Creamy.
Satisfying.
Energizing.
Malted.
Chocolaty.
Nutty.
Grab ‘n’ go breakfast.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I tend to go through phases with breakfast foods. I’ll become obsessed with one breakfast item, remix it a variety of ways, and crave it day after day. These phases usually last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple months before I (momentarily) tire of something and move on to the next phase.
Now that I’m sitting here analyzing myself, I feel pretty confident that I could break the phases down into 5 broad breakfast categories: avocado toast, overnight oats, chia pudding, smoothies, and granola/granola bars. I tend to linger in smoothies and avocado toast the most, but the other phases are fierce when they strike.
Take overnight oats for example. After neglecting this genius breakfast phase for months and months, I tossed together this combination the other week and cannot. get. enough. It’s been the perfect back-to-work breakfast treat because…
1| It’s served cold and the school I work at has several microclimates contained within its walls during the summer months. The same room/hallway/stairwell can go from hot and steamy to arctic within one day, and a tour of the school necessitates a variety of layers that can quickly be added or stripped away. Fortunately, my office has a fairly predictable progression of climates throughout the day. 7am-10:00am: hot/sticky to warm/steamy, 10am-10:03am: comfortable normalcy, 10:03am-3:30pm (and beyond): arctic to deep freeze. So although the afternoon climate welcomes hot stew and earmuffs, the morning climate is best addressed with a cool and energizing breakfast.
2| It can be prepared the night before and then quickly scooped into jars and topped before heading out the door.
3| The maca and cacao offer a natural boost of energy. Read more about maca here.
To make these nourishing oats, you’ll whisk together a bit of plant-based milk, rolled oats, almond butter, maca powder, cacao powder, pure maple syrup, chia seeds, and vanilla. Pop the mixture in the refrigerator to chill overnight. Divide it between two jars in the morning, throw on some toppings (if you’d like), and head out the door. That’s it.
I recommend topping the oats with a bit more almond butter, cacao nibs, and maybe even a sprinkle of coconut flakes. It’s an altogether magical combination and one that makes waking up at 5:30am a bit more palatable.
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk or plant milk of choice
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- almond butter
- cacao nibs
- coconut flakes
- Combine the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, almond butter, maca powder, cacao powder, and vanilla extract in an airtight container. Vigorously whisk until combined. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Divide between two small jars or glasses, add toppings, and serve.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Overnight oats are always such a good option! Never fail to satisfy!
Couldn’t agree more! :)
Yum!! I love overnight oats, maca, chia, and cacao. What a delicious combo and lovely pictures!
Thanks so much, Heather!
I’ve been making this combination for the last 3 weeks minus the almond butter. How could I not think of almond butter?! Thanks for making my breakfast tomorrow just that touch brighter – overnight iats are just the best thing on training mornings, even if my colleagues persist in calling it my jar of frogspawn *grins* Always love your site!
I’ve never tried overnight oats before but this one appeals to me. I look forward to starting the day with this one!
Ashley!! This looks SO good! Overnight oats are a staple at my house and this variation is right up my alley:) Thanks for sharing!
Is there anything I can replace the maca powder with?
Hi Sophie! You can simply omit it without replacing it.
This recipe is awesome! It is not very often I make something more then once, but this I am making for the second time. Also, I substituted syrup for honey and it tastes delightful. Thanks for such a great recipe!
Made this for today’s breakfast and it was so delicious! I was even able to cut down on the maple syrup by half and it was still sweet enough. Will definitely be making this again!
So glad you enjoyed it, Chelsea! Also, good to know about the amount of maple syrup as I’m sure others might want to cut down on the sweetener as well. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback!
This looks delicious! I’m going to make it this evening! So glad I found your blog. I’ve been trying to change most of my eating to plant-based. :) Have a great day!
This is my very favorite non dairy/soy/gluten breakfast ever! We have lots of allergies on our home. This is my favourite overnight oats. Can’t get enough!!!! Thanku!
So happy to hear it, Erin! Thank you for sharing your feedback — happy overnight oat-ing! :)