Berry overnight oats

Ingredients

• 50 gporridge oats
• 130 mlalmond milk
• 1 podvanilla
• ½ tspcocoa powder
• 1 pinchcinnamon
• to tastefrozen berries
• 1 tbspunpeeled almonds

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the oats

   Put the oats in a sealable jar and pour over the almond milk. Halve the vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds with a sharp knife. Stir the seeds into the oat and milk mixture with the cocoa and cinnamon.

2. 2

   Add the toppings

   Add the frozen berries to the jar. Roughly chop the almonds and scatter them over the fruit.

3. 3

   Chill overnight

   Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight. Enjoy the oats for breakfast.

What are berry overnight oats?

Overnight oats are oats softened by soaking in liquid in the fridge rather than cooked on the hob. They sit within the wider tradition of muesli-style breakfasts, where grains and other ingredients are prepared ahead and served cold.

Here, almond milk, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon flavour the oats, while frozen berries bring fruit and chopped almonds add crunch. The sealed jar also makes the breakfast convenient to carry.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 320 calories, 10g protein, 50g carbs, 11g fat.

The oats provide most of the carbohydrates, while the almonds contribute much of the fat and some protein. Almond milk and berries add comparatively little protein, so you could serve the jar with plain yoghurt to balance the meal further.

Choose your ingredients

Oats: Porridge oats absorb the almond milk as they rest, giving the mixture a soft, spoonable texture. No cooking is needed.

Flavourings: Scrape the vanilla seeds from the pod and stir them through with the cocoa and cinnamon so their flavour is spread throughout the oats.

Toppings: Frozen berries go into the jar before chilling, while the roughly chopped almonds add a firmer contrast.

Get the texture right

Even mixing: Stir the oats, milk, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon well before adding the berries. This helps prevent dry pockets and clumps of cocoa.

After chilling: The oats should be softened and thickened by breakfast. If the mixture seems firmer than you prefer, stir it before eating.

Plan the overnight soak

Chill time: The method calls for an overnight rest, so prepare the jar the evening before serving. Keep it sealed in the fridge during that time.

Make ahead: The active preparation takes about 10 minutes, and the rest happens in the fridge. Add the almonds before chilling as directed, or keep them separate if you prefer a crisper topping.

Pack and serve

A tight-fitting lid makes the jar easy to transport for breakfast on the go. Keep it chilled until you are ready to eat.

For a more substantial plate, serve the oats with an additional source of protein, such as plain yoghurt, if it suits your preferences.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a jar with enough room to stir the mixture without spilling.
• Scrape the vanilla pod carefully to collect the seeds.
• Stir the cocoa in thoroughly so it does not remain in dry clumps.
• Roughly chop the almonds for a mix of textures.
• Keep the jar sealed and refrigerated overnight.

Variations

• Extra fruit: Add more frozen berries if you would like a fruitier jar.
• Different nuts: Swap the almonds for another roughly chopped nut.
• Seeded topping: Replace some of the almonds with seeds for a different crunch.
• Stronger cocoa: Add a little more cocoa for a more pronounced chocolate note.
• Dairy finish: Serve with a spoonful of plain yoghurt for a tangy contrast.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Dry pockets: Stir the oats and almond milk thoroughly before adding the berries.
• Cocoa clumps: Mix the cocoa into the oats and liquid until evenly distributed.
• Vanilla pod left whole: Halve it and scrape out the seeds before stirring them in.
• Loose lid: Seal the jar securely before placing it in the fridge or taking it with you.
• Skipping the soak: Leave the jar in the fridge overnight so the oats have time to soften.

How to store

Keep the sealed jar refrigerated and eat it the following morning. Do not leave it at room temperature for an extended period, particularly when taking it on the go; it is intended to be eaten cold and does not need reheating.

Frequently asked questions