Looking for an effortless, make-ahead breakfast that tastes amazing? Our Overnight Oats with Water recipe is the healthy, delicious answer. No milk or yogurt needed, just water and a few simple ingredients for a creamy, dreamy base.
Prepare it the night before, add your favorite toppings in the morning, and you're ready to conquer the day with a quick and nutritious meal. Completely vegan, dairy-free, and plant-based.
Overnight oats with water are a game-changer when it comes to healthy breakfast. You can whip them in seconds the night before, and wake up to a wholesome, tasty treat ready for you to grab and go.
Moreover, these overnight oats without milk are a nutritional powerhouse! They're packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients to keep you satisfied and energized all morning long. Forget the guilt, embrace the deliciousness and convenience!
So, next time you're looking for a healthy, hassle-free breakfast or snack, grab some rolled oats and get ready to experience a flavor explosion! These overnight oats without milk or yogurt can be easily customized to your taste.
Looking for more overnight oats inspiration? Explore my dessert-like high-protein cookie dough overnight oats, chocolate PB blended oats or my cinnamon rolls overnight oats recipes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Dairy-free and vegan-friendly: Perfect if you are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.
- Budget-friendly: Water is readily available and affordable, making this recipe a cost-effective breakfast option.
- Simple and convenient: Requires minimal prep time and ingredients, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Highly customizable: Experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to create endless flavor combinations.
- Nutritious and satisfying: Provides sustained energy and keeps you feeling full until lunchtime.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Portable: Take your oats in a jar on the go for a convenient and healthy breakfast option.
Oat-Water Ratio
The basic ratio for overnight oats with water is usually 1:1 (oats to water). However, I used a slightly different ratio for this recipe because of the addition of chia seeds. Chia seeds absorb a lot of liquid, so I opted for ¾ cup water for every ½ cup of rolled oats. This ensures both a creamy texture and allows the chia seeds to fully hydrate and offer their nutritional benefits. Feel free to adjust the water amount based on your preferred consistency and the specific ingredients you use. Remember, it's all about finding what works best for you!
Can you make overnight oats with water?
Ever wondered, 'Can I eat oats with water instead of milk?' The answer is a resounding YES! Not only is water readily available and budget-friendly, but it's also a great alternative to milk in overnight oats. It also provides a neutral base, allowing you to customize the flavors and sweetness to your liking. Plus, soaking oats in water breaks down their starches, making them easier to digest and absorb nutrients.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to prepare this base oatmeal recipe without milk for tomorrow's breakfast!
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture and creaminess but quick oats work, as well!
- Water: It's a surprisingly effective liquid base for hydrating your oats and creating a smooth, velvety base.
- Chia seeds: These tiny nutritional powerhouses add thickness, fiber, and healthy omega-3s.
- Peanut butter: Peanut butter adds extra protein, healthy fats, and a yummy nutty flavor.
- Maple syrup: I used pure maple syrup but you can use your favorite sweetener. A touch of agave nectar, date syrup, or low-carb alternatives such as stevia or erythritol adds a hint of sweetness to balance the oats' natural flavor.
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. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or airtight container. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Seal and refrigerate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a creamier texture. Next morning, stir your oats and enjoy them with your favorite toppings!
Substitutions and Variations
- Rolled oats: Quick oats or instant oats can also work but will result in a softer texture. If you want to use steel-cut oats I recommend you to cook them first for a smooth and hearty texture.
- Water: Swap with coconut water, plant-based milk, fruit puree, coffee/tea (reduce water, adjust sweetener), or spiced water.
- Chia seeds: Replace with ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds (pepitas).
- Maple syrup: Agave nectar, date syrup, stevia, or coconut sugar are great substitutes.
- Peanut butter: Try almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, tahini, or chopped nuts.
Toppings and Mix-Ins
- Fruits: Fresh fruit or frozen such as sliced bananas, diced apples+cinnamon, chopped mango, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, add bursts of sweetness and vitamins.
- Nuts and seeds: Chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds provide a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.
- Nut butter: Almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter elevate the creaminess factor and add extra protein.
- Yogurt: A dollop of dairy-free Greek yogurt adds a protein boost and tangy twist.
- Chocolate: Cocoa powder, dark chocolate chips, or cacao nibs indulge your sweet tooth with a decadent touch.
- Delicious extras: Granola, coconut flakes, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, or jam and jelly.
- Pinch of salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor profile.
Storage
To store overnight oats with water, simply transfer them into an airtight container or individual jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Top Tips
- Want extra protein: Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.
- Natural sweetness: Use mashed banana or applesauce for natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Grab & go: Portion your oats into individual jars for grab-and-go convenience.
- Warm it up: If you prefer a warmer breakfast, heat your oats gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Meal Prep: Prepare multiple servings at once for a grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.
- Gluten-free: Opt for certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Nut-free: Choose sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter instead of nut butter.
- Top it off fresh: Save your delicious toppings like fruit, nuts, seeds, or granola right before serving. This keeps them crisp and prevents them from getting soggy in the fridge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
It depends on your preferences. Water is budget-friendly and versatile, letting you customize sweetness and flavors. Non-dairy milk offers added creaminess and nutrients, with various options like cashew, soy, or coconut milk. Choose what suits your taste and dietary needs!
You should ideally soak overnight oats for at least 4-8 hours, but you can soak them for up to 12 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
You can enhance the thickness of overnight oats by incorporating chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, or nut butter into the mixture. These ingredients absorb liquid and add texture, resulting in a thicker consistency. Moreover, allowing the oats to soak for a longer period can intensify this thickening effect, yielding a satisfying and creamy breakfast option packed with nutrients and flavor.
Yes, you can soak oats in water overnight at room temperature, but avoid warm conditions to prevent spoilage. If the room is moderate and you'll eat them within a few hours, it's okay. But for longer periods or in warmer settings, refrigeration is safer to avoid spoilage.
More Vegan Overnight Oats
Fruit Overnight Oats Recipes
📖 Recipe
Overnight Oats With Water (No Milk or Yogurt Needed)
Equipment
- 1 Small jar or bowl with a lid
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter natural, unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or airtight container. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a creamier texture. Next morning, stir your oats and enjoy them with your favorite toppings! To store overnight oats with water, simply transfer them into an airtight container or individual jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- To store your overnight oats with water, simply transfer them into an airtight container or individual jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.
- Use mashed banana or applesauce for natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Portion your oats into individual jars for grab-and-go convenience.
- If you prefer a warmer breakfast, heat your oats gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Prepare multiple servings at once for a grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.
- Opt for certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Choose sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter instead of nut butter for a nut-free oatmeal version.
- Save your delicious toppings like fruit, nuts, seeds, or granola right before serving. This keeps them crisp and prevents them from getting soggy in the fridge overnight.
- See the post above for more substitutions, variations, and topping ideas.
Nutrition
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