Overnight Oats
Quite some time ago, I started a Back to Basics section on here for foods which I am so used to making that I sometimes forget that others might not know where to start! In the winter I love my porridge, but now the weather is sunny, and although I love pancakes, sometimes you just need something quick and easy. Enter overnight oats!
So you might be thinking, but surely ‘overnight’ oats takes planning the night before and that is not quick! Well, you can make ‘quick’ overnight oats whenever you chose! You can make them at night, or in the morning! The texture will be different the longer you leave them, but if you make them when you wake up, they will still be tasty half an hour later!
The Overnight Oats Recipe
Overnight oats can be a snack, a breakfast or even a dessert!
There is no recipe as such, more a pattern of layering!
There are three main ingredients you need!
Your base. Your filling. Your oats.
A cheat's version to overnight oats, ready in as little as half an hour!
- Base – a liquid
- You can use yogurt, fromage frais, even ice-cream, preferably plain, natural or vanilla, but any will work. You can even use milk, although you will need much less (unless you have time to wait overnight for them).
- Filling – a flavour (or two)!
- Fresh fruit, frozen fruit, jam, compote, nuts, seeds, nut butters, chocolate spread.
- Oats
- Plain oats, muesli or granola.
- Get creative!
- Enjoy!
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Collect all your ingredients and a nice glass or narrow bowl.
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I usually use frozen mixed forest fruits, plain soya yogurt and porridge oats.
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Add a thin layer of your base into your glass, top with your filling, then sprinkle over a few oats. Repeat this layering. If you are using milk as your liquid, then you will need less and you should swap the pattern so the oats soak into the milk.
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Get creative and go with a theme, try:
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Tropical: Coconut yogurt, desiccated coconut, mango puree, mango chunks, granola.
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Black Forest: Vanilla yogurt, Black cherries, cocoa powder, chocolate chunks, oats.
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Blackberry & Apple: Natural yogurt, apple compote, blackberries, toasted nuts, muesli.
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Peanut Butter & Banana: Plain yogurt, peanut butter, banana, crushed peanuts, oats
What do I need?
You can (as with most of my recipes), make these as easy or elaborate as you wish! Some people make these in kilner jars with a lid, so they can easily transport them in the morning, but if you’re eating them at home then any narrow glass will do.
If you are new to cooking or your kitchen needs a refresh, here are a few useful things for this recipe. I receive a small commission if you click and purchase through these links (this is at no additional cost to you)!
Serving
These are best served straight from the fridge. As previously mentioned, you can eat them after about 20-30 minutes and they will still be great. The longer you leave them, the more the oats will soften and the mixture itself will thicken. Eat straight from the container and enjoy!
Storage
These store for several days in the fridge – although ensure the liquid you use is in date. They will freeze but allow space in the container for them to expand.
Sharing
Overnight oats are usually made in individual portions for one person to consume. You can of course, make multiple glasses of these. I love seeing your adaptions and interpretations of my recipes and I’d love to see your photos of these! Do you (or have you) made overnight oats and what flavours do you like?
Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter with your concoctions!
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x