• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Diet Type
  • Dinner
  • About
    • Contact

Sunglow Kitchen logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Diet Type
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Diet Type
    • Dinner
    • About
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Breakfast Recipes

    Published: Oct 16, 2022 · Modified: Nov 28, 2022 by Petranka · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Overnight Oats with Water (No Milk)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A photo of overnight oats with text overlay "Overnight oats without milk". A photo of overnight oats with text overlay "Overnight oats without milk". A collage of photos of overnight oats with text overlay "Overnight oats without milk".

    These Overnight Oats with Water are thick, creamy, delicious, and made with absolutely no milk! They require only 5 minutes of prep and are perfect for a healthy breakfast on the go. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!

    Overnight oats with water served in a white bowl and topped with a sliced banana, raspberries, peanut butter, crushed almonds, and honey.

    While usually overnight oats are made with non-dairy milk such as coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk, you can very well make overnight oats without milk!

    They're a delicious breakfast you can prepare the night before, and take on the go with you the next morning.

    This is a base recipe, which means you can customize it however you want. I also have more flavoring variations including Applesauce Overnight Oats, Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats, Frozen Fruit Overnight Oats, and these Basic Overnight Oats without Yogurt.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredeints and Notes
    • How to Make Overnight Oats with Water
    • Top Tips
    • FAQ
    • Add-ins
    • Topping Ideas
    • Storage
    • More Overnight Oat Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FOOD SAFETY

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's a perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
    • This basic overnight oats recipe can be customized with endless flavor combinations.
    • Made with 5 simple ingredients only.
    • It can easily be made dairy-free and vegan by using coconut yogurt.
    • It can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.

    Ingredeints and Notes

    See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

    • Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned oats for the best results. They have a great texture and work better than steel-cut oats or instant oats.
    • Chia seeds: They help thicken the overnight oats, and also add healthy fats and fiber. If you don't have them on hand you can use ground flax seeds instead.
    • Maple syrup: You can use any other sweetener, including honey, agave, or brown sugar.
    • Vanilla extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract goes a long way here.
    • Yogurt: I like to use Greek-style yogurt to help thicken the oats and give them creaminess. Since we're not using any milk, it's important to pick a good quality yogurt that is thick and creamy. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt such as coconut or soy.
    • Water: Today we're using water instead of milk to soften the oats and make them chewy. Soaking the oats helps with digestion, as well as taste.
    • Salt: A tiny pinch of salt helps enhance the flavors of this recipe.
    Gathered ingredients for making our overnight oats with water. Text overlay on each ingredient.

    How to Make Overnight Oats with Water

    1. To a bowl or an air-tight container, add water, rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, yogurt, salt, and vanilla extract. You can also add the ingredients in a jar if you need to grab it for an on-the-go breakfast in the morning.
    Oats, yogurt, chia seeds, pinch of salt, and maple syrup added to white bowl.

    2. Using a spoon or a whisk, give everything a good stir. Cover with a lid or paper towel and rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

    Oats, yogurt, chia seeds, pinch of salt, and maple syrup mixed with water in a white bowl with a silver spoon in it.

    3. Your overnight oats with water are ready when the oats have thickened and absorbed the liquid, and the chia seeds have softened. At this point, you can adjust the consistency if needed, adding more water to thin it out. You can also add more maple syrup if you like your oats sweeter.

    Overnight oats with water in a white bowl with a silver spoon in it.

    Top Tips

    • Use rolled oats. I always recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats when making overnight oats with water. Quick oats will get too soggy and won't provide the same chewy texture, and steel-cut oats won't soften at all. This recipe has the perfect ratio between oats and water so that you're left with soft, chewy, and thick oatmeal.
    • Add your favorite toppings. Overnight oats without milk are neutral in taste, that's why it's essential to add good toppings. Not only do you add more flavor, but you can make them more nutritious by adding nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit.
    • Prepare it in jars for on-the-go breakfast. If you're a busy person and don't have the time to make breakfast in the morning, this is the perfect recipe for you. You can make the oats in a mason jar and take them on the go with you.
    • Make a big batch. The best of this recipe is that it's great for meal prep, which means you can make a big batch that will last you for a whole week of breakfasts.
    • Warm it up! Some people are not a fan of cold oatmeal, and I get it! You can warm your overnight oats in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop until warmed through.

    FAQ

    Are overnight oats healthy?

    Yes! Oats are a great source of carbs and are packed with fiber, iron, Zinc, magnesium, selenium, vitamins (such as A, C, D, B1, and B5), and more! They also provide a small amount of plant-based protein and fat. All of which makes them very nutrient-dense.

    Can you soak oats overnight in water?

    Yes! While overnight oats are usually soaked in milk, you can soak them in water just as well. And to make up for the loss of creaminess, I like to add Greek yogurt and chia seeds to the mixture. This helps thicken the oats, as well as make them creamy.

    Why are my overnight oats slimy?

    Overnight oats are naturally slimy, but to prevent it you can use a different ration of liquid for oats. For a porridge-like consistency, I like to use a 1:2 ratio, but if you want to avoid an overly slimy texture, you can use a 1:1 ratio.

    Do you eat overnight oats cold or hot?

    While they're usually eaten cold, if you're not a fan of having cold breakfast, you can always warm them up. Add your overnight oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.

    Do overnight oats with water taste good?

    In general, overnight oats are plain and neutral in flavor, but that's especially true when you're making overnight oats without milk. That's why I like to add maple syrup and a splash of vanilla extract to my oats. They add flavor and aroma. Another important thing is the toppings. If you add good toppings you can take an average bowl of oats to a dessert-for-breakfast experience.

    Can I skip soaking the oats?

    No, this is a key step when making this recipe. If you don't give them enough time to absorb the liquid, you'll be left with raw oats with a runny texture.

    One hand holding a white bowl filled with overnight oats topped with a sliced banana, raspberries, almonds, and peanut butter. The other hand is dipping a spoon in the bowl.

    Add-ins

    • Protein powder: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make this recipe more satisfying and to help you feel full for longer.
    • Cacao powder: If you want to add a chocolaty flavor, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of cacao powder. I recommend using Dutch-processed.
    • Apple sauce: If you don't want to use added sugar, I suggest adding a few tablespoons of apple sauce to naturally sweeten your oatmeal.
    • Mashed banana: Use a ripe banana and mash it with a fork, then add to your oatmeal and stir. Again, it will add natural sweetness, as well as flavor.
    • Coffee shot: If you love coffee, you have to try adding it to your oatmeal. It adds depth of flavor and a great kick.
    • Pumpkin puree: You can make pumpkin pie oatmeal by adding a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and some pumpkin spice.

    Topping Ideas

    • Fresh fruit: You can use any fruit you like such as bananas, fresh berries, chopped apples, etc.
    • Dried fruit: To add more natural sweetness, you can add raisins or dried cranberries.
    • Nut butter: I love adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter to my overnight oats. It adds healthy fat, protein, and fiber, and keeps me full for longer.
    • Chocolate chips: If you want to have some fun with your breakfast, I highly recommend topping your bowl of oats with a handful of chocolate chips or some chopped dark chocolate.
    • Nuts and seeds: I sometimes like to add a mix of hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds for crunch and healthy fats.
    • Coconut flakes: If you're allergic to nuts (or even if you're not), try adding toasted coconut flakes. They're so delicious!
    A white bowl filled with overnight oats with water topped with a sliced banana, raspberries, almonds, and peanut butter.

    Storage

    Store in an airtight container or a jar, and in the fridge for 4-5 days. 

    More Overnight Oat Recipes

    • Overnight oats without yogurt served in a white bowl and topped with fresh berries, crushed pecans, and a drizzle of honey.
      Easy Overnight Oats without Yogurt (4 Ingredients!)
    • One hand holding a white bowl filled with overnight oats topped with a sliced banana, blackberries, and almonds. The other hand is dipping a spoon in the bowl.
      Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit
    • Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats
    • Two clear cups filled with overnight oats, topped with cinnamon.
      Easy Applesauce Overnight Oats

    📖 Recipe

    Overnight oats with water served in a white bowl and topped with a sliced banana, raspberries, peanut butter, crushed almonds, and honey.

    Overnight Oats with Water (No Milk)

    These Overnight Oats with Water are thick, creamy, delicious, and made with absolutely no milk! They require only 5 minutes of prep and are perfect for a healthy breakfast on the go!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Author: Petranka
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl or a mason jar

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup rolled oats
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • ¾ cup water
    • 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
    • 3 tablespoon Greek yogurt (use vegan yogurt if needed)
    • A tiny pinch of salt (optional)

    Instructions

    • To a bowl or an air-tight container, add water, rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, yogurt, salt, and vanilla extract. You can also add the ingredients in a jar if you need to grab it for an on-the-go breakfast in the morning.
    • Using a spoon or a whisk, give everything a good stir. Cover with a lid or paper towel and rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
    • Your overnight oats with water are ready when the oats have thickened and absorbed the liquid, and the chia seeds have softened. At this point, you can adjust the consistency if needed, adding more water to thin it out. You can also add more maple syrup if you like your oats sweeter.
    Step-by-step imagesScroll back to find detailed recipe photos!

    Notes

    • Use rolled oats. I always recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats when making this recipe. Quick oats will get too soggy and won't provide the same chewy texture, and steel-cut oats won't soften at all. This recipe has the perfect ratio between oats and water so that you're left with soft, chewy, and thick oatmeal.
    • Add your favorite toppings. Overnight oats with water are neutral in taste, that's why it's essential to add good toppings. Not only do you add more flavor, but you can make them more nutritious by adding nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit.
    • Prepare it in jars for on-the-go breakfast. If you're a busy person and don't have the time to make breakfast in the morning, this is the perfect recipe for you. You can make the oats in a mason jar and take them on the go with you.
    • Make a big batch. The best of this recipe is that it's great for meal prep, which means you can make a big batch that will last you for a whole week of breakfasts.
    • Warm it up! Some people are not a fan of cold oatmeal, and I get it! You can warm your overnight oats in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop until warmed through.
    Storage
    Store in an airtight container or a jar, and in the fridge for 4-5 days. 
     
     
    Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with an online calculator without including the optional ingredients and with a lesser amount of maple syrup. The information shown should not be considered a substitute for personal nutritional advice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 298kcal

    Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with third-party calculations without including the optional ingredients.

    Tried this recipe?Leave me a rating and a comment telling me how it went. Or tag me at @sunglowkichen and hashtag #sunglowkitchen on Instagram!

    FOOD SAFETY

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Breakfast Recipes

    • Onion bagels on a baking sheet layed with parchment paper next to a white bowl filled with cream cheese.
      Homemade Onion Bagels Recipe
    • Lemon dill hummus in a white bowl served with fresh vegetable and pita chips on the side.
      Easy Hummus without Garlic
    • Two glasses filled with green smoothie with glass straw pointing out of them.
      Detox Island Green Smoothie (Tropical Smoothie Cafe Copycat)
    • Boba tea smoothie served in a large glass with a boba straw in it.
      Boba Tea Smoothie Recipe (Shake) with Strawberries

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

       Hi, I'm Petranka!  

    A photo of Petranka in a white floral dress.

    Sunglow Kitchen is a food blog about delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes. We share easy-to-make and budget-friendly meal ideas that anyone can make at home! Cooking is a BIG passion of mine and I am excited to show you how simple it can be! More about me...

    Popular Recipes

    • Five carrot cake cupcakes on a marble platter, topped with carrot cake frosting without cream cheese.
      Carrot Cake Frosting Without Cream Cheese
    • Three tall glasses placed on a kitchen countertop, filled with smoothies to the top. Wooden straws sticking out of each glass.
      3 Easy Avocado Smoothie Recipes
    • Roasted pecans in a clear jar.
      Air Fryer Roasted Pecans
    • Orzo Mac and Cheese

    30-Minute Dinners

    • Four flour tortillas filled with tofu fajitas, and served on a white plate with parchment paper.
      Easy Tofu Fajitas Recipe
    • Vegan mac and cheese without cashews served on a plate, with a fork placed on the right side.
      BEST Vegan Mac and Cheese without Cashews
    • Beyond burger on a wooden cutting board layered with white parchment paper.
      Air Fryer Beyond Burger (10 minutes!)
    • Our garam masala curry recipe served in a white bowl with naan, topped with sour cream, chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime.
      Garam Masala Curry Recipe with Chickpeas

    Footer

    Top Budget-friendly recipes

    • A tofu buddha bowl topped with peanut sauce and sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds.
    • Onion bagels on a baking sheet layed with parchment paper next to a white bowl filled with cream cheese.
    • Lemon dill hummus in a white bowl served with fresh vegetable and pita chips on the side.
    • A spoon dipping in a glass jar filled with oat milk bechamel.
    • Overnight oats without yogurt served in a white bowl and topped with fresh berries, crushed pecans, and a drizzle of honey.

    Legal & Contact

    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free eBook!

    Follow

    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 Sunglow Kitchen. All Rights Reserved.