Overnight oats with water are a creamy, delicious, and nourishing breakfast made with no milk or yogurt, perfect if you are looking for a simple plant-based option.
This quick and easy recipe is great for morning meal prep, making a satisfying make-ahead snack or breakfast with minimal ingredients and effort.
If you enjoy this, try my chocolate banana overnight oats or raspberry overnight oats next.
Overnight oats with water have become one of my favorite vegan breakfast ideas for mornings when I realize I'm out of milk, and I love how rich, thick, and creamy they still turn out thanks to peanut butter and chia seeds.
I usually top mine with berries or sliced bananas for a naturally sweet finish and extra flavor. This overnight oatmeal is so easy to customize and prepare the night before, making busy mornings feel much simpler with a wholesome, ready-to-eat breakfast waiting for you in the fridge.
Looking for more overnight oats inspiration? Explore my high-protein cookie dough overnight oats, chocolate PB blended oats, or my cinnamon rolls overnight oats recipes.
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🥘Ingredients
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best creamy, hearty texture, but quick oats also work if that's what you have.
- Water: A simple liquid base that softens the oats and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Chia seeds: These little seeds help thicken the oats and add extra texture and nutrition.
- Peanut butter: Adds creaminess, richness, and a delicious nutty flavor.
- Maple syrup: I like using pure maple syrup, but you can also use agave, date syrup, or your favorite sweetener like stevia or erythritol for a lighter sweetness.
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
🥄How To Make Overnight Oats With Water
Combine and mix. Add all the ingredients to a mason jar or an airtight container and stir well until everything is evenly combined.
Chill. Seal the container and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best creamy texture. In the morning, give the oats a good stir, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy.
📋Substitutions & Variations
- Oats: You can use quick oats if that's what you have, but rolled oats give the best creamy texture and more bite.
- Chia seeds: Replace with ground flax seeds or hemp seeds.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup can be replaced with agave, date syrup, or any sweetener of your choice to adjust the sweetness to your taste.
- Peanut butter: Swap with almond butter, cashew butter, tahini, or any nut or seed butter you like for a different flavor.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder for an extra protein boost and more staying power.
💡Marinela's Tips
- Stir well before chilling: Mix everything thoroughly so the chia seeds are evenly distributed and don't clump at the bottom.
- Adjust thickness: If your oats feel too thick in the morning, simply add a splash of water and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of water if they become too thick.
You can add maple syrup, fruit, nut butter, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or any toppings you enjoy to boost flavor and texture.
The basic ratio for overnight oats with water is usually 1:1 (equal parts oats and water). In this recipe, I use a little less water because I also add chia seeds, which absorb liquid and help thicken the oats.
That's why I use ¾ cup water for every ½ cup rolled oats-it keeps the texture creamy while allowing the chia seeds to fully soak and do their job.
📖 Recipe
Overnight Oats With Water (No Milk or Yogurt)
Equipment
- 1 bowl or jar with a lid
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, mix all the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Stir before serving and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Add more water in the morning if the oats are too thick.
- Customize with fruit, nuts, seeds, or extra nut butter.
- For extra protein, add plant-based protein powder or hemp seeds.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
If you try these overnight oats with water, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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