Prep once, enjoy all week.
Raise your hand if you’re a morning person…
So many of us aren’t. And recipes like Almond Butter Overnight Oats are lifesavers because they take about 3.1 seconds to make in the morning.
I’m not exaggerating! By doing all the prep work the night before and letting the fridge do all the work, you can focus on getting out of the house on time.
Plus, this breakfast is FULL of good-for-you and filling ingredients, so you have energy all day long.
What are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are just what they sound like: oatmeal that is made slowly by absorbing liquid through the night. You don’t need the stove. All you have to do is combine oats with the milk of your choice and chill in the fridge for at least two hours.
You can customize this dish in so many ways! Usually, additions like nut butters, fruit, and nuts are mixed in for extra flavor.
A few of my favorites are:
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Almonds. Chopped roasted almonds add the perfect crunch.
- Almond butter. Grab a smooth variety (not chunky) for the nutty flavor and a creamy texture. If you’ve never tried, making your own almond butter at home is super simple. Or, sub in peanut butter.
- Banana. Look for a solid yellow or slightly green banana. An overly ripe banana will yield a mushy oatmeal.
- Oats. The type of oats matters. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best option. Steer clear of steel-cut oats. If you have to use quick cooking oats, you’ll want to add less milk. Be sure to grab gluten-free oats if needed.
- Milk. Any type of milk will work. You can choose regular low-fat or whole milk, or a plant-based variety like almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Sweetener. Both maple syrup and honey are good options.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Combine the ingredients.
If you’re making the overnight oats directly into the jars, start by dividing the almond butter into two 8-ounce mason jars. If you don’t have mason jars, you can use any small bowls with lids.
Then, add half of the oats, milk of choice, and sweetener to the almond butter.
Use a fork or small whisk to mix up the oat mixture.
Pro Tip: You can mix up the ingredients in two different ways. Either stir the ingredients together in a bowl then transfer to the jars, or save time (and dishes!) by just adding everything to the jars from the get-go.
Chill in the fridge.
Screw a lid onto each jar. Be sure it’s on tight. Set the jars into the fridge.
While you can dig in after 2 hours, they will be best after sitting all night.
When you’re ready to enjoy this quick breakfast, sprinkle some chopped almonds on top and enjoy.
FAQs
It’s up to you! Some prefer hot oatmeal, but these are delicious cold, as well. In fact, one of the best things about this recipe is it doesn’t require cooking. The oats simply soak in the milk while in the refrigerator and are super thick and creamy when you wake up in the morning.
The secret to overnight oats is the correct balance of milk and oats, and giving them enough time to soak together. Overnight is best.
You can use any type of milk you like! The higher the fat content, the creamier the oatmeal will be. Some flavor will be noticeable in the oatmeal, so options like coconut milk might not be the best.
What to serve with it?
If you want to make something to serve with these overnight oats, try another healthy breakfast idea on the side.
Add some protein, Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs, Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs, Egg White Bites, or Breakfast Egg Muffin Cups.
You can also keep it simple with Bacon or Chicken Sausage.
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Almond Butter Overnight Oats
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Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons almond butter smooth or chunky
- 1 banana sliced
- 1 cup oats old-fashioned rolled, gluten-free if needed
- 1 cup milk oat soy, or nut-based milk
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup almonds roasted and salted, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Fill the Jars: Divide the almond butter into two 8-oz. glass Mason jars along with the sliced banana. Add half of the oats, milk, and sweetener to each jar. Stir the oats with the liquid until well combined.4 tablespoons almond butter, 1 banana, 1 cup oats old-fashioned, 1 cup milk oat, ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. Serve with chopped almonds and additional sliced banana, if desired.¼ cup almonds
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Notes
- Oats: Old-fashioned, often called rolled oats, are the best option, but quick oats work, too.
- Add-ins: Choose extra ingredients, like yogurt, protein powder, spices, chia seeds, coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips, fresh fruit, or nuts for more flavor and health benefits. Or, choose warm spices, like a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Chilling: Though you only need 2 hours, they’re best after an entire night of chilling.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal-prepping breakfast 2-3 days ahead of time and cutting down your morning routine.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Oatmeal Recipes
Ready to try some other oatmeal recipes? We have some great options with simple ingredients for you:
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
1 hr 10 mins
Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
24 mins
Baked Oatmeal with Berries
45 mins
Baked Apple Oatmeal
45 mins
Big fan of overnight oats! Thanks for sharing a great recipe. Fab photography by the way as well : )
Kathryn | nimblenote.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for your kind words, Kathryn! Overnight oats are the best!! Such a quick and easy breakfast 🙂