Toasted Overnight Oats with Maple Syrup and Chia Seeds

Make the most of your mornings with Toasted Overnight Oats with Maple Syrup and Chia Seeds. Toasting the oats adds texture and flavor, while maple syrup, chia seeds, and quick-cooking oats come together for an easy, make-ahead breakfast. Customize with your favorite add-ins for a satisfying meal.

jar of the best healthy overnight oats recipe that are anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, dairy-free and naturally sweetened

This Toasted Overnight Oats with Maple Syrup and Chia Seeds recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare a make-ahead breakfast that’s full of flavor and texture. Toasting the oats adds an extra layer of richness and crunch, making these oats stand out from typical overnight oat recipes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize with your favorite toppings or add-ins, like healthy fats or even a protein boost. This is the recipe I use all the time for a quick and satisfying breakfast that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Why You’ll Love My Easy Gluten Free Overnight Oats Recipe

  • Time-saving breakfast: Prep this the night before and enjoy a quick, flavorful meal in the morning.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite toppings, healthy fats, or a protein boost.
  • Extra flavor: Toasting the oats adds a rich texture and depth to the traditional overnight oats.
  • Perfectly balanced: The combination of oats, chia seeds, and maple syrup gives a satisfying taste and texture.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Quick Oats: Substitute with old-fashioned rolled oats for a heartier texture. Steel cut oats would need to be cooked and softened before use, resulting in a different texture.

Milk (Almond Milk): Use any milk or milk alternative you prefer, such as soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, vanilla almond milk, cashew milk, regular milk, or cow’s milk if not following a dairy-free diet. You can also replace some of the milk with greek yogurt for an extra creamy texture.

Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: Replace with agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or date syrup for a different sweetener option.

If you want to reduce sugar, try using stevia or a sugar substitute.

Chia Seeds Flax seeds or hemp seeds can be used as alternatives for added texture and nutrition. 

Cinnamon: You can use nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.

Vanilla Extract: Substitute with almond extract, coconut extract, or any other preferred extract for a unique flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Lemon juice or white vinegar can be used as a substitute for a similar acidity.

Salt: Reduce or omit the salt if you’re watching your sodium intake or prefer a lower-sodium option.

How to Make My Easy Gluten Free Overnight Oats Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Oats

Toasting the oats first is an optional step but adds a ton of flavor to the oats. Begin by melting one tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Then stir in 1 cup of quick oats and a pinch of salt. Stir until the oats are all coated with the butter. Spread the oats out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes at 350ÂşF.

You can use the toasted oats exclusively in this recipe or use 1/2 cup toasted oats and 1/2 cup untoasted oats. The latter is my preference.

Adding wet ingredients to muffin batter.

Step 2: Fill your Jar

I love using pint-sized mason jars for making my healthy overnight oats. Begin by adding the following ingredients: almond milk (or milk of choice), maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar. Give it a quick stir to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated. Then you can add oats, twist on the lid, and shake the jar quickly. That’s it! Store your jar of oats in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Adding wet ingredients to muffin batter.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

  • Fresh berries: Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist.
  • Nut butter drizzle: Add a spoonful of almond or peanut butter for extra richness.
  • Sliced bananas: Sweeten your oats naturally with a few slices of ripe banana.
  • Nuts or seeds: Sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch and healthy fats.
  • Yogurt swirl: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
  • Chocolate chips: For a fun twist, add a few mini chocolate chips to the mix.

Helpful Recipe Notes

Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or alternatives) to your taste. You can start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.

Texture Variation: If you prefer a thicker consistency, use less milk; for a creamier texture, use more milk. Experiment to find your preferred consistency.

Toasted Oats: Toasting the oats is optional but adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It’s worth trying at least once, but you can skip this step for a quicker preparation.

Add-Ins: Get creative with add-ins like fresh fruit (berries, sliced banana, diced apple), nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), peanut butter, almond butter, chocolate chips, or dried fruits (raisins, cranberries) to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your oats. You could also add a scoop of protein powder. Have fun with your favorite toppings!

Texture Enhancement: If you enjoy a thicker texture, you can mash a ripe banana into the oats mixture before refrigerating. This adds natural sweetness and creaminess.

Stir Before Serving: Give your overnight oats a good stir before eating to evenly distribute the ingredients and flavors.

Temperature Preference: Overnight oats can be enjoyed cold, but if you prefer them warm, you can heat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before serving.

