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Home » Healthy Recipes » Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Breakfast Recipes » Dairy-Free Overnight Oats (Make-Ahead Breakfast!)

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

07/24/2017 by fitasamamabear

Jump to Recipe

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!

Easy overnight oats in a mason jar topped with frozen berries and coconut whip cream with the jar lid beside it and a bowl of berries behind it this …


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. 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

Can you use water instead of milk in 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.

What kind of oats do you use for overnight oats?

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.

Easy overnight oats in a mason jar topped with frozen berries and coconut whip cream with the jar lid beside it and a bowl of berries behind it

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

Dairy-free overnight oats in a mason jar topped with frozen berries and coconut whip cream with the jar lid beside it and a bowl of berries behind it

Berry Overnight Oats (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

Fit as a Mama Bear
Easy, creamy, and refreshing! These berry overnight oats are a fueling way to start the day. Make them the night before and simply grab and go in the morning!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Resting time 12 hours hrs
Total Time 12 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 3 servings
Calories 274 kcal

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.

Video

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"

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 168mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 9gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 258mgIron: 2mg
Keyword oatmeal,, overnight oats recipe, regular oats,, vegan overnight oats
Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

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.

Shelby aka Mama Bear

fitasamamabear

Meet Shelby – a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Nutrition Coach (PN1) who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

A previous smoker and fast-food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3, her website, Fitasamamabear.com is a crucial resource for busy moms who need help making fitness and healthy living practical.

See author's posts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pilar

    July 24, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    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

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 24, 2017 at 11:59 pm

      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!

      Reply
  2. Sarah

    July 24, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    I love anything with oats/granola. This looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 24, 2017 at 11:59 pm

      Me too! I could live with just those two foods haaha

      Reply
  3. Ginger

    July 24, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    Oh, this sounds so yummy! And I love that it's vegan! 😀

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 25, 2017 at 12:00 am

      It's definitely a tasty one.. who doesn't love coconut whip?!

      Reply
  4. Rachael

    July 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 25, 2017 at 12:25 am

      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)

      Reply
  5. Erin

    July 25, 2017 at 1:24 am

    Love this recipe! Will be trying it this week. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 25, 2017 at 1:28 pm

      Thanks- enjoy it!

      Reply
  6. Kumin Kueche

    July 25, 2017 at 7:42 am

    wow! This looks super tasty!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 25, 2017 at 1:28 pm

      Thanks for the compliment! It's a decadent one, I love it!

      Reply
  7. Emily

    July 25, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    Okay that coconut whip is so fun!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 25, 2017 at 2:28 pm

      Coconut whip is amazing- so decadent! And... coconuts!

      Reply
  8. Grace Blossoms

    July 25, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 26, 2017 at 1:46 am

      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

      Reply
  9. Jen | My Healthy Homemade Life

    July 26, 2017 at 11:44 am

    This looks amazing! Can't wait to try it!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 26, 2017 at 3:34 pm

      Thanks- it's a tasty one for sure!

      Reply
  10. Juliette | Namastay Traveling

    July 26, 2017 at 11:49 am

    I love the idea of using coconut milk in here! I bet it adds so much creaminess and flavor, yum!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 26, 2017 at 3:32 pm

      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 😉

      Reply
  11. Suzanne Spiegoski

    July 26, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    This parfait looks so good! I love anything blueberry 🙂

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 26, 2017 at 6:26 pm

      Agreed. I Could eat berries all the time 🙂

      Reply

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Pinterest image with text: berry overnight oats in a mason jar with the lid beside it and topped with berries. Mre berries in a white bowl behind it
Pinterest image with text: overnight oats in a mason jar with berries on top and in a white bowl behind it