Name: Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Total time: 8 h 1 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (vanilla soy milk preferred); Drizzle of pure maple syrup; 1-2 tablespoons natural peanut butter; Fresh or frozen blueberries; Sliced banana; Diced apples; Chopped dates or raisins; Chopped walnuts or almonds; Hemp or ground flaxseeds; Sprinkle of cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 13 reviews

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s effortless, nutritious, and totally customizable, you’re going to love this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe. It’s one of those mornings-savers that I keep coming back to—it requires almost zero effort but rewards you with a creamy, filling start to your day. Plus, it’s vegan, naturally gluten-free if you pick the right oats, and you can tailor it with all your favorite toppings. Ready to make mornings easier? Let me walk you through everything you’ll want to know!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: Just oats and plant milk mixed and chilled—minimal prep for maximum flavor and texture.
Customizable: Add any toppings you love, from fruits to nuts to sweeteners, making it uniquely yours every time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy mornings—prep a batch and grab a jar whenever you need it.
Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you energized until lunch.

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, healthy overnight oats, easy plant-based breakfast, customizable vegan oats - A clear glass jar filled with three layers: the bottom layer is fresh blueberries, the middle layer is creamy white porridge or yogurt with a smooth texture, and the top layer has more blueberries and a few light brown walnut pieces scattered on top. A silver spoon is placed in the jar, partly inside the food. The surface around the jar shows a white marbled texture with some scattered white nut pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe lies in its minimal ingredient list—each element plays a vital role in creating that creamy, dreamy texture and delicious flavor. I always recommend using rolled oats for the best consistency and a plant-based milk with a little flavor, like vanilla soy milk, which adds sweetness without any sugar.

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, healthy overnight oats, easy plant-based breakfast, customizable vegan oats - Flat lay of rolled oats, a glass of creamy vanilla soy milk, fresh blueberries, sliced banana, diced apples, chopped dates, walnut halves, and a small jar of golden maple syrup beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rolled oats: These absorb liquid perfectly overnight without turning mushy like instant oats; look for certified gluten-free if needed.
Non-dairy milk (vanilla soy milk recommended): Adds creaminess and natural sweetness, helping to soften the oats just right by morning.
Pure maple syrup (optional): A natural sweetener with a deep flavor; use sparingly or skip if you prefer savory toppings.
Natural peanut butter: Gives richness and protein, plus a lovely nutty flavor—I love how it balances the sweetness.
Fresh or frozen blueberries: Burst of freshness and antioxidants; frozen is great year-round.
Sliced banana: Adds natural sweetness and creaminess, plus potassium for energy.
Diced apples: Provides crunch and tartness, a nice contrast in texture.
Chopped dates or raisins: Naturally sweet bite-sized chewy treats, perfect for topping.
Chopped walnuts or almonds: Crunch and healthy fats; toasting them lightly amps up the flavor.
Hemp or ground flaxseeds: Boosts nutrition with omega-3s and adds subtle texture.
Sprinkle of cinnamon: Warms up the flavor and pairs beautifully with fruits and nuts.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I always encourage you to make this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe truly your own. I often switch up my toppings depending on the season or my cravings, and it keeps my breakfast exciting without any extra cooking. Don’t be shy about experimenting here!

Variation: Some mornings I swap vanilla soy milk for almond or oat milk, especially if I want a creamier texture—totally changes up the flavor profile!
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, I throw in some pumpkin puree and cinnamon for a cozy vibe that feels indulgent but is still super simple.
Sweetener Swap: If you’re avoiding maple syrup, a spoonful of agave nectar or a touch of coconut sugar works nicely too.
Boost Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder to make it more filling, especially great after workouts.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

Step 1: Mix Oats and Non-Dairy Milk

Start by combining 1/2 cup rolled oats with 1/2 cup of your preferred non-dairy milk in a small jar or container with a lid. I usually reach for vanilla soy milk because it adds a bit of sweetness and creaminess without needing extra sugar. Give it a good stir to make sure all the oats get moistened—this prevents clumps from forming overnight.

Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight

Pop the container in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight. This chilling period allows the oats to soften by absorbing the liquid, transforming into a luscious, pudding-like texture. I usually prep several jars on Sunday night so I can grab them in a hurry all week. Trust me, this routine is a total game changer for busy mornings.

Step 3: Add Toppings and Enjoy

In the morning, you can eat your overnight oats cold straight from the fridge or heat them in the microwave for about a minute if you prefer warm oats. Then comes the best part—toppings! I’m a fan of fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped walnuts, and some chopped dates with a drizzle of maple syrup. But honestly, go wild—add banana slices, a spoonful of peanut butter, sprinkle cinnamon, or toss in hemp seeds. Each combination feels like a mini celebration.

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Pro Tips for Making Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

Use Rolled Oats, Not Instant: I learned the hard way that instant oats get mushy overnight; rolled oats keep that perfect tender bite.
Don’t Overfill Your Jar: Leave some space for stirring and topping additions—you’ll thank yourself when mixing in the morning.
Sweeten After Soaking: Wait to add maple syrup or peanut butter until serving to avoid thinning the oats overnight.
Prep Multiple Jars at Once: Make 3-5 jars at a time for grab-and-go breakfasts, saving you precious time throughout the week.

How to Serve Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, healthy overnight oats, easy plant-based breakfast, customizable vegan oats - Two clear glass jars with three visible layers each sit on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light beige creamy oatmeal, topped with a layer of sliced almonds scattered evenly. The top layer consists of fresh deep blue blueberries and small golden walnut pieces arranged loosely on top. One jar has a silver spoon resting inside it, and a few almond slices are scattered near the jars. A white cloth is partially visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m all about that finishing touch—my go-to garnishes usually include fresh blueberries for sweetness, chopped walnuts for crunch, and a gentle dusting of cinnamon. Sometimes a spoonful of peanut butter or a drizzle of maple syrup really takes it over the top. I find these toppings make each bite exciting and add a nice balance between creamy, crunchy, and sweet.

Side Dishes

For a more substantial breakfast, I like pairing my overnight oats with a side of fresh fruit, like orange slices or apple wedges, plus a hot cup of herbal tea or black coffee. On weekends, adding a toasted English muffin with avocado or nut butter rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress guests or jazz things up for a brunch, I layer the oats in a mason jar with alternating fruit and nut layers, kind of like a parfait. Adding edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder turns simple oats into a stunning centerpiece. For a fun twist, try adding a swirl of homemade berry compote or chopped dark chocolate bits just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually make enough overnight oats to cover several breakfasts, storing jars in the fridge with tight lids. They keep great for up to five days, so you can plan your week ahead. Just remember to add delicate toppings like fresh fruit or nut butters fresh each morning to keep flavors lively.

Freezing

Though not my go-to, I have frozen overnight oats in small containers with good results. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving. Some texture changes can happen, but a quick microwave zap brings them back to creamy comfort.

Reheating

If you like your oats warm, heating for about 60 seconds in the microwave works wonders. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming. Adding a splash of milk as you warm them up keeps it perfectly creamy and prevents drying out.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe?

Quick oats tend to get very soft and sometimes mushy after soaking overnight, so I don’t recommend them for this recipe. Rolled oats soak up the liquid while keeping a pleasant texture that feels homemade and satisfying.
What’s the best non-dairy milk to use for overnight oats?

I prefer vanilla soy milk because it’s creamy and naturally sweeter, which enhances the flavor without needing extra sugar. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well too, depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
Can I prepare multiple jars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making 3 to 5 jars at once to cover your breakfasts for the week. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers and add fresh toppings when you’re ready to eat.
Is this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s a wholesome option for those needing to avoid gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe has been a game changer in my kitchen—it’s such an easy, nourishing way to start the day with zero stress. Whether you’re new to overnight oats or updating your go-to method, I hope you find a version that feels like your own. Give it a try, play with those toppings, and make your mornings a little sweeter (and a lot simpler!). Trust me, once overnight oats are part of your routine, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.