Overnight Oats

Ingredients

• 30 g (⅓ cup)whole oats
• 80 ml (⅓ cup)low-fat milk of choice
• 80 g (⅓ cup)Greek or natural yoghurt
• to taste (optional)cinnamon
• ½, finely chopped and diced (optional)banana
• 1 tsp (optional; add in the morning)nut butter
• to taste (optional; add in the morning)berries

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine the ingredients

   Before bed, put the oats, milk, yoghurt, banana and cinnamon in a bowl.

2. 2

   Cover and chill

   Stir everything well, cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate.

3. 3

   Add the toppings

   In the morning, stir the oats again and add 1 tsp of nut butter, such as 100% peanut or cashew butter, and the berries.

4. 4

   Serve as desired

   Warm the oats in the microwave if you like, or eat them cold.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are a chilled breakfast made by soaking oats in liquid until they soften. They are popular in modern make-ahead breakfasts, drawing on the simple idea of letting grains absorb liquid rather than cooking them on the hob.

Here, milk and yoghurt make the oats creamy, while banana adds sweetness and cinnamon brings warmth. The mixture needs only a stir before it goes into the fridge.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 260 calories, 14g protein, 42g carbs, 4g fat.

The oats and banana provide most of the carbohydrates, while the yoghurt and milk contribute protein. Milk, yoghurt and any nut butter provide fat, with the amount depending on the products and toppings chosen. Pair the bowl with extra fruit or a savoury breakfast item if you want a more varied plate.

Choosing the ingredients

Oats: Whole oats give the mixture a pleasantly substantial texture after soaking. Measure them before adding the liquid so the balance stays consistent.

Milk and yoghurt: Low-fat milk of your choice and either Greek or natural yoghurt both work. Greek yoghurt tends to make a thicker mixture, while natural yoghurt may give it a looser finish.

Toppings: Nut butter and berries are optional and are added in the morning, so they keep their distinct flavours and textures.

Getting the texture right

Mix thoroughly: Stir well before chilling so the oats are evenly coated with milk and yoghurt. Scrape around the bottom of the bowl, where dry oats can otherwise settle.

Check in the morning: The oats should be softened and spoonable. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a small splash of milk; if it seems loose, give it another stir and let it stand briefly.

Why the overnight rest matters

Chilling gives the oats time to absorb the liquid without cooking. Cover the bowl before refrigerating to protect the mixture and keep it from picking up other fridge smells.

The recipe takes 5 minutes to assemble, then rests overnight. The stated time is for preparation; the chilling happens separately.

Serving it warm or cold

Cold: Stir the oats in the morning and add the nut butter and berries for a quick, ready-to-eat breakfast.

Warm: Heat the mixture in the microwave if you prefer a warm breakfast, then stir before eating. Add the morning toppings after heating.

What to serve alongside

This is designed as a single-serving breakfast and can be eaten on its own. If you want a larger meal, serve it with an extra piece of fruit or another small breakfast item.

For a less sweet bowl, leave out the banana or cinnamon; for extra fruit flavour, use berries as the topping.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a bowl with enough room to stir the mixture without spilling.
• Chop the banana finely so it mixes through the oats.
• Stir thoroughly before chilling to avoid pockets of dry oats.
• Keep the nut butter and berries for the morning, as directed.
• Taste before serving and adjust the cinnamon to your preference.

Variations

• Use a different milk: Choose your preferred low-fat milk for the soaking liquid.
• Leave out the banana: Make the base without fruit and add berries in the morning.
• Try another nut butter: Use peanut or cashew butter as suggested.
• Change the yoghurt: Choose Greek or natural yoghurt to suit the thickness you prefer.
• Adjust the spice: Add more or less cinnamon, or omit it.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Dry patches: Stir well before chilling so all the oats meet the liquid.
• Too-thick oats: Stir in a little milk in the morning.
• Loose texture: Let the mixture stand briefly after stirring before serving.
• Toppings mixed in too early: Add nut butter and berries in the morning as directed.
• Uncovered bowl: Cover it before placing it in the fridge.

How to store

Keep the covered oats in the fridge and eat them the next morning. The recipe does not specify a longer storage period; stir before serving and microwave to warm if desired.

Frequently asked questions