Single Serve Overnight Oats (Base Recipe + Variations) | Elizabeth Rider

If you’ve ever wished breakfast could just make itself, overnight oats are your answer. This simple recipe takes less than five minutes to stir together and does all the work while you sleep. In the morning, you’ve got a creamy, satisfying breakfast that’s ready to eat—no cooking required.

This is my base recipe for single-serve overnight oats, the one I come back to again and again. It’s endlessly adaptable and works just as well for meal prep if you want to make a few jars ahead of time for the week.

Whole rolled oats (sometimes called old-fashioned oats) are key here—they soften perfectly overnight while keeping just a bit of texture. Quick oats tend to get mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too tough, so stick with rolled for the best result.

You can enjoy these oats cold straight from the fridge, or warm them up in the morning with a splash of milk. Either way, it’s an easy, nourishing breakfast that keeps you full and satisfied until lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for busy mornings: Breakfast is already done.
• Easily customizable with your favorite fruits, spices, and nut butters.
• Great for single servings or meal prep for the week.
• It’s naturally dairy-free (if using plant-based milk) and free of refined sugars.

Ingredients For Overnight Oats Base

• Whole rolled oats: These are also known as “old-fashioned oats” aka “whole rolled oats” only; not quick or steel-cut.
• Unsweetened almond milk: Or any milk of your choice.
• Maple syrup or honey: Plus more to drizzle on top before serving. Or, your favorite sweetener. Omit if prefered.
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon: For flavor and health benefits. You can skip the cinnamon or substitute any spice you like.
• Pinch of sea salt
• Berries: Any fresh or frozen fruit works well.
• Optional Additions: Nut butter, or Greek yogurt

(See ingredient amounts in the printable recipe card below.)

How to Make Overnight Oats

1. Whisk or shake the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a jar. Stir in oats and chia seeds (if using). Be sure to use a large enough jar so there is room to stir later when the oats expand.
2. Top with your favorite fruit. Cover the jar tightly and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
3. Stir before serving. Taste and add more maple syrup or honey if needed. These oats will keep ready for breakfast for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Tips for Single-Serve vs. Meal Prep

• Single-Serve: Mix everything in a jar or container with a lid. It’s ideal when you just want one portion for tomorrow’s breakfast. You can even make overnight oats directly in a thermos. I like using mason jars with twist on tops to easily grab on-the-go during busy mornings.
• Meal Prep: Make 3–4 jars at once! They’ll keep up to 3-4 days in the fridge, so you can grab one each morning.
• If prepping multiple servings, I recommend adding the fruit the morning of or the night before you plan to eat—it keeps the texture fresh.

Mastering the Overnight Oats Base

Think of this recipe as your blank canvas—the perfect foundation for any flavor combo.

• Use the right oats: Whole rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) are key. Quick oats turn mushy, while steel-cut oats stay too firm and chewy.
• Keep the ratio simple: Start with a 1:1 ratio of oats to milk. If you’re adding chia seeds, increase the milk slightly since chia absorbs liquid as it sits.
• Sweeten to taste: Maple syrup, honey, or even mashed banana all work beautifully—add a little more in the morning if you prefer extra sweetness.
• Make it your own: Once you get the texture you like, play with flavorings, fruits, and toppings to keep things interesting week after week.

Best Tips

• Don’t skip the salt. A tiny pinch brings out the natural sweetness of the oats and balances the flavors.
• Layer smart. Add fruit on top before refrigerating if you like it soft, or wait until morning for a fresher texture.
• Adjust consistency. Add a splash of milk before serving if your oats are thicker than you like.
• Use a jar with room to stir. Overnight oats expand as they absorb liquid—leave a little headspace!
• Add toppings just before serving. Crunchy granola, nuts, or seeds stay crisp this way.

Flavor Variations

Once you have the base recipe down, the possibilities are endless—these simple add-ins turn the same formula into a new breakfast every time. Instead of adding cinnamon and vanilla, try one of these easy variations:

Instead of adding cinnamon and vanilla, try one of these easy variations to change things up:

• Apple Cinnamon Spice: Stir in diced apple and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, then refrigerate. Top with extra apple or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch.
• Chocolate Banana: Mix in 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder and top with banana slices. Add a drizzle of nut butter or a few cacao nibs for an extra treat.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly: Swirl in 1 tablespoon peanut butter and top with fresh berries or a spoonful of chia jam. It’s classic comfort in breakfast form.
• Blueberry Almond: Use blueberries (fresh or frozen), a few drops of almond extract, and a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top.
• Tropical Twist: Add chopped pineapple or mango and a few spoonfuls of coconut milk in place of almond milk. Finish with shredded coconut.

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