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5 from 1 vote

Enjoy the simplicity and nourishment of this Overnight Oats with Water recipe. Perfect for those seeking a no-fuss, dairy-free breakfast option. This dish promises easy preparation and wholesome ingredients, setting you up for a successful day ahead.

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A glass jar of oatmeal topped with sliced strawberries, surrounded by fresh strawberries and a blue cloth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick: Set your breakfast up in minutes the night before to save precious time during your morning routine.
  • Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, these oats offer a balanced start to your day.
  • Meal Prep: This recipe simplifies weekly meal prep and is a great option for batch cooking.

Nutrition For Mental Health

One serving of this easy overnight oats contains 291 calories, 37g of carbohydrates, 9g of protein, 13 g of plant-based fat, and 7g of fiber. It also has 301mg of potassium, 118mg of calcium, and 3mg of iron.

A randomized control trial found that consuming β-Glucan, the soluble fiber in oats experienced decreased severity of headache, fatigue, and anxiety as well as improved concentration.

Ingredients

The perfect make-ahead breakfast that is made with simple ingredients. 

Ingredients and utensils laid out for preparing a recipe, featuring oats, spices, and a measuring cup on a green textured surface.
  • Oats: The base of your overnight oats are old fashioned oats, providing a hearty, fiber-rich foundation that’s versatile and filling.
  • Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds pack a nutritional punch, adding fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, plus they help thicken your oats to a pudding-like consistency.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting flavor while also offering antioxidant properties.
  • Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that brings a touch of sweetness without refined sugars, also imparting a unique, rich flavor.
  • Almond Butter: Provides creaminess and a dose of healthy fats and protein, enriching the texture and taste of your oats.
  • Water: The liquid component that hydrates the oats and chia seeds, allowing them to soften and become edible without cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

With only five minutes of prep, this recipe is a breeze. 

  1. Add dry ingredients into a glass jar. 
  1. Pour in liquid ingredients into the jar and stir thoroughly. 
  1. Place lid on and store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  1. Serve with fresh berries on top, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

  • Oats: Experiment with old-fashioned oats or quick oats for varying textures. I don’t recommend steel-cut oats for this recipe. 
  • Nut Butter: Swap almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different taste profile.
  • Sweetener: Beyond pure maple syrup, try honey, coconut sugar, or brown sugar for varied sweetness.
  • Ground Flax: Add ground flax seeds or hemp hearts for extra fiber and omega-3s.
  • Protein Powder: Protein powder would make a good addition to this recipe. Mixed with water, it can add a bit more creaminess to this healthy breakfast recipe. 

Servings Ideas

Here are some delicious toppings to consider adding to this overnight oatmeal recipe. 

  • Plant-based Milk: Drizzle non-dairy milk such as unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk for added creaminess.
  • Yogurt: Top with a dollop of plant-based yogurt such as vegan Greek yogurt for extra protein.
  • Fresh Fruit: Complete your bowl with a variety of fresh or frozen fruit for additional vitamins and flavors.
  • Dried Fruit: Add in raisins, craisins, or dried coconut flakes whichever is your favorite. 
  • Chocolate Chips: Add rich sweetness with vegan mini chocolate chips. 
A jar of overnight oats topped with a sliced strawberry on a dark textured surface with fresh strawberries in the background.

Storage Tips

Store your overnight oats in an airtight glass container like a mason jar to maintain freshness and prevent odors. Glass containers are preferable for their non-reactive nature, ensuring your oats taste just as intended the next morning.

FAQ 

Can I use water in oats overnight?

Using water instead of milk for overnight oats is a great option, particularly for those looking for a lighter version or for anyone with dairy sensitivities or preferences. While the oats may not be as creamy as when made with milk, they still absorb the water and soften up nicely, making them easy to digest and delicious to eat.

Can I make oats with water instead of milk?

Yes, you can definitely make oats with water instead of milk. This method works well for anyone seeking a dairy-free alternative or for those who prefer the more subtle flavor that water provides. Water is also a calorie-free option, making it suitable for those monitoring their caloric intake.

What happens when you soak oats in water overnight?

When you soak oats in water overnight, they absorb the liquid, becoming softer and easier to eat. This process also helps break down starches and reduces the natural phytic acid found in oats, which can inhibit the absorption of minerals. By soaking, you enhance the nutrient availability and make the oats more digestible.

How liquid should overnight oats be?

The ideal consistency of overnight oats can vary based on personal preference. Typically, a good starting ratio is 1:1 for oats to liquid, but you can adjust this depending on how thick or runny you prefer your oats. If you like them thicker, you can use less water, or if you prefer a more porridge-like consistency, you can add more. Remember that ingredients like chia seeds absorb a lot of liquid and will thicken your oats considerably, so you might need to tweak the ratios to find your perfect texture.

Overhead view of a healthy breakfast setup with oats and strawberries on a textured green surface.

Recipe

Overhead view of a glass jar filled with oatmeal and fresh strawberries on a dark green cloth, with whole strawberries scattered around.
5 from 1 vote

Overnight Oats With Water

Yield 1 Serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Soak Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Enjoy the simplicity and nourishment of this Overnight Oats With Water recipe. Perfect for those seeking a no-fuss, dairy-free breakfast option that takes just 5 minutes to prep!

Ingredients  

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions 

  • Add dry ingredients into a glass jar.
  • Pour in liquid ingredients into the jar and stir thoroughly.
  • Place lid on and store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • Serve with fresh berries on top and enjoy!

Notes

Please read through the above blog post for helpful tips and tricks!

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 11mg, Potassium: 301mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 4IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 118mg, Iron: 3mg
Overhead view of a jar of granola with fresh strawberry slices on a dark green cloth, surrounded by whole strawberries.

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