Name: Almond Butter Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 720 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1 cup milk of choice; 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 Tbsp almond butter; 1 tsp chia seeds (optional); 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional); Fruit, nuts, seeds, etc. for topping

Wake up to a satisfying and nourishing breakfast with this easy almond butter overnight oats recipe!

Made with just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, these protein-packed oats come together in minutes and can be prepared ahead of time for a grab-and-go morning meal.

Why Try Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats have become a breakfast staple for many health-conscious eaters. Unlike traditional oatmeal that requires cooking on the stovetop, overnight oats are prepared by simply combining oats and liquid in a jar or container and letting it soak in the fridge overnight.

This easy "no-cook" method produces oats with an ultra-creamy, pudding-like texture that is delicious and satisfying. The oats absorb the liquid as they soak, which softens them while still retaining a pleasant chewy quality. Overnight oats are a great make-ahead option, as they can keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Plus, overnight oats have some added health benefits beyond regular oatmeal. The longer soaking time helps to reduce levels of phytic acid, which can inhibit nutrient absorption. Overnight oats are also lower on the glycemic index than cooked oatmeal, meaning they won't spike your blood sugar as much.

The Nutritional Benefits of Overnight Oats

There are so many reasons to make overnight oats part of your regular breakfast routine:

Fiber - Oats are naturally high in fiber, which slows digestion, keeps you fuller for longer, and promotes gut health.
Protein - The combo of oats and Greek yogurt packs a protein punch to start your day off right.
Healthy fats - From the almond butter and milk, overnight oats provide essential fatty acids and vitamin E.
Antioxidants - The almonds and oats contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation.
Probiotics - Greek yogurt contains probiotics to support digestive and immune system health.
Lower glycemic index - Compared to cooked oats, overnight oats result in slower blood sugar rise.

Clearly, these overnight oats nourish your body with far more than just carbs! The balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats will provide lasting energy, keep you feeling satisfied, and set you up for success.

Overnight Oats Ingredients

This almond butter overnight oats recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients:

Oats

Rolled or old-fashioned oats work best for overnight oats. The oats soak up the liquid as they sit to achieve that creamy texture. For a gluten-free version, look for certified gluten-free oats. Steel-cut oats are not recommended, as they will remain too chewy and crunchy.

Milk

The milk provides moisture and creaminess to the oats. Use your milk of choice - dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc. Milk alternatives work seamlessly in this recipe.

Greek yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt adds protein, creaminess, and thickness to the oats. Try to avoid sweetened yogurts, as the almond butter and optional toppings already provide sweetness.

Almond butter

Almond butter gives these oats their signature flavor and contributes healthy fats. Peanut or cashew butter also works if you prefer those flavors.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are optional but provide an extra boost of nutrition from omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants. They also help thicken the oats.

Sweetener (optional)

For added sweetness, you can add a touch of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. The almond butter and fruit toppings lend plenty of sweetness on their own.

Fruit/toppings

Customize your oats with your favorite fruits and crunchy toppings! Bananas, berries, apples, and mango are all tasty choices. Granola, nuts, chia seeds, and coconut provide crunch.

How to Make Almond Butter Overnight Oats

Making these protein-packed almond butter oats takes just 5 minutes of hands-on prep time. Simply:

Combine the wet ingredients - In a medium bowl, mix together the milk, yogurt, almond butter, chia seeds, and sweetener if using. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add the dry oats - Add in the rolled oats and stir to combine everything well.
Portion into jars - Divide the oat mixture between 2 jars or airtight containers. Apply lids.
Refrigerate overnight - Place the jars in the fridge and let sit for at least 6 hours, or up to 5 days.
Add toppings and enjoy - When ready to eat, remove from fridge and customize each portion with desired toppings like fruit, nuts, nut butter, etc!

That's truly all there is to it! In the morning, give your oats a good stir to reincorporate any liquid that has separated. The oats may also be warmed if you prefer, but they are delicious chilled too.

Make-Ahead Overnight Oats

The hands-off method and long fridge life make overnight oats a perfect make-ahead breakfast. Simply prepare a batch or two at the start of the week for grab-and-go mornings.

Stored in an airtight container, the oats will be kept for 3-5 days. Give them a stir each morning and add a splash of milk if needed to refresh. Having ready-to-eat breakfasts waiting in the fridge is a real morning lifesaver!

Healthy Overnight Oats Topping Ideas

The fun part about overnight oats is customizing each portion with yummy mix-ins and toppings. Get inspired with these delicious add-in ideas:

Fresh fruit - berries, banana, mango, apple, peach
Dried fruit - raisins, cranberries, dates, apricots
Nuts - almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios
Seeds - chia, pumpkin, sunflower, flax
Nut butter - almond, peanut, sunflower seed
Shredded coconut
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract
Maple syrup, honey, brown sugar
Milk - for creaminess
Granola - homemade or store-bought
Yogurt - Greek, regular, coconut yogurt
Cacao nibs, chocolate chips
Protein powder

The options are limitless! Change up the flavors each day depending on what you have on hand and what you're craving.

Almond Butter Oats Recipe Variations

Beyond fruits and mix-ins, the basic overnight oats recipe can be reinvented in lots of ways by switching up the primary ingredients:

PB oats - Use peanut butter instead of almond butter.
Protein oats - Stir in protein powder and top with nuts.
Carrot cake oats - Fold in shredded carrots, raisins, cinnamon.
Tropical oats - Use coconut milk, mango, pineapple, coconut.
Apple pie oats - Mix in applesauce, apple chunks, cinnamon.
Chocolate oats - Cocoa powder, chocolate protein, cacao nibs.
Matcha oats - Matcha powder, pistachios, honey.

Again, versatility is a highlight of overnight oats. Play around with flavors to keep your mornings exciting!

FAQs

Do you cook the oats?

Nope, no cooking is required! The oats simply soak and soften overnight as they absorb the liquid ingredients. The end result has an almost pudding-like texture.

Can you eat overnight oats warm?

Yes, absolutely! While completely delicious eaten chilled straight from the fridge, overnight oats can also be briefly warmed in the microwave before enjoying if you prefer a hot breakfast.

How long does it take to make overnight oats?

Total hands-on prep time is just 5 minutes! After simply stirring together the ingredients, the oats need about 6-12 hours in the fridge to soak and thicken.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead?

Steel-cut oats are not recommended, as they will remain crunchy and chewy rather than achieve the intended soft, creamy texture. Rolled or old-fashioned oats work best.

What can I add to overnight oats?

The possibilities are endless! Mix in or top with your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, coconut, nut butter, spices, extracts, sweeteners, granola...get creative!

How long do overnight oats last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, overnight oats will keep for 3-5 days. Give them a stir each morning before eating.

Conclusion

Whipping up these almond butter overnight oats is one of the easiest ways to start your day with a balanced, nutritious breakfast.

The hands-off preparation, flexibility with ingredients and toppings, and make-ahead convenience make overnight oats an optimal busy-morning choice.