Overnight Oats with Yogurt
Looking for an easy overnight oats recipe with yogurt that takes the morning rush out of breakfast? You’ll love this recipe, it combines simple pantry staples with yogurt to create a delicious start to your day. Just mix oats, yogurt, and your favourite mix-ins the night before, and wake up to a flavourful, hassle-free meal that’s ready to enjoy.
Tips Before Making Your Overnight Oats with Yogurt
Choose the Right Oat for You
Not all oats behave the same when you make overnight oats. Old fashioned rolled oats are a classic choice, they soften nicely without turning mushy. Quick oats work too if you’re short on time, but they can lose a bit of texture by morning. Steel-cut oats require more soaking (and a bit more patience). Instant oats absorb liquid almost immediately, but the result can be too soft for some palates. Consider the type of oats that best matches your taste and schedule, then build the rest of this breakfast recipe around that choice.
Adjust Liquid-to-Oats Ratio for Desired Consistency
The magic of overnight oats lies in how much liquid you use. For a thicker start, combine equal parts yogurt and old fashioned rolled oats, then stir in just enough coconut milk or oat milk to cover. If you prefer a looser breakfast bowl, give the oats extra milk— whether that’s dairy, plant-based, or a splash of almond milk —until you reach a consistency you enjoy. Remember, oats and milk expand as they sit, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly less liquid and then top up in the morning if needed. This simple adjustment lets you make this recipe fit your ideal texture every time.
Soak for at Least 6 Hours for Proper Hydration
To truly make overnight oats, give the mixture plenty of time to hydrate. Let your jar or bowl rest in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. This basic recipe step allows even hearty steel-cut oats to soften and absorb the flavours around them. If you’re in a rush, quick oats can soften in just a few hours, but reserving a full night ensures the oats fully plump up. By morning, you’ll have a ready-to-eat breakfast that requires minimal effort—just stir, top, and go. Add a dollop of almond butter before serving for extra richness and protein.
Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt
Ingredients
½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
½ cup quick oats (optional, for slightly softer texture)
½ cup Activia Plain probiotic yogurt
½ cup oat milk (or choice of coconut milk, almond milk, etc.
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fibre and omega-3)
Toppings of choice (e.g., fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, or a dollop of almond butter)
Directions
Combine the oats: In a medium-sized bowl or mason jar, stir together the old fashioned rolled oats and quick oats (if using). This blend of oats gives you a balance of hearty chew and faster hydration.
Add yogurt and milk: Spoon in the Activia Plain yogurt, then pour the oat milk over top. Use enough liquid so that the oats are just covered; if you prefer a looser “sippable” consistency, add a splash more milk.
Sweeten and flavour: Stir in the maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you’d like some extra texture and nutrients, sprinkle in the chia seeds or ground flaxseed. Mix thoroughly so the oats, yogurt, and milk form a uniform batter.
Seal and refrigerate: Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, giving you soft, ready-to-eat oats by morning.
Check consistency: The next morning, remove your overnight oats from the fridge and give them a good stir. If the mixture seems too thick, pour in a bit more oat milk until it reaches your desired texture.
Finish with toppings: Transfer the oats into individual serving bowls (or enjoy straight from the jar). Top with fresh fruit, such as berries, sliced banana, or diced mango, plus chopped nuts, seeds, or a swirl of almond butter.
Serve and enjoy: Grab a spoon and dig in!
Questions Related to the Yogurt Overnight Oats Recipe
How Long Will Overnight Oats with Yogurt Keep in the Fridge?
Overnight oats with yogurt can stay fresh for up to 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you make overnight oats with yogurt and add frozen fruit or fresh berries, remember that the texture may soften over time. For best results, layer in any crunchy toppings, like chopped nuts or granola, just before serving, rather than before refrigeration.
Can I Use Flavoured Yogurt or Should I Stick to Plain?
You can absolutely experiment with flavoured yogurt, probiotic vanilla yogurt or even a maple syrup–sweetened version works well as part of your overnight oat base. That said, plain yogurt gives you more control over sweetness and the overnight oats ratio. If you prefer a peanut butter and jelly twist, try stirring in natural peanut butter or sunflower seed butter and topping with thawed frozen fruit or a handful of fresh blueberry overnight to balance out flavours without adding excess sugar.
What Are the Best Toppings to Add Before Serving?
Classic banana slices and a drizzle of maple syrup never fail. Alternatively, swirl in sunflower seed butter or almond butter, then sprinkle with a handful of cinnamon-spiced granola. A handful of frozen fruit or a dollop of probiotic vanilla yogurt on top also makes for a quick, flavour-packed finish.
Pair your Overnight Oats with Yogurt with an Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding or Easy Avocado Toast Recipe for a ready-to-go, satisfying breakfast.
