Name: Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Total time: 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· 4.7 from 42 reviews

If you’re anything like me, mornings can be a whirlwind—rushing to get out the door while still craving something nourishing and delicious to start the day. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share my Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe with you. It’s quick to prep, requires almost zero effort in the morning, and packs a punch of wholesome goodness that feels like a gentle hug for your tummy. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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Why This Recipe Works

Effortless Prep: Just mix oats with your favorite non-dairy milk, refrigerate overnight, and breakfast is ready to go.
Customizable Flavor: Add toppings you love, from fruits to nuts to spices, making every bowl unique and exciting.
Nutrient-Dense & Vegan: It’s filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats—perfect for keeping you full and energized.
Kid-Friendly & Versatile: I’ve made this for picky eaters and myself on busy days—everyone loves it!

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, healthy vegan breakfast, easy vegan oatmeal, cruelty-free breakfast recipes - 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

When you keep things simple with rolled oats and a creamy non-dairy milk, you’re creating a base that’s soft, nourishing, and naturally lightly sweet. These basics blend together overnight to get that perfect, creamy texture you crave in your morning oats.

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, healthy vegan breakfast, easy vegan oatmeal, cruelty-free breakfast recipes - 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: They soak up liquid well but still keep a pleasant texture without becoming mushy.
Non-dairy milk: I love vanilla soy milk for its creaminess and subtle sweetness, but almond, oat, or coconut milk work just as well—pick your favorite!
Pure maple syrup: A drizzle for natural sweetness without refined sugars—you can control how much you want.
Natural peanut butter: Adds a lovely richness and protein boost, plus that comforting nutty flavor.
Fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursting with antioxidants and a juicy pop of flavor.
Sliced banana: Perfect for sweetness and creaminess, especially if you like a softer oatmeal.
Diced apples: Crisp texture that pairs nicely with the soft oats.
Chopped dates or raisins: Little bites of natural caramel-like sweetness.
Chopped walnuts or almonds: For crunch, healthy fats, and added nutrition.
Hemp or ground flaxseeds: Boosts omega-3s and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied longer.
Sprinkle of cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, plus it’s great for blood sugar balance.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe is how flexible it is — you can really make it your own. I like to switch up toppings depending on the season or what I have on hand, and sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or swap maple syrup for agave nectar.

Fruit variations: Try mango and shredded coconut for a tropical spin; or diced pear and cinnamon for cozy fall vibes. I once surprised myself by throwing in some pomegranate seeds—such a great pop!
Nut & seed swaps: If you’re allergic to peanuts, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are wonderful options.
Boost protein: Add a scoop of your vegan protein powder or stir in some chia seeds for extra staying power.
Make it chocolatey: Mixing in cacao powder before chilling makes for a decadent, but still healthy, morning treat.

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

Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients

This is the easiest part! In a small container or jar (I use these cute little mason jars), just stir together ½ cup of rolled oats and ½ cup of your favorite non-dairy milk—vanilla soy milk is my go-to. Give it a good stir so all the oats soak evenly. I recommend a container with a lid so you can shake it gently if needed.

Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight

Seal the jar or cover your container and pop it in the fridge. The magic happens while you sleep: the oats soak, soften, and absorb all that creamy milk. Overnight (or at least 6 hours) is key for the perfect texture—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Top and Enjoy

In the morning, you can enjoy your oats cold straight out of the fridge or warm it up for about 60 seconds in the microwave if you prefer. Now comes the fun part—add your toppings. I’m partial to fresh blueberries, chopped walnuts, dates, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Stir it all together and savor every bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

Use Quality Oats: Rolled oats work best here—instant oats get too mushy, steel-cut oats take too long.
Choose Creamy Non-Dairy Milks: Vanilla soy or oat milk add smoothness without overpowering flavors.
Mix Before Serving: Give your oats a gentle stir in the morning to redistribute the moisture and toppings evenly.
Avoid Overfilling: Leave some space in your jar—it helps with mixing and adding toppings without spilling.

How to Serve Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

Simple Vegan Overnight Oats, vegan breakfast ideas, healthy vegan breakfast, easy vegan oatmeal, cruelty-free breakfast recipes - 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 usually top mine with fresh blueberries, a handful of crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup—simple but packed with flavors and textures that make every mouthful delightful. On chilly mornings, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few flaxseeds bring an extra cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands well on its own, but if I’m feeling a bit extra, I pair it with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee. Sometimes, a side of sliced avocado toast or a handful of nuts rounds out the breakfast nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love layering the oats with fruit compote and vegan yogurt in a clear glass jar to create a pretty parfait effect. It’s not just delicious but also Instagram-worthy! Adding edible flowers or a light dusting of cocoa powder can make it feel like a real treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re like me and like to plan ahead, you can prep several jars on Sunday evening and have breakfast ready through the week. Just keep them sealed tightly in the fridge—they usually stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days. I find the texture stays perfect and the flavors even deepen over time.

Freezing

Freezing overnight oats isn’t my personal go-to because the texture can change—it tends to get a bit watery when thawed. However, if you’re in a pinch, freezing in small portions works fine. Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before eating.

Reheating

I prefer eating these oats cold for that fresh creaminess, but if you warm them up in the microwave, do it gently—start with 30 seconds and stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals until just warm to avoid a gummy texture. Adding an extra splash of non-dairy milk before reheating helps keep things smooth.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats for this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe?

Instant oats tend to absorb liquid too quickly and can turn mushy or pasty after sitting overnight. I recommend sticking with rolled oats for the best texture, but if you only have instant oats, reduce the milk slightly and check the texture in the morning to adjust as needed.
What non-dairy milk works best?

Vanilla soy milk is my favorite because it’s creamy and adds subtle sweetness, but oat, almond, cashew, or coconut milk all work well. Just pick the one that best fits your taste and dietary preferences.
How long can I store the overnight oats?

When kept in an airtight container in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prep when you want a quick breakfast during a busy week.
Can I add sweeteners or flavors before refrigerating?

Absolutely! Adding a little maple syrup, vanilla extract, or cinnamon before chilling allows the flavors to meld overnight, making your oats even more delicious.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. In fact, my niece loves having her own jar with peanut butter and banana for a quick, healthy breakfast or snack. Adjust toppings to suit their tastes.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe has been a game-changer in my morning routine. It’s comforting, filling, and so easy to whip up with ingredients that keep well in the pantry and fridge. I love that I can customize it endlessly and still come back to the dependable creamy, wholesome base. Next time you’re scrambling in the morning, give this a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast ritual.