Chai-Spiced Overnight Oats

📘 What are Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are rolled oats that are soaked overnight in milk and/or water. As opposed to oatmeal, which is cooked on the stove, overnight oats are eaten raw. The soaking process allows the oats to soften and get a porridge consistency.

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber: Oats are naturally high in fiber, promoting good digestion and making you feel full longer.
• High in antioxidants: It may help reduce blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties.

🥣 How to Make Overnight Oats

The advantage of overnight oats is that it requires very minimal ingredients that you most probably already have on hand. Here is what you will need:

• Rolled oats – You can also use quick oats, but I personally prefer the chewier texture of rolled oats.
• Unsweetened almond milk – Or any plant-based milk. Cashew milk works great as well.
• Black tea – To give the oats that specific chai tea flavor. A great way to use leftover brewed black tea!
• Maple syrup – To sweeten, maple syrup adds a nice caramel flavor to the oats. You can use agave or honey if not vegan. A liquid sweetener works best for overnight oats as it dissolves better.
• Chai spices – Ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and an optional pinch of cloves.

Preparing these chai overnight oats takes just 5 minutes. You can simply prepare it in the evening to have it ready for the next morning or make a bigger batch to enjoy throughout the week. To prepare these overnight oats:

1. Combine rolled oats with the spices.
2. Add the almond milk, brewed black tea, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir to combine and transfer to a jar.
4. Refrigerate overnight, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy in the morning!

Toppings

When it comes to toppings, feel free to be creative! A few of my favorites are almond butter, chocolate chips, banana slices, and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. You can also use:

• Fresh fruits: sliced apples, raspberries, blueberries, or even mango!
• Nuts: chopped hazelnuts, roasted pecans, peanuts, or macadamia nuts are great options.
• Vegan protein powder: if you want a protein-rich breakfast. I recommend using a neutral protein powder, or a vanilla-flavored one.
• Seeds: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chia seeds for healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Shredded coconut or coconut flakes: use raw or toasted flakes.
• Chocolate spread: Like this delicious vanilla chocolate spread.

📔 Tips

• Instead of first mixing the oats in a bowl, you can combine everything directly in a jar.
• For more natural sweetness, feel free to add chopped dates or raisins directly into the oats. Raisins will plump and become softer and juicier.
• Add the toppings just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

💬 FAQ

🥞 More Oats Recipes

• Apple Pie Oatmeal
• Chocolate Protein Pancakes
• Instant Pot Matcha Oatmeal
• Nutella Granola Bars

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe!