• 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: Jun 28, 2023 by Petranka · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds (4 Ingredients)

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

    No chia seeds? No problem! Make these overnight oats without chia seeds with just 4 ingredients in less than 10 minutes! They're creamy, chewy, and a perfect vessel for your favorite toppings.

    A glass cup filled with overnight oats without chia seeds and topped with sliced banana and blackberries.

    We're big fans of overnight oats here, and today I'm adding one more recipe to my catalog.

    From overnight oats without yogurt, to overnight oats with water, to Biscoff overnight, I kind of consider myself an overnight oats pro. 😉

    There are a quite few things to consider, including the ratio of ingredients, what type of oats to use, and how to store it.

    But today we're answering all of those questions in depth so you can make perfect overnight oats every time. Let's get started!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You Need
    • How to Make Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQ
    • Flavor Variations
    • Delicious Topping Ideas
    • Storage
    • Similar Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Food safety

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Great for meal prep! This recipe is the perfect make-ahead breakfast as it last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
    • Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
    • It's customizable and versatile, you can add your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, creamy peanut butter, and more!
    • It's budget-friendly and convenient. If you often find yourself rushing to get out of the door on busy mornings, you can grab a jar of overnight oats instead of paying for overpriced brunch later.

    Ingredients You Need

    Gathered ingredients for making overnight oats with text overlay on each ingredient.
    • Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results. They have a great texture and work better than steel-cut oats or instant oats.
    • Yogurt of choice: I use unsweetened coconut yogurt, but soy yogurt, oat yogurt, or Greek-style yogurt can also work.
    • Milk of choice: You can use any milk you like here, including whole milk or non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc. y like to use soy milk, because it has a rich texture, and is high in protein.
    • Sweetener of choice: You can use any sweetener of your choice. Pure maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, and brown sugar are all great options.
    • Vanilla extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract goes a long way, but it's completely optional.
    • Salt: A tiny pinch of salt helps enhance the flavors of this recipe.

    Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.

    How to Make Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds

    To a medium bowl or an air-tight container, add milk, rolled oats, sweetener of choice, salt, and vanilla extract (optional).

    You can also add the ingredients in a mason jar if you need to grab it for an on-the-go breakfast in the morning.

    Ingredients for overnight oats added ot a large glass bowl.

    Using a spoon or a rubber spatula, give everything a good stir. Cover with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and let the oats soak for at least 3 hours or overnight in the fridge.

    Mixed ingredients for overnight oats added ot a large glass bowl.

    Your overnight oats without chia seeds are ready when the rolled oats have softened and absorbed the liquid.

    At this point, you can adjust the consistency if needed, adding a tablespoon of milk if you need to thin it out.

    Overnight oats soaking in a large bowl with a wooden spoon in it.

    After that, either store for later, or add your favorite toppings of choice and enjoy! I like to add sliced bananas, berries, and chopped nuts.

    A glass bowl filled with overnight oats without chia seeds.

    Expert Tips

    • Use rolled oats for the best results. They provide a chewy, yet creamy texture and always work best when making overnight oats. Other types of oats such as instant oats, quick oats, and still-cut oats won't work in this recipe.
    • Use the right liquid-oats ratio. Since we're not using chia seeds, it's important to use the right ratio between liquid and oats. I've found that for every ½ cup of rolled oats, you need ½ - ¾ cup of milk, depending on whether or not you're also using yogurt, which also adds some moisture.
    • Give it enough time to soak. You need to let the oats soak for at least 3 hours, or for best results- overnight. This way the mixture will thicken, and the oats will get soft and chewy.
    • Add your favorite toppings! This recipe is quite natural in taste, with hints of maple and vanilla. To add more flavor and to boost the nutritional value, add any toppings that you like such as fruits, nuts, seeds, etc. I've left plenty of topping ideas below.
    • Make a big batch. These overnight oats without chia seeds can keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. This means that you can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for breakfast during the week.

    FAQ

    Are overnight oats healthy?

    Yes, overnight oats are high in fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, several vitamins (such as A, C, D, B1, and B5), and more! They're a satisfying and healthy breakfast option, especially when served with a protein source like Greek yogurt, soy yogurt, or protein powder.

    What can you use instead of chia seeds in overnight oats?

    The most common substitute is flaxseed meal (ground flax seeds), but you can also easily make overnight oats without chia seeds.

    Can I eat overnight oats warm?

    Yes! While usually they're eaten cold, you can warm them up in a microwave or on the stovetop.

    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.

    Is it ok to freeze them?

    YES! Store in an airtight container or a mason jar and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

    Overnight oats without chia seeds served in two glass cups and topped with sliced banana and blackberries.