  • Airtight Containers: For best results, transfer your prepared overnight oats into airtight containers or glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Mason jars work well for this purpose.
  • Refrigeration: Store the containers in the refrigerator to keep the oats chilled. The cold temperature will help preserve their texture and prevent spoilage.
  • Labeling: Consider labeling the containers with the date of preparation to help you keep track of freshness.
  • Consume Within Days: Gluten-free overnight oats are best when consumed within 2-3 days of preparation. They may start to lose their optimal texture and flavor if stored for longer periods.
  • Mix Before Serving: Before enjoying your overnight oats, give them a good stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. The oats tend to settle at the bottom, so thorough mixing ensures a consistent taste and texture.
  • Add Fresh Toppings Separately: If you plan to add fresh fruit, nuts, or other toppings, it’s often best to add them just before serving. This prevents the toppings from becoming soggy if left in the oats for an extended period.
  • Portion Control: If you’ve made multiple servings, consider portioning them into single-serving containers. This makes it convenient to grab one serving at a time and reduces the need for repeated opening and closing of the main container.
  • Travel-Friendly: Mason jars or small containers with lids are ideal for on-the-go breakfasts. They can be easily transported to work, school, or while traveling.
  • Warm-Up Option: If you prefer warm oats, you can reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Be sure to transfer them to a microwave-safe container before heating.
  • Avoid Freezing: Overnight oats do not freeze well because freezing can alter the texture and consistency. It’s best to enjoy them fresh from the fridge.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of quick oats for overnight oats?

While steel-cut oats can be used for overnight oats, they have a firmer texture and may require longer soaking time. Quick oats or old-fashioned rolled oats are typically recommended for a smoother, quicker preparation.

Can I make this recipe without chia seeds?

Yes, you can make this recipe without chia seeds. Chia seeds add thickness and nutritional value, but you can omit them if you prefer.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can make this recipe dairy-free by using plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Ensure that your chosen milk is labeled as dairy-free.

Can I make this recipe without adding sweeteners?

Yes, you can skip adding sweeteners like maple syrup or honey if you prefer a less sweet breakfast. The choice of sweeteners is entirely customizable to your taste.

How long do I need to refrigerate the overnight oats?

It’s recommended to refrigerate the oats for a minimum of 3 hours, but overnight (approximately 8 hours) is ideal. This allows the oats to fully absorb the liquid and flavors.

Can I heat up these overnight oats before eating them?

Yes, you can heat up the overnight oats if you prefer them warm. Simply transfer them to a microwave-safe container and warm in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.

Can I make a larger batch for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe can be easily scaled up to prepare multiple servings for meal prep. Store the individual servings in airtight containers in the fridge for quick and convenient breakfasts throughout the week.

Can I add fresh fruit to the oats before refrigerating them overnight?

You can add fresh fruit to the oats before refrigerating them, but keep in mind that some fruits may become slightly softer as they sit in the oats. For the freshest texture, consider adding fresh fruit just before serving.

Are these oats suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a vegan diet by using plant-based milk and choosing a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup.

Can I make substitutions for dietary restrictions, such as nut allergies?

Absolutely! You can make ingredient substitutions to accommodate various dietary restrictions or preferences, as mentioned in the previous responses. Feel free to customize the recipe to your needs.

jar of the best healthy overnight oats recipe that are anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, dairy-free and naturally sweetened

Toasted Overnight Oats with Maple Syrup and Chia Seeds

Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
Make the most of your mornings with Toasted Overnight Oats with Maple Syrup and Chia Seeds. Toasting the oats adds texture and flavor, while maple syrup, chia seeds, and quick-cooking oats come together for an easy, make-ahead breakfast. Customize with your favorite add-ins for a satisfying meal.
5 from 7 votes
Servings 2
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quick oats
  • 1 cup milk (almond milk is my fave)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 pinches salt

Instructions
 

Toasted Oats (optional)

  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Add 1 cup of oats and a pinch of salt to the bowl and stir until all the oats are lightly coated with the butter.
  • Spread the oats out on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
  • Bake 350°F for 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
  • Store in an airtight container until use.

Overnight Oats

  • Add all the milk, maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and salt to a jar or container. Gently stir with a spoon until incorporated.
  • Add 1 cup of oats.
  • Place lid on jar and store in the fridge overnight or at least 3 hours.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 7gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 554mgPotassium: 224mgFiber: 7gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 239mgIron: 2mg
Keyword dairy free, gluten free, overnight oats
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

3 Comments

5 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating