 g
|
Protein: 15 g
|
Fat: 9 g
Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen on Instagram.