Dairy-Free Overnight Oats (Make-Ahead Breakfast!)

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!)!

As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love these dairy-free overnight oats because they:

• 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 chia pudding, 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

More Overnight Oats Recipes

• Chocolate topped protein overnight oats
• 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

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Measuring spoons
• Silicone spatula
• Mixing bowls

If you're looking for a quick breakfast or a tasty snack this is it! These Triple Berry Overnight Oats pack a nutrient punch but taste amazing. Mom and kid-approved.