These Brown Sugar Espresso Overnight Oats are a tasty way to start your day! Packed with the rich flavors of espresso and sweet brown sugar, they’re creamy and satisfying.
Making them is super simple—just mix everything in a jar and let it sit overnight. I love waking up to breakfast ready to go! It feels like a little treat to kick off my morning. ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Essential for base texture! Feel free to swap them with quick oats for a softer texture or steel-cut oats for a chewier bite—but remember to soak longer!
Chia Seeds: These add thickness and nutrients. If you’re allergic, try flaxseeds or skip them altogether without major changes to your recipe.
Instant Espresso Powder: This gives your oats a rich coffee flavor. If you don’t have it, brew some strong coffee, cool it, and use that instead!
Brown Sugar: I love the caramel notes it adds. Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be great substitutes for a different sweetness profile.
Milk: Feel free to use any type that fits your diet—almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk blends beautifully!
Greek Yogurt: Using Greek yogurt makes the oats creamier. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try coconut yogurt for a rich texture.
How Do I Prepare Overnight Oats for the Best Results?
To get the perfect overnight oats, start with even mixing of ingredients. You want everything to be combined well to avoid clumps. Here’s how:
- Choose a jar or bowl with a lid; it keeps everything fresh!
- Mix dry ingredients thoroughly first before adding wet ingredients—this ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Adjust liquid based on your desired thickness. If you’re using more thick ingredients, like yogurt, you might need more milk.
- Refrigerate them overnight. This step is crucial as it lets the oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid and soften.
- In the morning, if it’s thicker than you’d like, just add a little more milk and stir until smooth.
Enjoy creating a delicious breakfast that feels like a sweet treat!
How to Make Brown Sugar Espresso Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- Pinch of salt
- Banana slices (for topping)
- Granola or nut clusters (for topping)
- Maple syrup or additional brown sugar (optional topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. Breakfast will be ready for you when you wake up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium jar or bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, instant espresso powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed well.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, pour in your milk of choice, adding the Greek yogurt if you want a creamier texture. Don’t forget the vanilla extract! Mix everything together thoroughly until it’s well combined. You want all the dry ingredients mixed in with the liquids.
3. Chill in the Fridge:
Cover the jar or bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge. Let the oats soak and soften for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This is where all the flavors meld together, and the oats give that comforting texture.
4. Stir and Adjust Consistency:
When you’re ready for breakfast, take it out of the fridge and give the oats a good stir. If they’re thicker than you’d like, just add a splash of milk and stir until it’s nice and smooth.
5. Add Toppings:
Top your oats with fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of granola or nut clusters for that satisfying crunch, and a drizzle of maple syrup or a little more brown sugar if you want a bit more sweetness.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious and energizing Brown Sugar Espresso Overnight Oats chilled! This breakfast is not only quick and easy but packed with flavor to start your day off right!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can! Quick oats will yield a softer texture, and they’ll absorb the liquid more quickly. Just keep in mind that the soaking time may be slightly less—check after about 2-3 hours.
Can I Prepare These Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds?
Absolutely! Chia seeds add thickness and healthy fats, but if you don’t have them, feel free to leave them out. You might want to add a little extra oats or reduce the liquid slightly to maintain the consistency.
How Long Do Leftover Overnight Oats Last?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you may need to stir in a bit more milk to refresh the texture.
Can I Use Regular Coffee Instead of Instant Espresso?
Yes! Brew a strong cup of coffee, allow it to cool, and use it as the liquid in the recipe, adjusting the amount to taste. Just be mindful that it may change the overall texture and flavor slightly compared to the espresso powder.