    Flavor Variations

    • Chocolate: Add 1-2 tablespoon of cocoa powder when you're mixing the rest of the ingredients. You may need more maple syrup to taste to make up for the natural bitterness.
    • Protein powder: Add a scoop of your favorite protein to make this breakfast more satisfying and filling. I like to use this vanilla protein powder, but any flavor will work.
    • Berries: Similar to my overnight oats with frozen fruit, you can add ½ cup of fresh or frozen berries. They not only add color and flavor but also fiber and antioxidants.
    • Apple sauce: If you want to sweeten this oatmeal naturally, add a few tablespoons of apple sauce. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid you add, as apple sauce can be a bit watery.
    • Banana chocolate chip: Add ½ chopped banana and a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
    • Lemon blueberry: Add the zest of ½ lemon, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and a handful of fresh blueberries.
    • Matcha green tea: If you're a matcha lover, add ½ teaspoon of matcha powder to your overnight oats for a boost of energy.
    • Pumpkin pie: Add a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree, alongside ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
    • Extracts: They're great if you want to add more flavor without adding too many ingredients. Almond extract, rum extract, and mint extract will all work here.
    • Spices: Any of your favorite spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ground ginger, etc. for best results, add ¼ - ¼ tsp.

    Delicious Topping Ideas

    • Fresh fruits: I recommend using fruits that are in season for the best flavor. In the summer, add fresh berries, sliced peaches, or figs. For a tropical flavor, add mango or pineapple chunks. In the winter, you can use apples, permission, or pears.
    • Caramelized fruits: Just like in my applesauce overnight oats, I like to caramelize apples or bananas on the stovetop with a little bit of coconut oil or butter, and brown sugar. It adds a TON of flavor and is ready in less than 10 minutes!
    • Dried fruits: If you don't have access to fresh fruits, dried fruits will be your next best bet! Think dried apricots, figs, raisins, cranberries, and beyond!
    • Nut/seed butter: A drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter will not only add creaminess and nuttiness but will boost the nutritional value of this recipe by adding healthy fats and fiber.
    • Chopped nuts and/or seeds: Hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds will add omega-3 fatty acids. For nuts, I like to use pecans, almonds, cashews, or peanuts.
    • Granola: I'm obsessed with my homemade granola made in the air fryer! It's SO easy to make and goes well on literally anything, including these overnight oats without chia seeds.
    • Chocolate chips: Who said chocolate and breakfast don't go together? Level up this recipe by adding a handful of mini dairy-free chocolate chips or some chopped dark chocolate bar.
    • Coconut flakes: If you're allergic to nuts (or even if you're not), try adding toasted coconut flakes. For even more flavor, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. So delicious!
    A glass cup filled with overnight oats without chia seeds and topped with fresh fruit.

    Storage

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

    Similar Recipes

    • Biscoff overnight oats served in a glass cup and topped with more biscoff spred and a Lotus cookie.
      Easy Biscoff Overnight Oats (4 Ingredients)
    • 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
    • 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)

    📖 Recipe

    Overnight oats without chia seeds served in two glass cups and topped with sliced banana and blackberries.

    Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds

    No chia seeds? No problem! Make these overnight oats without chia seeds with just 4 ingredients in less than 10 minutes! They're creamy, chewy, and a perfect vessel for your favorite toppings.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1
    Author: Petranka
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
    • ½ cup non-dairy milk (i'm using fortified soy milk)
    • 3 tablespoon yogurt of choice (either Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt)
    • 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup (or another sweetener of choice)
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Tiny pinch of salt

    Instructions

    • To a medium bowl or an air-tight container, add non-dairy milk, rolled oats, sweetener of choice, salt, yogurt, and vanilla extract (optional).
      ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup non-dairy milk, 3 tablespoon yogurt of choice, 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, Tiny pinch of salt
    • You can also add the ingredients in a mason jar if you need to grab it for an on-the-go breakfast in the morning.
    • Using a spoon or a spatula, give everything a good stir. Cover with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and let the oats soak for at least 3 hours or overnight in the fridge.
    • Your overnight oats without chia seeds are ready when the rolled oats have softened and absorbed the liquid. At this point, you can adjust the consistency if needed, adding a tablespoon of milk if you need to thin it out.
    • After that, either store for later, or add your favorite toppings of choice and enjoy! I like to add sliced bananas, berries, and chopped nuts.
    Step-by-step imagesScroll back to find detailed recipe photos!

    Notes

    Storage
    • Fridge: Store in an airtight container or a mason jar, in the fridge for 4-5 days. 
    • Freezer: Store in an airtight container or a mason jar and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 45.2g | Protein: 11.2g | Fat: 5.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.4g | Sodium: 211.7mg | Potassium: 395.4mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14.5g | Vitamin A: 74.6IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 266.5mg | Iron: 2.6mg

    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

    • Three vegan lemon blueberry muffins stacked on top of each other and garnished with lemon zest.
      The Best Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Two chickpea egg sandwiches stacked on top of each other and placed on a white cutting board.
      Easy Chickpea "Egg" Salad Sandwich (Vegan)
    • 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

    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!  

    Headshot of Petranka, founder of Sunglow Kitchen.

    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

    • Two glasses filled with Oreo milkshake made without ice cream, and topped with whipped cream and cocktail cherries.
    • Cottage cheese mac and cheese served in a white bowl with a silver fork on the side.
    • Avocado pico de gallo served in a white bowl. Tortilla chips placed around the bowl.
    • Vegetable charcuterie board arranged on a wooden cutting board, placed on a marble background.
    • Two chickpea egg sandwiches stacked on top of each other and placed on a white cutting board.
    • Silken tofu pasta served in a white plate and topped with vegan parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

    Legal & Contact

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

    Follow

    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2023 Sunglow Kitchen. All Rights Reserved.