Try cinnamon overnight oats for a warming, hearty, and satisfying morning meal! Rolled oats are combined with aromatic cinnamon, vanilla, and a dash of maple syrup, resulting in a perfectly sweet-yet-healthy breakfast. Garnish it with your favorite toppings like vegan yogurt, fresh berries, and an extra dusting of cinnamon for the perfect finish.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Hassle-free mornings: Mix it up the night before, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast. No fuss, no rush!
- Full of protein: This cinnamon overnight oats recipe is infused with protein powder, making it an energizing kickstart to your day.
- Wholesome: With ingredients like fiber-rich oats and Omega 3-packed chia seeds, this recipe is one of the best things you can fuel your body with.
What are cinnamon overnight oats?
Overnight oats are a refreshing, easy-to-make, and customizable twist on traditional stewed oatmeal. This cinnamon overnight oats recipe is one of my favorite flavor variations, especially in the late summer and early fall as the mornings become cooler.
Rolled oats are mixed with protein powder, chia seeds, and aromatics, then drenched in plant milk and sweetened with maple syrup. Once everything has rested in the fridge, it transforms into a creamy, dreamy breakfast that will keep you full and energized for hours!
I enjoy my cinnamon overnight oats straight from the fridge with toppings like berries, vegan yogurt, extra cinnamon, or chopped nuts. This recipe is the epitome of convenience and nutrition, making your mornings effortlessly gourmet.
Are overnight oats vegan?
Overnight oats are not traditionally vegan, but they are one of those recipes that are incredibly easy to make plant-based. This is all you need to do:
- Milk: Instead of cow’s milk, I use dairy-free milk in my recipe.
- Protein: Protein powder is another common component of overnight oats, but I like to use plant-based protein powder to keep it dairy-free.
- Toppings: I recommend vegan vanilla yogurt or nut butter over dairy-based yogurt.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rolled oats: The base of this dish, offering a perfectly chewy-yet-tender texture. You can swap rolled oats with quick oats in a pinch, but the texture will be mushier. I don’t recommend using steel-cut oats for this recipe.
- Oat milk: Creates a rich, creamy, and silky-smooth texture. Almond, soy, pea, or cashew milk also make great alternatives.
- Protein powder: For that morning protein boost! Use your favorite brand and flavor. If vanilla isn’t for you, go for the unflavored or chocolate varieties.
- Maple syrup: Used as a natural sweetener, but agave, coconut nectar, or date syrup will all work just as well for cinnamon overnight oats.
- Chia seeds: These fiber-packed wonders help thicken the texture and add brain-healthy Omega 3s. Flax seeds can be used as an alternative, but the texture will vary.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a sweet aroma. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste, or try other spices like cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice.
- Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a sweet, creamy element. I always suggest using pure vanilla extract for the most intense taste.
How to make cinnamon overnight oats
- Step 1: Start by mixing all the dry ingredients. I prefer to mix the dry components first for an even distribution of ingredients.
- Step 2: Pour in the oat milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, then mix everything well. Spoon the mixture into jars, ensuring they have tight lids.
- Step 3: Let them chill in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4-6 hours. You’ll start to see the texture thicken up more the longer they sit.
- Step 4: When you’re ready to eat, give the oats a quick stir. If they’re too thick at this point, you can add a splash of milk until they reach your preferred consistency.
What to serve with cinnamon overnight oats
If you’re not sure what to add to your cinnamon overnight oats, check out some of these toppings as inspiration:
- A handful of toasted nuts or seeds
- Dairy-free vanilla or berry yogurt
- A drizzle of vegan chocolate or vegan caramel
- Peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter
- A sprinkle of coconut flakes or cocoa nibs
Storage & Reheating
Cinnamon overnight oats are great for meal prep! Just follow these simple storage tips:
- Fridge: Cinnamon overnight oats will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Portion them out into single-serving containers or jars for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Freezer: You can freeze overnight oats for up to a month in airtight containers. Just make sure to add fresh fruit and other toppings at the time of serving.
Variations
- Apple pie: Add sautéed cinnamon apples to make apple cinnamon overnight oats.
- Tropical: Mix in mango cubes and toasted coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Caffeine: Add a dash of cold brew or espresso for a morning caffeine kick.
- Chocolate: Swirl in some cocoa powder and use chocolate protein powder if you’re a chocolate lover.
Top tips
- Mix well: Mix the oats well to ensure no dry pockets are left in the mixture.
- Adjust the consistency: Adjust the milk according to your desired thickness. If it’s too thick the next day, you can always add more milk.
- Protein: Feel free to add more protein powder to meet your dietary needs. Alternatively, you can omit the protein powder, but make sure to reduce the milk as well.
- Toppings: Add fresh fruits and other toppings just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Let it chill: The longer your cinnamon overnight oats chill, the thicker the mixture becomes and the better the flavors meld.
FAQ
No, you do not have to cook overnight oats because the soaking process softens them, making them edible without cooking.
I always suggest adding dry ingredients first, then wet ones for a smoother blend and even distribution of flavors.
If you don’t have chia seeds, you can replace them with an equal amount of flax seeds. Just note that the texture won’t be quite as thick.
More breakfast recipes
If you love these cinnamon overnight oats, check out some more of my most popular breakfast recipes like these:
- Vegan Baked Oatmeal: Warm, comforting, and sweet plant-based breakfast.
- Vegan Just Egg Frittata: A nutritious, savory breakfast make without eggs.
- Flaxseed Pudding: A quick, healthy, and satisfying way to start your day.
- Vegan Protein Pancakes: Sweet and satisfying high-protein breakfast option.
Cinnamon Overnight Oats
DESCRIPTION
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup oat milk or preferred plant milk
- 2 tablespoon unflavored protein powder optional
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
METHOD
- Combine all the dry ingredients (oats, cinnamon powder, protein powder, chia seeds) in a mixing bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Seal in air-tight container or small jars with a tight lid.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 to 6 hours.
- Roughly stir in the morning before serving. If too thick, add a little milk for desired consistency.
- Serve with vegan vanilla yogurt, apples, fresh berries or other fruits. Dust with more cinnamon powder before serving.
NOTES
- Mix well: Mix the oats well to ensure no dry pockets are left in the mixture.
- Adjust the consistency: Adjust the milk according to your desired thickness. If it’s too thick the next day, you can always add more milk.
- Protein: Feel free to add more protein powder to meet your dietary needs. Alternatively, you can omit the protein powder, but make sure to reduce the milk as well.
- Toppings: Add fresh fruits and other toppings just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Let it chill: The longer your cinnamon overnight oats chill, the thicker the mixture becomes and the better the flavors meld.
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