For the longest time, we have been hoarding empty jam jars, pickle jars, peanut butter jars, all and any variety of jars. We had been doing this though without any real idea as to why. They just seemed like useful things to have around, too good to simply be tossed into the recycling bin.
But recently they have found a couple of uses for them. Firstly, they are perfect for raising spider plant babies, something which we are overrun by (you can even see one of our larger spider plants in the photos on our About Us page). We would not recommend consuming spider plants though, instead, we have opted to write a recipe for our new favourite purpose for all these jars. And that’s overnight oats.
This easy vegan breakfast requires hardly any effort or time, yet produces delicious jars of soaked oats that you can eat for days. The basic idea of making overnight oats is to grab a jar, add oats and pour over your favourite plant-based milk. Then throw in some flavoursome ingredients (normally fruits, spices or nuts), then give everything a good stir. Now seal the jar or container you’re using and then place your oats into the fridge overnight (for at least 6 hours).
One of the best things about making overnight oats is that you can change up the flavours every time you create a new batch. Beyond the base ingredients of oats and dairy-free milk, you can add whatever you want. We’ve seen it all, from peanut butter and banana to maple and chocolate. Our favourite though is without a doubt, apple and cinnamon.
Overnight Oats Ingredients
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup oat milk (plain or vanilla flavoured)
1 heaped Tbsp diced apple
1 heaped Tbsp raisins
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (if using plain milk)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp brown sugar
How to Make Overnight Oats
Pouring the oats and milk into your jar is the easy bit, so you should start with any prep work required for your other ingredients. For this recipe begin by peeling and dicing up an apple into small cubes (the ingredients list above is for one serving, this only needs about 1/4 of an apple).
Measure out 1/2 a cup of oats and add them to your jar, then pour a 1/2 cup of oat milk over the oats. If you’re using vanilla-flavoured milk then great, otherwise add a 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract too.
Before you give everything in the jar a good stir, add 1 heaped Tbsp of the apple you’ve already diced. Then 1 heaped Tbsp of raisins, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp brown sugar. Now you can go ahead and give everything a good mix-up.
Finally, put the lid onto your jar (if you don’t have the lid, no worries seal it up any way you can, you just want to avoid your oats drying out). Then set your jar into the fridge overnight and come the morning, enjoy your deliciously simple gooey oats.
![Two jars of overnight oats, topped with diced buts and presented on a table with cinnamon sticks.](https://easyvegangrub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cinnamon-and-Apple-Overnight-Oats.jpg)
OVERNIGHT OATS
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup oat milk plain or vanilla flavoured
- 1 heaped Tbsp diced apple
- 1 heaped Tbsp raisins
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract if using plain milk
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Start by peeling and dicing up an apple into small cubes (the ingredients list for this recipe is for one serving, this only needs about 1/4 of an apple).
- Measure out 1/2 a cup of oats and add them to your jar, then pour a 1/2 cup of oat milk over the oats. If you’re using vanilla-flavoured milk then great, otherwise add a 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract too.
- Before you give everything in the jar a good stir, add 1 heaped Tbsp of the apple you’ve already diced, 1 heaped Tbsp of raisins, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp brown sugar. Now you can go ahead and give everything a good mix-up.
- Finally, put the lid onto your jar (if you don’t have the lid, no worries seal it up any way you can, you just want to avoid your oats drying out). Then set your jar into the fridge overnight and come the morning, enjoy your deliciously simple gooey oats.
![Apple and Raisin Overnight Oats - Nutrition Label](https://easyvegangrub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Apple-and-Raisin-Overnight-Oats-Nutrition-Label-1.png)
Recipe FAQs
Can overnight oats be heated up?
If you prefer your overnight oats warm, you can easily heat them up either in a microwave or on the stovetop. Simply transfer the soaked oats to a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan and heat them until they reach your desired temperature. While heating them, make sure to stir occasionally to make sure they’re warm through.
Are overnight oats healthy?
Overnight oats are a great choice for breakfast if you want something healthy and filling. They’re packed with dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for your body and well-being. Plus, they can help keep your digestive system working smoothly.