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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast Recipes

    Published: Nov 28, 2022 · Modified: Jun 13, 2024 by Petra · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Easy Overnight Oats without Yogurt (4 Ingredients!)

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    A photo of overnight oats with text overlay "Easy overnight oats without yogurt".
    A collage of photos of overnight oats with text overlay "Easy overnight oats without yogurt".

    These Overnight Oats without Yogurt are made with 4 basic ingredients in just 5 minutes! They're chewy, creamy, and delicious, and they are naturally vegan and dairy-free!

    Overnight oats without yogurt served in a white bowl and topped with fresh berries, crushed pecans, and a drizzle of honey.

    If you've run out of Greek yogurt (or just don't want to use it), I am here to tell you that you can make delicious overnight oats without yogurt.

    This has been one of my go-to healthy breakfasts over the years, alongside my baked oats without eggs and fluffy vegan Bisquick pancakes. It comes together in a matter of minutes and is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

    For more overnight oats recipes, check out my Overnight Oats without Milk, Overnight Oats with Lemon and Poppy Seeds, and Applesauce Overnight Oats.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • Flavor Variations
    • How to Make Overnight Oats without Yogurt
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Petra's Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Toppings
    • Storage
    • More Overnight Oats Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Made with simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry right now.
    • It's a great make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. You can prepare it the night before and take it with you on the go the next morning.
    • Versatile and customizable. This basic overnight oats recipe leaves room for any toppings and mix-ins you like!
    • It's naturally vegan and dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Gathered ingredients for making overnight oats without yogurt 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.
    • 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. Just keep in mind that they will change the flavor slightly, as they have an earthy taste.
    • Milk of choice: You can use any milk you like here, inducing whole milk or non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc. I like to use soy milk, because it has a rich texture, and is high in protein.
    • Sweetener: 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.
    • Sea salt: A tiny pinch of salt helps enhance the flavors of this recipe.

    See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and exact measurements.

    Flavor Variations

    • Vanilla protein powder: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make this recipe more satisfying and add flavor.
    • 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 pie spice.

    How to Make Overnight Oats without Yogurt

    Oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, and soy milk in a white bowl.

    Step 1: To a medium bowl or an air-tight container, add milk, rolled oats, chia seeds, 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.

    Overnight oats mixture before soaking in a white bowl with a silver spoon in it.

    Step 2: 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 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.

    Overnight oats after soaking for 2 hours, served in a white bowl with a silver spoon in it.

    Step 3: Your overnight oats are ready when the oats and chia seeds 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 served in a white bowl and topped with berries and crushed pecans.

    Step 4: It's essential to add your favorite toppings for the best results. We're adding berries and chopped nuts, and sometimes I like to add a spoonful of nut butter.

    👩🏼‍🍳 Petra's Tips

    • Make sure to use rolled oats. I always suggest using old-fashioned rolled oats when making overnight oats (they're also great for adding to smoothies like in this carrot banana smoothie). Quick oats tend to become too mushy, lacking the desired chewy texture, while steel-cut oats remain too hard. This recipe has the perfect balance between oats and milk, resulting in soft, chewy, and thick overnight oats.
    • Add your favorite toppings. Overnight oats are neutral in taste, that's why it's essential to add delicious toppings. Not only do you add more flavor, but you can make your breakfast more nutritious by adding nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit.
    • Prepare it in jars for a quick breakfast on the go. 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 part of this recipe is that it's great for meal prep and lasts for 4-5 days in the fridge. This means that you can make a big batch on Sunday that will last you for the whole week.
    • Serve it warm if desired. 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.

    Recipe FAQs

    Why do people put yogurt in overnight oats?

    Yogurt makes overnight oats thick and creamy, and it also adds protein and makes them more filling. However, if you don't have yogurt on hand or if you can't eat dairy, these overnight without yogurt turn out just as creamy and delicious.

    What can I use instead of yogurt in overnight oats?

    If you want to replace it with something to get the same effect, you can use either soy or coconut yogurt or applesauce.

    However, you can also just omit the yogurt as I did in this base recipe, and add a little bit less milk to compensate.

    Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds?

    Yes, check out my overnight oats without chia seeds and flaxseed overnight oats, these are two chia seed-free versions.

    Why are my overnight oats not creamy?

    It's important to use the right ratio of oats to milk and to give the oats enough time to soak in the liquid and become soft and creamy. I've found that the perfect measurements are ½ cup of oats to ¾ cup of milk.

