Name: Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Total time: 1 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (vanilla soy milk preferred); Drizzle of pure maple syrup; 1-2 tablespoons natural peanut butter; Fresh or frozen blueberries; Sliced banana; Diced apples; Chopped dates or raisins; Chopped walnuts or almonds; Hemp or ground flaxseeds; Sprinkle of cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 17 reviews

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s effortless, nourishing, and just downright delicious, you’re going to love this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a little treat waiting for you in the morning — with zero stress and loads of flavor. Stick with me, because this recipe is not only foolproof but perfect for anyone juggling busy mornings or wanting a wholesome start without any fuss.

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Why This Recipe Works

Ultra Simple: With just oats and non-dairy milk, you can prep it in under a minute.
Customizable: You can top it with whatever you love – fruits, nuts, or even a little nut butter.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep multiple jars at once and have breakfast waiting all week long.
No Cooking Required: Perfect for when you want a nutritious breakfast without turning on the stove.

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, easy overnight oats, healthy vegan breakfast, quick vegan morning recipes - A clear glass jar filled with three layers: the bottom layer is fresh blueberries, the middle layer is creamy white porridge or yogurt with a smooth texture, and the top layer has more blueberries and a few light brown walnut pieces scattered on top. A silver spoon is placed in the jar, partly inside the food. The surface around the jar shows a white marbled texture with some scattered white nut pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here pulls its weight to make this recipe both tasty and wholesome. Rolling oats bring that satisfying chew and fiber boost, while non-dairy milk softens everything up and adds plant-based creaminess. And when you choose your toppings thoughtfully, it turns simple oats into a packed-with-nutrients morning feast.

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, easy overnight oats, healthy vegan breakfast, quick vegan morning recipes - Flat lay of rolled oats, a glass of creamy vanilla soy milk, fresh blueberries, sliced banana, diced apples, chopped dates, walnut halves, and a small jar of golden maple syrup beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rolled Oats: These soak up the liquid perfectly overnight, becoming tender but still retaining a pleasant texture.
Non-Dairy Milk: I prefer vanilla soy milk because it adds a hint of natural sweetness and richness, but almond or oat milk work great too.
Pure Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements but doesn’t overpower the oats.
Natural Peanut Butter: Adds protein and creaminess, making the meal more filling.
Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Bursts of juicy sweetness and antioxidants.
Sliced Banana: Offers natural sweetness and boosts creaminess.
Diced Apples: For some refreshing crunch and subtle tartness.
Chopped Dates or Raisins: A chewy, naturally sweet treat perfect for texture contrast.
Chopped Walnuts or Almonds: Adds a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.
Hemp or Ground Flaxseeds: Boost fiber and omega-3 nutrients effortlessly.
Cinnamon: A warming spice to enhance flavor and add antioxidants.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What’s great about this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve played around with toppings and milks for years, and you can really make it your own. Whether you want it thick and hearty or creamy and lighter, there’s flexibility to match your morning mood.

Variation: I love swapping peanut butter for almond butter or tahini for a totally different flavor vibe.
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, I throw in a pinch of pumpkin spice and top with roasted pecans—it’s like autumn in a jar!
Sweetener Swap: If you want to cut back on sugar, you can skip the maple syrup and rely on the natural sweetness from ripe bananas or dates.
Protein Boost: Adding a scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder before chilling turns this into a post-workout treat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Container

Start by grabbing half a cup of rolled oats and half a cup of your favorite non-dairy milk—I swear by vanilla soy milk for that extra creaminess and subtle sweetness, but almond or oat milk are solid choices too. Use a small jar or container with a lid, something you can seal up tight to avoid spills in the fridge overnight.

Step 2: Mix and Refrigerate

Pour the oats into your container, then add the non-dairy milk. Give it a quick stir to combine everything evenly. Seal the lid tightly and pop it into the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. This soaking process softens the oats beautifully without any cooking required from you.

Step 3: Top and Enjoy!

Come morning, you can eat your oats straight from the fridge, cold and refreshing, or nuke it in the microwave for about 1 minute if you want it warm. Now’s the fun part — add your toppings! I’m obsessed with fresh blueberries, chopped walnuts, dates, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. The mix of creamy, crunchy, and sweet hits all the right spots.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Rolled Oats, Not Instant: I tried quick oats once, and the texture was gooey instead of pleasantly chewy—rolls give the best balance.
Don’t Skip the Stir: Stirring the mixture in the morning freshens it up so it’s not all clumped together.
Double Up for Busy Days: Make a batch of jars on Sunday night for a grab-and-go breakfast all week long.
Add Nut Butters Last: Mixing them in right before eating means they stay creamy and luscious, not soaked in overnight.

How to Serve Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, easy overnight oats, healthy vegan breakfast, quick vegan morning recipes - Two clear glass jars with three visible layers each sit on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light beige creamy oatmeal, topped with a layer of sliced almonds scattered evenly. The top layer consists of fresh deep blue blueberries and small golden walnut pieces arranged loosely on top. One jar has a silver spoon resting inside it, and a few almond slices are scattered near the jars. A white cloth is partially visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my oats with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for crunch. Adding a drizzle of maple syrup brings just the right amount of sweetness without going overboard. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle hemp seeds or flax for an unnoticed but powerful nutrient boost—it’s such an easy way to keep things interesting!

Side Dishes

To round out breakfast, I often pair this with a hot cup of herbal tea or black coffee, which complements the creamy oats perfectly. On more indulgent mornings, a side of fresh fruit salad or whole grain toast with avocado pairs wonderfully, balancing out the meal with contrasting textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or special occasion, I like to layer the overnight oats in a clear glass jar with alternating layers of berry compote and granola, making it look like an eye-catching parfait. Adding edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder gives it that extra wow factor when guests come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe is basically designed for making ahead — you can store your jars in the fridge up to five days. I like prepping a few at once and having them ready for stressful mornings. Just keep lids tight to avoid odor absorption, and you’ll always have a grab-and-go meal waiting.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen overnight oats often, I’ve read you can freeze them if you want to prepare bulk breakfasts. When you do, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. Textures might shift slightly, but the flavor still holds up well.

Reheating

If you prefer your oats warm, just microwave the jar or bowl for about 1 minute. I usually stir halfway through heating so the oats warm evenly without drying out. Adding toppings after heating keeps that fresh texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of oats for this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe?

Rolled oats are best for overnight soaking because they absorb the liquid well without becoming mushy. Steel-cut oats or instant oats don’t offer the same texture — steel-cut are too hard, and instant oats become too soft. Stick with rolled oats for perfect results.
Do I have to use sweetener like maple syrup?

Nope! The sweetness level is totally up to you. The non-dairy milk (especially vanilla-flavored varieties) adds some sweetness, and fruits like bananas or dates can naturally sweeten the oats, so you can skip added sweeteners if you prefer.
How long do overnight oats keep in the fridge?

When stored in airtight containers, they keep well for about 4 to 5 days. Making a batch early in the week saves time and helps you avoid breakfast decision fatigue!
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Absolutely! I often add a scoop of my favorite vegan protein powder before refrigerating. It blends smoothly overnight and gives the oats an extra nutritional punch.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and adaptable. Whether I’m rushing out for work or enjoying a lazy weekend morning, it’s a reliable, nourishing breakfast that’s always there for me. Give it a try — once you see how easy it is to prep and personalize, I bet you’ll keep coming back to it just like I do!