A creamy, 5-ingredient, make-ahead breakfast to rival all others. These dairy-free overnight oats use fresh (or frozen!) berries, are sweetened with maple syrup, and are yogurt-free. They’re a fast, grab-and-go breakfast you can make the night before. The ultimate meal prep recipe!
Berry overnight oats help take the crazy out of busy mornings.
Having a make-ahead breakfast in the fridge lets you sleep in longer, be less rushed, and ultimately still stay fueled for the morning (here are 7 make-ahead breakfast ideas!)!
Why You'll Love The Recipes
- Are easy to make (5 main ingredients)
- Contain a good amount of plant-based protein
- Can be used for breakfast or a midday snack
- Taste best topped with 2-minute coconut whip
- Are nut-free (so school safe)
The Ingredients
There are a couple of ways to make overnight oats but one of the most common is to use yogurt. And though yogurt is a great additive, it’s not necessary for this recipe.
Oats: opt for regular oats versus quick oats so that they still have some integrity to them after soaking. Learn more about different types of oats and how to use them. Likewise, make sure to use gluten-free ones if you need them (check out the crucial staples to a gluten-free pantry, oats are on there!)
Chia seeds: one of the three foods I recommend all toddlers have in their diet, chia seeds are loaded with healthy fats. Plus, they absorb liquid which gives these oats their creamy texture.
Hemp Milk: any plant-based milk will work. However, homemade hemp milk gives the oats a healthy dose of fats and an extra dose of creaminess. Plus, by making your own you’re reducing seed oils in your diet (learn more about why seed oils can be dangerous).
Berries: you can use whichever blend you like and it doesn’t matter if they’re fresh or frozen.
Maple syrup: sweetened easily with a hint of maple syrup to make the overnight oats vegan as well.
How To Make Dairy-Free Overnight Oats
- Combine all the ingredients except the berries into a small bowl. Whisk well.
- Let sit for 3-5 minutes and stir again.
- Portion the mixture into two jars and top with the berries (you can also layer the mixture and the berries if you prefer).
- Top the jar with homemade coconut whip if using.
- Seal the lid on the jar and let sit in the fridge overnight until you’re ready to eat!
The Best Liquid To Oats Ratio
The ratio for the liquid to oats in these recipes will always vary slightly depending on texture preference.
More liquid means a texture similar to traditional oatmeal. Whereas less liquid means a firmer mixture.
Keeping in mind that these dairy-free overnight oats use chia seeds, this recipe uses a ratio of 1:1.5 oats to milk. If using yogurt in place of chia seeds this will vary.
Fresh Or Frozen Berries
I have made this berry overnight oats recipe with both fresh and frozen berries and it works both ways!
Since the overnight oats recipe was initially made with frozen berries, when you use fresh berries it might be a bit thicker.
This is because frozen berries will excrete a bit more liquid which waters down the liquid.
However, it doesn’t clump or become hard with fresh berries. So, use what you have on hand.
Important Teaching Tips
If you want your overnight oats to come out perfect every time, always re-stir.
Just like with high protein chia pudding recipe, in my experience, the oats and chia seeds begin to absorb the water immediately. However, a lot of the oats sink to the lower part of the jar and leave the liquid on the top.
If you only stir the mixture once, you’ll end up with a lot of separation.
Instead, mix the batch, let it sit, and then mix it again before adding any toppings.
If you want to boost the protein in these easy overnight oats, you can add in ½- 1 scoop of collagen powder. This makes the oats a fueling breakfast or a great post-workout meal!
Topping With Coconut Cream
This triple berry overnight oats recipe is topped with a wee bit of coconut cream or 2-minute coconut whip cream.
You definitely don’t need to add this, especially if you’re short on time or don’t have some kicking around in the fridge.
However, it makes the vegan overnight oats recipe taste amazing and extremely decadent.
