Overnight oats with chia seeds

Ingredients

• 30 grolled oats
• 1 tablespoonchia seeds
• 250 mlunsweetened soy milk
• 1 tablespoondesiccated coconut
• 1 tablespooncacao nibs
• 1 teaspoonsunflower seeds
• 1 teaspoonflaxseed
• 1/2mashed banana

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix and chill

   In a large bowl, mix the oats, chia seeds, desiccated coconut, cacao nibs, sunflower seeds and flaxseed. Add the mashed half banana and soy milk, cover the bowl with aluminium foil and refrigerate overnight.

2. 2

   Stir and top

   The next morning, take the bowl out of the fridge and stir well. Finish with a topping of your choice, such as fresh fruit or nuts.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are a chilled oat breakfast made by soaking oats in liquid until they soften. This Dutch-cuisine version pairs them with soy milk and mashed banana, then adds coconut, cacao nibs and seeds for extra flavour and texture.

The method is simple: prepare the mixture ahead, let it rest in the fridge, and finish it just before eating. Chia seeds help give the soaked oats a thicker, spoonable consistency.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 405 calories, 17g protein, 44g carbs, 20g fat.

The oats and banana provide most of the carbohydrates, while soy milk, chia and the seeds contribute protein. Soy milk, chia, coconut, cacao nibs and seeds also supply most of the fat. For a more balanced plate, serve the oats with extra fresh fruit alongside.

Why these ingredients work

Oats and chia: rolled oats soften as they absorb the milk, while chia seeds swell and help bind the mixture. Stirring everything together the night before lets both ingredients hydrate.

Banana and soy milk: mashed banana adds sweetness and helps distribute its flavour through the oats. Unsweetened soy milk keeps the mixture pourable without adding sweetener.

Getting the texture right

Before chilling: mix thoroughly so there are no dry pockets of oats or chia. Make sure the banana is mashed well enough to blend into the milk.

In the morning: stir the mixture again before serving, as it can thicken while resting. If you prefer a looser texture, add a little more soy milk; if you like it thicker, serve it as it is.

The overnight rest

Chill the covered bowl overnight, as directed, so the oats and seeds have time to absorb the liquid. The recipe does not specify an exact number of hours, so prepare it the evening before breakfast.

Keep the bowl covered in the fridge during the rest. Give the oats a thorough stir in the morning to bring the ingredients back together.

Coconut, cacao and seeds

Coconut and cacao nibs: desiccated coconut brings a chewy, aromatic note, while cacao nibs add a firm, bitter chocolate flavour. Their texture contrasts with the soft oats.

Sunflower seeds and flaxseed: these small additions bring a subtle crunch and earthy flavour. Measure them into the mixture along with the oats, chia and coconut.

Topping and serving

Fresh fruit: add it after stirring the oats, so it stays fresh and distinct from the soaked mixture. Choose fruit to suit what you have available.

Nuts: scatter them on top just before eating for extra crunch. The recipe leaves the topping to your choice, so add it to taste.

Recipe notes & tips

• Mash the banana thoroughly so it mixes evenly into the soy milk.
• Stir the chia seeds in well to prevent dry clumps.
• Cover the bowl before refrigerating so the mixture stays protected.
• Stir the oats again just before adding the topping.
• Add fresh fruit or nuts at serving time to keep their texture distinct.

Variations

• Use another milk: swap the soy milk for a plant milk you enjoy.
• Change the fruit: top with berries, sliced apple or another fresh fruit.
• Add nuts: finish with chopped nuts for a crunchier topping.
• Boost the coconut: add extra desiccated coconut for a stronger coconut flavour.
• Sweeten the cacao: choose a sweeter fruit topping to balance the cacao nibs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Dry chia clumps: mix the seeds thoroughly into the oats before adding the liquid.
• Uneven banana: mash it well before stirring it into the bowl.
• Skipping the chill: leave the covered mixture in the fridge overnight so the oats can soften.
• Serving without stirring: stir well in the morning to redistribute the thickened mixture.
• Adding toppings too early: add fruit or nuts just before serving to preserve their texture.

How to store

Keep the covered oats in the fridge and eat them the next morning, as directed. Stir before serving and add the topping then; the recipe does not give a longer storage time.

Frequently asked questions