    A white bowl filled with overnight oats without yogurt topped with a halved strawberries, blueberries, and chopped pecans.

    Toppings

    • Fruit: You can use any fresh fruit you like such as bananas, fresh berries, chopped apples, etc. You can even use frozen fruit as I did in my frozen fruit overnight oats.
    • 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. My roasted air fryer pecans are another delicious option.
    • Coconut flakes: If you're allergic to nuts (or even if you're not), try adding toasted coconut flakes. They're so delicious!
    • Biscoff spread: Just like in my Biscoff overnight oats, a dollop of Biscoff will be delicious here!

    Storage

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

    More Overnight Oats Recipes

    • 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)
    • Two clear cups filled with overnight oats, topped with cinnamon.
      Easy Applesauce Overnight Oats
    • A glass cup filled with overnight oats and topped with sliced strawberries.
      Golden Lemon Poppy Seed Overnight Oats

    If you tried these Overnight Oats without Yogurt or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today!

    📖 Recipe

    Overnight oats without yogurt served in a white bowl and topped with fresh berries, crushed pecans, and a drizzle of honey.

    Overnight Oats without Yogurt

    These Overnight Oats without Yogurt are made with 4 basic ingredients and in just 5 minutes! They're chewy, creamy, delicious, and naturally vegan and dairy-free!
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American, Dairy-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Soaking time: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1
    Author: Petra
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Mason jar or mixing bowl

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
    • ¾ cup milk of choice (non-dairy or regular milk)
    • 1-2 tablespoon sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, etc.)
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • Small pinch of salt optional
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract optional

    Optional add-ins

    • ⅓ cup apple sauce or mashed banana
    • 1 scoop protein powder of choice
    • 1 tablespoon tahini or nut butter of choice
    Step-by-step imagesScroll back to find detailed recipe photos!

    Instructions

    • To a medium bowl or an air-tight container, add all of the ingredients. 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. At this point, stir any of your desired add-ins as well. Cover with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and let the oats soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. Stir once more before eating.
    • Your overnight oats are ready when the oats and chia seeds 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. You can also 1-2 tablespoon of your sweetener of choice if you want to make your oats sweeter.

    Notes

    • Make sure to use rolled oats. I always recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats when making overnight oats with water. Quick oats will get too soft 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 overnight oats.
    • Add your favorite toppings. Overnight oats are neutral in taste, that's why it's essential to add great toppings. Not only do you add more flavor, but you can make your breakfast more nutritious by adding nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit.
    • Prepare it in jars for a quick breakfast on the go. 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 part of this recipe is that it's great for meal prep and lasts for 4-5 days in the fridge. This means that you can make a big batch on Sunday that will last you for the whole week.
    • Serve it warm if desired. 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 mason jar, and in the fridge for 4-5 days. 
     
    *Nutrition information is calculated using soy milk and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, without optional ingredients.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 537mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 111.7mg | Iron: 4.5mg

    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!

    More Vegan & Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes

    • Raspberry blended oats in a glass jar topped with melted chocolate.
      Blended Raspberry Oats
    • Bagels on a piece of parchment paper.
      2-Ingredient Bagels
    • A glass cup filled with creme brulee overnight oats.
      Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats
    • Flaxseed overnight oats in a glass cup topped with banana slices and halved strawberries.
      Nutritious Flaxseed Overnight Oats

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kevin says

      May 12, 2024 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      [email protected]
      Love Overnight oats, I experiment with new flavors all the time. You can’t go wrong.

      Reply
      • Petranka says

        May 13, 2024 at 9:02 am

        So true. Thanks for the review, Kevin!

        Reply
    2. Lisette says

      July 07, 2023 at 3:35 am

      5 stars
      Yum! I made Neapolitan (chocolate, strawberry & vanilla). Easy & delicious.

      Reply
      • Petranka says

        July 07, 2023 at 8:52 am

        Thank you for sharing, Lisette!

        Reply
    3. Neri says

      December 07, 2022 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      Such a good and easy breakfast. Enjoyed mine with apples and peanut butter on top. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Petranka says

        December 07, 2022 at 4:10 pm

        Thanks for the review, Neri! Glad to hear you liked the recipe!

        Reply
    5 from 15 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Petra!

    I'm a professional chef and a certified nutritionist! Sunglow Kitchen is all about easy vegan and vegetarian recipes that anyone can make at home, even if you're a beginner. Learn more about me here!

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