Coconut Milk Overnight Oats

Ingredients

• 45 g (½ cup)old-fashioned rolled oats
• 180 ml (¾ cup)light coconut milk
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon)maple syrup
• 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon)vanilla extract
• 10 g (2 tablespoons)unsweetened coconut flakes
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon)chia seeds
• 2–3 tablespoonsmini chocolate chips
• 2–3 tablespoonsblueberries, fresh or frozen
• 2–3 tablespoonssliced or slivered almonds

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine ingredients

   Put the oats, coconut milk, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract and coconut flakes into a wide-mouth mason jar or another lidded container.

2. 2

   Mix thoroughly

   Use a spoon to stir until the ingredients are well combined.

3. 3

   Chill overnight

   Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

4. 4

   Store and serve

   Keep the oats refrigerated until you are ready to eat them, for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or microwave for 2 minutes, then stir again and enjoy.

What are coconut milk overnight oats?

Overnight oats are rolled oats softened in liquid in the refrigerator rather than cooked on the hob. This American-style breakfast uses coconut milk for a dairy-free base, with maple syrup, vanilla and coconut flakes for sweetness and flavour.

Chia seeds help the mixture thicken as it rests. The blueberries, mini chocolate chips and almonds in the ingredient list offer fruity, chocolatey and crunchy additions.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 421 calories, 7g protein, 50g carbs, 20g fat.

The oats and maple syrup provide most of the carbohydrates, while coconut milk, coconut flakes, chocolate chips and almonds contribute much of the fat. Oats, chia seeds and almonds provide some protein, with the almonds also adding texture. To balance the plate, serve the oats with an extra portion of fresh fruit.

Choosing the ingredients

Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats soften overnight while retaining more texture than quick oats. Use the light coconut milk specified for a creamy base that is not as rich as full-fat coconut milk.

Add-ins: Unsweetened coconut flakes bring coconut flavour without adding extra sweetness. The blueberries, chocolate chips and almonds can be portioned to taste from the listed amounts.

Getting the texture right

Even mixing: Stir the oats, coconut milk, chia seeds and other base ingredients thoroughly so the seeds do not clump and the oats are coated in liquid. Give the mixture another stir before eating, as it may thicken while chilling.

Chilling: Leave the covered container in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. The oats should be softened and spoonable; if you prefer them warm, microwave for 2 minutes and stir.

Making it ahead

Prepare the oats the evening before, or make them up to 4 days in advance and keep them refrigerated. A wide-mouth mason jar works well, but any clean container with a lid will do.

If using frozen blueberries, they can be added with the other listed extras or just before serving. Keep the container covered between preparation and serving.

Serving ideas

Enjoy the oats straight from the fridge for a ready-to-eat breakfast, or warm them in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir after warming so the texture is even.

The blueberries add a fruity contrast, while almonds give the soft oats a little crunch. The chocolate chips make the bowl sweeter and more dessert-like.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a container with enough room to stir the oats without spilling.
• Mix the chia seeds through well to help prevent clumps.
• Give the oats a good stir again before serving.
• Keep the container covered while it chills in the refrigerator.
• Add frozen blueberries straight from the freezer if you are using them.

Variations

• More coconut: Add extra coconut flakes for a stronger coconut flavour.
• Berry swap: Use another fresh or frozen berry in place of the blueberries.
• Nut choice: Replace the almonds with another sliced nut you enjoy.
• Less sweet: Use fewer chocolate chips for a milder, less sweet bowl.
• Warm serving: Microwave the chilled oats for 2 minutes, then stir before eating.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the long chill: The oats need at least 8 hours in the refrigerator to soften.
• Clumpy chia: Stir the seeds thoroughly into the liquid mixture before chilling.
• Uneven texture: Stir again before serving so the thickened oats are evenly combined.
• Leaving it uncovered: Keep the container covered while storing the oats in the refrigerator.
• Overheating: Follow the stated 2-minute microwave time, then stir and check the temperature before eating.

How to store

Keep the oats covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Eat them chilled or microwave for 2 minutes and stir before serving.

Frequently asked questions