Overnight Steel-Cut Oats
A simple, no-cook, make-ahead breakfast featuring chewy steel cut oats soaked overnight in almond milk, enriched with peanut butter and chia seeds. Vegan-friendly, fiber-rich, and customizable with your favorite add-ins, this recipe offers a nutritious and convenient start to your day.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Airtight Storage Container (or plastic wrap for covering)
- 4 Mason Jars (optional for individual servings)
- Measuring Cups (for liquids and oats)
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1½ tablespoons natural honey or pure maple syrup
- 1½ tablespoons peanut butter optional, for creaminess
- 1 cup uncooked steel cut oats quick-cooking steel cut oats can be used for softer texture
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Optional add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds flaxseeds, or hemp seeds
- 1 scoop protein powder plant-based or whey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of one orange or lemon
- Dried fruit like low-sugar cranberries raisins, or chopped dates
- Fresh or thawed frozen fruit
- Toasted nuts almonds, walnuts, pecans, added just before serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Liquid Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine your almond milk with honey or maple syrup and peanut butter. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients until the nut butter fully dissolves, creating a smooth, creamy base.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Flavorings: Stir in the steel cut oats, kosher salt, and any optional dry additions such as chia seeds, protein powder, cinnamon, or citrus zest. Mix everything gently until evenly incorporated.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Seal the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the oat mixture into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator and let it soak overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours and up to 5 days.
- Serve and Customize: When ready to eat, give the oats a good stir. Portion into bowls or individual jars. Add fresh fruit and toasted nuts right before serving to keep toppings crisp and fresh. You can enjoy the oats chilled straight from the fridge, or warm them briefly if preferred.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Keep leftover oats refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days. The texture will soften with time; some prefer it more set after a day or two.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the oats seem too thick after soaking, simply stir in a splash of milk before eating.
- Texture Variation: Quick-cooking steel cut oats result in a softer, less chewy texture. Choose according to your preference.
- Topping Timing: Add fresh fruit and nuts just before eating to preserve their texture and flavor—especially if preparing a larger batch.
- Sweetness Level: Feel free to modify the sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey or maple syrup, or omit altogether for a savory twist.
