This recipe is sponsored by Quaker Oats.
Breakfast is often the busiest meal of the day—especially on school mornings—so I rely on simple, nourishing recipes that are quick to prep and easy for the whole family to enjoy. These Easy Overnight Oats (3 Ways) are a make-ahead lifesaver: a creamy, satisfying base made with Quaker Old Fashioned Oats that soaks overnight, plus three easy flavor options so everyone can have the oats they love.
The base uses Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, which absorb milk and yogurt overnight to create a creamy texture while delivering whole-grain fuel and fiber to help sustain energy through the morning. The recipe is intentionally flexible: assemble the base, then choose one of three flavor finishes—Peanut Butter Banana, Strawberry Vanilla, or Raspberry Chia—refrigerate, and your breakfast will be ready when you are.
Ingredients: Base and Flavor Options
- Base recipe
- 1/2 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice; use more for a creamier, looser texture)
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Peanut Butter Banana flavor
- 1 tablespoon creamy natural peanut butter (plus extra for serving; runny works best)
- 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana (plus more banana for serving)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Walnut pieces, optional
- Strawberry Vanilla flavor
- 1/4 cup mashed fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (plus more for serving)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Raspberry Chia flavor
- 1 teaspoon extra chia seeds (in addition to the base)
- 1/2 cup mashed fresh raspberries (plus whole raspberries for serving)
- 1 teaspoon honey (plus more for serving)
Recipe Step-by-Step
Step One: Make the base
Combine the base ingredients—oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, chia, and vanilla—in a jar or airtight container. Stir thoroughly so everything is evenly distributed. If you’re making individual portions, use mason jars or similar containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
Step Two: Add your flavor
Peanut Butter Banana: Stir 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup mashed banana, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon into the base before refrigerating. For serving, top with fresh banana slices, an extra drizzle of peanut butter, and walnuts if you like.
Strawberry Vanilla: Stir 1/4 cup mashed strawberries and 1/4 cup finely chopped strawberries with the base, and fold in the lemon zest. Before serving, top with more fresh strawberries for color and brightness.
Raspberry Chia: In a small bowl, mash 1/2 cup raspberries until jammy, then stir in 1 teaspoon chia seeds and 1 teaspoon honey. Prepare the base and pour half into your jar, spoon the raspberry chia jam into the center without mixing, and top with the remaining base. Refrigerate so the chia jam sets slightly. In the morning, swirl the jam into the oats or mix everything together and top with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of honey.
Step Three: Garnish and serve
Before eating, give your oats a good stir if desired, add any extra toppings—fresh fruit, nut butter, seeds, or nuts—and enjoy cold straight from the jar or bowl.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 6 hours (overnight recommended)
- Servings: 1 (multiply ingredients to make more jars)
- Author: Alex Snodgrass
Recipe FAQs
Are overnight oats cooked?
No—overnight oats are not cooked. The oats soften as they absorb the milk and yogurt overnight, creating a ready-to-eat, creamy breakfast without heating.
Can I use other milks?
Yes. Use any milk you prefer—dairy or plant-based—to adjust flavor and texture. For a looser, creamier result, increase the milk slightly.
What container works best?
Individual jars or small airtight containers are ideal because they portion the breakfast and are easy to store and transport. Mason jars with tight lids are a popular choice.
Notes & Tips
- Adjust the milk amount to reach your preferred consistency—less for thicker oats, more for a softer texture.
- Sweeten to taste with maple syrup or honey, or omit added sweetener if you prefer naturally sweet fruit.
- Make a batch for the week: prepare several jars at once for quick breakfasts, and keep them refrigerated until ready to eat.
I hope your family enjoys these Easy Overnight Oats (3 Ways). Try each flavor and feel free to share your favorite variations or any creative toppings you love—comments are welcome below!
More make-ahead breakfast ideas
Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos • Hippie Bars • Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bites • Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Sandwiches
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.