Overnight Oatmeal

Wake up to a healthy, flavorful breakfast with our Overnight Oats Recipe, layered with fresh berries and crunchy pistachios!

Looking for a quick and easy breakfast idea that’s both delicious and nutritious? Here’s a delicious overnight oatmeal recipe you won’t want to miss! This breakfast treat is bursting with the flavors of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and crunchy pistachios. It will leave you satisfied and energized for the day ahead. Plus, with the convenience of preparing it the night before, you can grab it from the refrigerator in the morning and enjoy a hassle-free breakfast.

Drizzle this delicious treat with honey or warmed raspberry jam for an added indulgence you won’t want to miss!

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Why This Recipe Works

Bursting with Berries: Our overnight oatmeal is loaded with fresh raspberries and blueberries, providing a burst of vibrant flavors and essential nutrients.
Creamy and Crunchy Combination: Adding Greek yogurt lends a creamy texture, while chopped pistachios add a delightful crunch to every bite.
Vanilla and a pinch of salt enhance and create depth to the dish.
Make-Ahead Convenience: By preparing this recipe the night before, you can have a nourishing breakfast ready to go in the morning, saving you time and ensuring a wholesome start to your day.

two jars of Overnight Oatmeal topped with berries and chopped pistachios with two gold spoons in the background.

Ingredient Notes

all of the ingredients for this recipe laid out on a table

Rolled oats: Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and flavor. Quick oats or instant oats can be substituted if needed.
Milk: Choose your favorite types of milk, such as dairy milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
Greek yogurt: While optional, Greek yogurt adds a creamy richness to the overnight oats. You can omit it if desired.
Honey or maple syrup: Either sweetener works well to enhance the flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Vanilla: Vanilla bean paste, vanilla extract, or imitation vanilla are all suitable choices for this recipe. You can substitute almond extract for a different flavor profile or omit it if you have none.
Fresh raspberries and blueberries: Use ripe and fresh berries for the best taste. You can substitute with other berries like strawberries or blackberries if desired.
Chopped pistachios: These add a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness. If you have nut allergies, feel free to substitute with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Oats Around The World

When it comes to oats, each country has its own unique varieties that bring diverse textures and flavors to the table. In the US, we recommend using old-fashioned oats. Read on for recommendations in other places around the world.

United Kingdom

Rolled Oats, or porridge oats, are the most common type of oats used in the UK. They are similar to American old-fashioned oats and are suitable for this recipe.

Jumbo oats are thicker and larger in size compared to rolled oats. They provide a chewier texture to the overnight oatmeal, which some people prefer.

Australia

Traditional oats are the Australian equivalent of American old-fashioned oats. They are whole-grain oats that have been rolled to a medium thickness, making them ideal for this recipe.

Quick oats, also known as instant oats, are more finely cut and processed than rolled oats. They have a slightly softer texture and cook faster. While you can use quick oats in this recipe, the texture may differ slightly.

Europe

Whole oat flakes, similar to rolled oats, are commonly used in Europe. They have a nutty flavor and retain more of their natural texture.

Instant oats are widely available in Europe as well. They are pre-cooked and rolled thinner than traditional rolled oats, resulting in a quicker cooking time.

Other Regions

When choosing oats in other regions, select oats that have been rolled or flaked, as they will provide the desired consistency and texture for overnight oatmeal.

Step By Step Instructions

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt (optional), 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.

the oats mixed with milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and honey.

Add half of the fresh raspberries and blueberries to the mixture and stir well to combine.

the berries mixed into the Overnight Oatmeal mixture

Transfer the mixture to a mason jar or any airtight container. Cover the jar or container and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.

In the morning, give the mixture a good stir. Add a splash of more milk to reach your desired consistency. Top the oats with the remaining fresh raspberries, blueberries, and a generous sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

a close up image of a jar filled with overnight oatmeal and topped with mixed berries and chopped pistachios

Drizzle a little more honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious overnight oats breakfast!

a jar of Overnight Oatmeal piled high with berries and chopped pistachios with a spoon in the jar.

Variation Suggestions

Feel free to get creative with these variations or combine different elements to suit your taste preferences. Overnight oatmeal is highly customizable, so don’t hesitate to experiment and discover your favorite flavor combinations! Read on for some creations we’ve used.

6 jars of overnight oatmeal with various toppings

Strawberries with Granola: Replace the raspberries and blueberries with fresh sliced strawberries. Top the oats with a sprinkle of your favorite granola for added crunch and texture. This variation adds a touch of natural sweetness and pairs well with creamy oats.
Maple Walnuts: Swap the chopped pistachios with maple-glazed walnuts. Heat ¼ cup of walnuts in a small skillet with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup over medium heat until the syrup thickens and coats the walnuts. Allow them to cool before adding them to the overnight oats. The combination of maple and crunchy walnuts adds a delightful twist to the recipe.
Defrosted Frozen Berries with Chopped Nuts: When fresh berries are out of season, you can use defrosted frozen berries as a substitute. Thaw ½ cup of your favorite frozen berry blend and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mixture. Enhance the texture and flavor by adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Banana with Seeds and Nuts: Replace the berries entirely with sliced bananas. For an added nutritional boost, sprinkle a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds over the oats. You can also include a handful of your favorite nuts, such as sliced almonds or cashews, to create a deliciously satisfying combination.
Cooked Peaches with Cinnamon and Sugar: Instead of using berries, try cooked peaches for a warm and comforting twist. See our peaches and cream recipe for how to cook the peaches.

Recipe Tips

Use the Right Ratio: Maintain a proper ratio of oats to liquid. The recommended ratio is 1 part oats to 1 part liquid (milk and yogurt). This ensures the oats are adequately hydrated and results in a creamy consistency.
Adjust the Liquid: If you prefer a thicker consistency, slightly reduce the liquid amount. Conversely, if you like your oats more liquid, add a bit more milk until you achieve your desired consistency.
Stir Well: When combining the oats, milk, yogurt, sweetener, and salt, make sure to stir everything thoroughly. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly and ensures that each spoonful is flavorful.
Layer the Berries: When adding the berries, it’s recommended to layer them between the oat mixture to disperse the flavors. This way, each bite will have a burst of fruity goodness.
Choose Toppings Wisely: Ensure that any additional toppings you choose complement the flavors and textures of the oatmeal.
Experiment with Soaking Time: While the recipe recommends refrigerating the oats overnight, you can adjust the soaking time based on your schedule and desired texture. If you prefer a slightly chewier texture, try soaking them for around 6 hours. For a softer consistency, stick to the overnight method.
Customize Sweetness: The amount of honey or maple syrup mentioned in the recipe can be adjusted according to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a bit more sweetener. Conversely, reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet breakfast.
Gentle Stirring in the Morning: When you’re ready to enjoy your overnight oats in the morning, give them a gentle stir to incorporate any settled ingredients. If the oats seem too thick, add a milk splash to achieve your preferred consistency.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

You can prepare a batch of overnight oatmeal in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Divide the mixture into individual jars or containers and cover tightly. When ready to eat, stir it and add your desired toppings.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats for this recipe?

Steel-cut oats are not recommended for this specific overnight oatmeal recipe. They have a much coarser texture and require longer cooking times. Stick to rolled oats, old-fashioned oats, or their regional equivalents for the best results.

Can I heat up the overnight oats?

Yes, you can certainly heat up the overnight oats if you prefer them warm. Transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until desired warmth is reached. Alternatively, you can gently heat them on the stovetop, stirring continuously until heated through.

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Why This Recipe Works