Mornings can be a whirlwind of chaos and cold coffee, but imagine waking up to a breakfast that feels like a warm hug. Overnight steel cut oats are like a cozy blanket for your insides—creamy, nutty, and just the right amount of chewy. I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly hectic week, and it was like finding a hidden gem in a pile of to-do lists.
Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine milk, honey, nut butter, and any protein powder you choose, whisking until smooth.
- Add the steel cut oats and salt to the mixture, and include any other optional ingredients, but save fresh fruit or nuts for later.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the contents to an airtight container, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 5 days.
- When ready to eat, give the oats a good stir and serve your desired portion into a bowl.
- Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or other toppings as you wish, adding them just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Enjoy the oats cold, and feel proud of your well-prepared breakfast plan.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, noting that the oats will absorb more milk and soften over time. If you prefer them less chewy, wait a day or two before consuming.
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 2 cups almond milk (or any preferred milk)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Optional: Protein powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: Fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, flaxseeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 892kcal | Carbohydrates: 140g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 980mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 28g
FAQ
- What are overnight oats and how are they prepared?
- Overnight oats are a no-cook meal where dry oats are combined with milk and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, along with optional add-ins such as chia seeds, peanut butter, and fruits. The mixture is left in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the oats to absorb the milk and become creamy. In the morning, you can enjoy them cold or heat them if preferred.
- Can steel cut oats be used for overnight oats, and what is the difference?
- Yes, steel cut oats can be used to make overnight oats. Unlike rolled oats, steel cut oats are not steamed and have a firmer, chewier texture because they are cut into pieces. They require a longer soaking time but offer a more nutty flavor and higher fiber content, which helps keep you full longer.
- What is the best soaking time for overnight steel cut oats?
- It is recommended to soak steel cut oats for at least 10 hours. By Day 1, they are chewy yet delicious, and they will continue to soften over the week. Even by Day 5, they maintain a pleasant texture without becoming mushy.
- How should overnight steel cut oats be stored and served?
- Overnight steel cut oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be portioned into individual mason jars or kept as a larger batch. Fresh fruits and nuts should be added just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
- How can overnight steel cut oats be customized?
- Overnight steel cut oats are highly customizable. You can use any type of milk, including non-dairy options for a vegan version. Add protein by mixing in protein powder or Greek yogurt. Fresh, dried, or frozen fruit can be used, and toppings like chocolate chips can be included for extra flavor.
Tips
- Soak the steel cut oats for at least 10 hours before eating to ensure they are perfectly chewy and delicious on Day 1, and they will continue to soften throughout the week.
- When preparing the oats, wait until just before serving to add fresh fruits or nuts to maintain their freshness and crunch. This is especially important if you are storing your oats for several days.
- If the oats are too thick or chewy for your liking, simply add a splash of milk before serving. This can help adjust the consistency to your preference.
- For a fun twist, try mixing in protein powder or Greek yogurt for extra protein, or use almond milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly. The recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different mix-ins.
Equipment
- Stacking mixing bowls
- Airtight storage containers with lids
- 12-ounce or pint-sized mason jars