So, if you want a more dessert-like overnight oats experience- add the coconut cream.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dairy-Free Overnight Oats
You can use water in place of milk when making overnight oats. Any liquid will absorb into the oats making them expand. However, water will make it so the overnight oats are less creamy than they would be if using some kind of milk.
Overnight oats are best made with regular “old-fashioned” oats. These oats are what will help make the recipe thick and creamy. Using quick oats will have a softer texture as they absorb liquid too quickly.
More Overnight Oats Recipes
- Chocolate topped protein overnight oats without protein powder
- Easy berry overnight oats
- Espresso overnight oats
- Peanut butter and jam overnight oats
More Dairy & Gluten-Free Recipes You'll Love
- Peanut butter overnight oats
- Paleo morning glory muffins
- High protein yogurt panckes
- Cookie dough protein overnight oats
- Savory protein oatmeal
- Healthy breakfast recipes
Berry Overnight Oats (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats not instant
- 1 ½ cups homemade hemp milk
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup berries fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream if using
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the berries into a bowl. Stir to mix. Let sit for five minutes. Stir again and portion into two jars.
- Top the jars with the frozen berries and coconut cream (if using).
- Put the jar lid on and toss it in the fridge and let sit overnight.
Notes
- If you want your overnight oats to come out perfect every time, always re-stir after letting it sit for five minutes.
- If you want to boost the protein in these easy overnight oats, you can add in ½- 1 scoop of collagen powder. This makes the oats a fueling breakfast or a great post-workout meal!
- Makes three smaller servings or two super large ones.
- Here's where you can grab the ingredients.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Shelby S says
A great recipe to whip up for busy weeks!
Suzanne Spiegoski says
This parfait looks so good! I love anything blueberry 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Agreed. I Could eat berries all the time 🙂
Juliette | Namastay Traveling says
I love the idea of using coconut milk in here! I bet it adds so much creaminess and flavor, yum!
fitasamamabear says
Mm I LOVE coconut milk- it makes everything creamy and decadent! Just don't eat TOO much of it because it can have a laxative effect if you're not used to it 😉
Jen | My Healthy Homemade Life says
This looks amazing! Can't wait to try it!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks- it's a tasty one for sure!
Grace Blossoms says
Loving these ingredients! I have a first grader this year, and I'm thinking about ways to keep him full until lunch with a healthy breakfast. I see you also have some other great recipes. Thanks!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks for the compliment Grace! The oat parfait is a tasty one and keep in mind that pancakes can be frozen and reheated in the morning to make for fast (but healthy) breakfasts too! Aw.. first grade! That's a huge step! Is he excited- are you?? I've yet to deal with the school thing but I imagine I'll be a mess lol
Emily says
Okay that coconut whip is so fun!
fitasamamabear says
Coconut whip is amazing- so decadent! And... coconuts!
Kumin Kueche says
wow! This looks super tasty!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks for the compliment! It's a decadent one, I love it!
Erin says
Love this recipe! Will be trying it this week. Thank you so much for sharing!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks- enjoy it!
Rachael says
My toddler loves overnight oatmeal! Never realized you could make whipped cream with coconut milk, I'm totally going to try that. Thanks for sharing!
fitasamamabear says
I love that your toddler loves this- way to go mama! And yes you can! It's super rich though so just heads up not to scarf it all down- it gives you a tummy ache (said from experience lol)
Ginger says
Oh, this sounds so yummy! And I love that it's vegan! 😀
fitasamamabear says
It's definitely a tasty one.. who doesn't love coconut whip?!
Sarah says
I love anything with oats/granola. This looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing.
fitasamamabear says
Me too! I could live with just those two foods haaha
Pilar says
Waoo! I'm in love with this idea, so delicuous and easy to prepare... as you said it's perfect for a rushed morning. I'm buying all the ingredients to prepare it asap, thanks!
xoxo,
Pilar
fitasamamabear says
Glad it looks good Pilar! It's a tasty one. I made this one a bit fancy but in truth, you can literally just throw everything into a jar the night before and grab and go in the morning- so worth it!