Gingerbread Overnight Oats are a cozy breakfast that brings the flavors of gingerbread right to your morning routine! Made with oats, milk, and warm spices, they are creamy and mildly sweet.
I love waking up to a tasty and filling meal that just needs a quick fridge time. Plus, they are super easy to make ahead—no cooking required! What’s better than that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for overnight oats as they soak up liquid well without getting too mushy. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work, but they may turn out softer.
Milk: Use any milk you prefer—dairy, almond, oat, or cashew milk all fit nicely. I personally love almond milk for its nutty flavor, but pick what you enjoy most.
Yogurt: Greek yogurt gives a rich creaminess and protein boost. For a dairy-free option, choose coconut or almond yogurt. I like to mix it up occasionally with vanilla or plain yogurt for added flavor.
Molasses: This ingredient adds a deep sweetness and traditional gingerbread flavor. If you run out, use maple syrup or honey as alternatives, though they might change the taste slightly.
Spices: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates the gingerbread taste. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate; you can even add a pinch of allspice for extra warmth.
How Do I Get Creamy Overnight Oats with the Right Texture?
The key to creamy overnight oats is balancing the ingredients so that the oats soak up the right amount of liquid. Follow this simple guide:
- Use equal parts oats and liquid (milk and yogurt)—this ensures the oats have enough moisture without being too soupy.
- Choose a container that seals well. Glass jars work great for overnight storage.
- Add a pinch of salt. It enhances the flavors and surprisingly helps with creaminess.
- Mix well before refrigerating, letting the oats and liquids blend thoroughly. It makes a big difference in texture!
- If the oats are too thick in the morning, just stir in a little extra milk until they reach your desired consistency.
Gingerbread Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or any yogurt of your choice
- 1 tablespoon molasses or maple syrup
Spices and Flavorings:
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream or extra yogurt
- Crushed gingerbread cookies or whole mini gingerbread man cookies
- Fresh cranberries or sugared cranberries
- A sprinkle of oats or cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and it needs at least 4-6 hours or ideally overnight to chill in the fridge. Prepare it in the evening, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast waiting for you the next morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, yogurt, and molasses (or maple syrup). Stir well until everything is mixed together. Make sure the oats are thoroughly combined with the liquids!
2. Add Spices and Flavor:
Next, add the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oats. This is what gives your oats that delicious gingerbread flavor!
3. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the mixture with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it refrigerate overnight or for at least 4-6 hours. This helps the oats soak up the liquid and the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Morning Preparation:
When you’re ready to enjoy your breakfast, take the oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If they are too thick for your liking, simply add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the oats to a serving glass or keep them in the same jar. Top with a swirl of whipped cream or extra yogurt, and feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add crushed gingerbread cookies, a mini gingerbread man cookie, fresh cranberries, or a sprinkle of oats or cinnamon for that festive touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy gingerbread flavors along with the creamy texture of your fabulous overnight oats!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but keep in mind that they will absorb liquid more quickly and may result in a mushier texture. If you do use instant oats, you may want to reduce the soaking time to 2-4 hours.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use plant-based yogurt and milk alternatives, such as almond or coconut yogurt and any plant-based milk. Maple syrup is a great vegan substitute for molasses too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give the oats a stir before serving, and you can add a splash of milk if they’ve thickened up too much.
Can I Customize the Spices?
Of course! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can add more ginger for extra spice or even throw in a little allspice or cardamom for a unique twist. Just remember to taste as you go!