Peach Overnight Oats

Healthy Peach Overnight Oats

A few years ago I went through a phase of making just about every kind of healthy overnight oats recipe you can imagine.

And it all started with these Maple Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Overnight Oats.

While I thought I had made every possible combination I could think of (Peanut Butter Chocolate, Blueberry Chia, Strawberry Shortcake, Pumpkin Spice…) this summer I realized I had not yet made…

A Peach Overnight Oats recipe!

After years of making overnight oatmeal, I was surprised by how much this recipe actually tasted just like I was eating a Southern Peach Cobbler.

But then again, it IS made from fresh peaches, local honey, and a bit of cinnamon spice.

(With a little bit of old-fashioned oats and cashew or almond milk, of course!)

And then you top these delightful peach overnight oats with some toasted pecans and voilà: a delicious peach cobbler flavor explosion that’s healthy enough to eat for breakfast!

It is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for a Texas summer.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make these peach overnight oats include:

• Oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best type to use.  They maintain their texture after soaking and do not get too mushy like quick-cooking oats tend to do. You can use quick oats, but they will not store well for as many days.
• Milk. You can use your favorite type of milk in this recipe. Cashew milk is super creamy and tastes really good. Oat milk is also a creamy variety, but it is a little more calorie-loaded than other nut-based milk. Almond milk is a great low-calorie go-to when you get the unsweetened kind. Regular dairy milk can definitely be used if you do not have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance.
• Peaches. Peeled fresh summer peaches are the star of the overnight oats show. You can learn how to peel fresh peaches if you’re not sure how. Frozen peaches can also be used, but you will want to make sure and thaw them before following the recipe below. Canned peaches in juice, not syrup, also make a great substitution for fresh.
• Yogurt. Either plain or vanilla-flavored yogurts are recommended. If you prefer overnight oats that are not too sweet you’ll want to use yogurt that does not have any sugar added. For those with a sweet tooth, you can always grab your favorite sweetened variety. Dairy-free yogurt can also be used to make these vegan overnight oats. Greek yogurt works, too.
• Local Honey. This natural sweetener adds a lovely and subtle floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh peaches. If you’re vegan, feel free to substitute with pure maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
• Vanilla. This adds a nice depth of flavor to the oats.
• Toasted Pecans. Totally optional and can be left off if you have picky eaters, but these nuts add a lovely crunch to the creamy peach oats.

Pro Tip: The only milk that is NOT recommended is coconut milk. This will give your oats a pretty strong coconut flavor instead of peach.

How to Make Overnight Oats

Below, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions for making these peach cobbler overnight oats:

Toast the Pecans

Coarsely chop the pecans so there are no large pieces left.

Add the pecans to a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Peel and Cook the Peaches

Then, peel and dice the peaches (here’s a simple method for how to peel peaches). You want small, bite-sized pieces so the fruit can spread throughout the oatmeal.

Add the peeled and chopped peaches to a saucepan. Pour in the honey and sprinkle in the cinnamon.

Sauté over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the peaches are tender.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.

Make the Oatmeal Base

Mix together the oats, milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir it well.

The best type of jars to use when making overnight oat recipes are glass mason jars. The 8-ounce size is the best option, since they’re the easiest to find and will fit an entire serving size.

Divide the oat mixture between four jars.

Build the Oatmeal Jars

Spoon about 1 ounce of yogurt into each jar, then, distribute equal amounts of the peach mixture.

Finally, refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours or up to overnight before serving.

Top with toasted pecans and enjoy!

Meal Prep & Storage

• To prep and store: Overnight oats will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in a sealed container.  But please know, the texture begins to get a little mushier with each day and they are best if enjoyed within the first 24 hours. If you would like to have that delicious texture every morning of the week, do not add the milk to the jar until the night before serving.
• To freeze: Freezing is not recommended. The texture of the oats will not be the same and instead will be too watery.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are simple and easy recipes that allow you to make oatmeal, leave it in the fridge for at least 12 hours, and enjoy it in the morning. Just combine oats, milk, and yogurt along with the spices and fruit of your choice in an airtight container for an easy breakfast.

Are overnight oats healthy?

Oatmeal in general is a very healthy option for breakfast. These good-for-you carbs fill you up and are full of nutritional benefits. Be aware of any add-ins you include, as these can increase both calories and sugar, which affect how healthy this dish is.

How long do overnight oats last?

Overnight oats will last for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge. However, they will get soggier each day. For the best results, add everything to the jar, but don’t add the milk until the night before you plan to enjoy it. Then, enjoy a delicious breakfast the next morning.

Can you heat up overnight oats? Can you eat them cold?

It’s completely up to you! Personally, I enjoy the ease of grabbing a jar of oats straight from the fridge and chowing down on them chilled. However, if you want to heat yours up you are more than welcome to. Simply heat for 45-60 seconds in the microwave, until it reaches your desired temperature.

Can I put canned peaches in overnight oats?

You can definitely use canned peaches! Just be sure to get the kind stored in JUICE, not syrup for optimal flavor.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Roll out. Rolled oats are the best option to ensure a creamy and smooth texture.
• Use what you got. You can use frozen, fresh, or even canned peaches.
• Don’t skip the add-ins. Extra ingredients like yogurt, protein powder, spices, chia seeds, or nuts will enhance the flavor and health benefits of the oatmeal.
• Chill out. Be sure to let the jars sit for at least 4 hours in the fridge, but they’re better after a full night.
• Make extra. Mix up a big batch of these overnight oats to enjoy this cold oatmeal for another day.
• Get creative. Try other flavor combinations with different spices and add-ins.

Other Overnight Oat Recipes

Once you’ve tasted these delicious oats (and seen how easy they are to make!), try these other recipes, as well.

Check out this basic template first for How to Make Overnight Oats; then you’ll see the possibilities are endless.

Pumpkin Overnight Oats and Maple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats are the ultimate fall breakfast.

For a sweet dish, try these Peanut Butter Overnight Oats.

Blueberry Overnight Oats, Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats, and Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats are each fresh and classic ways to enjoy this recipe.

More Peach Recipes

In the summer, peach season offers the perfect treat, and you can enjoy peachy goodness in so many ways.

Southern Peach Cobbler is an irresistible dessert. And Peach Sorbet is so refreshing.

You can also make a Peach Banana Smoothie, a Peach Bellini, or a Frozen Peach Sangria to cool down on a hot day.

For a more savory option, try Peach Salad or Peach Salsa.