The Morning I Forgot I Made These: Overnight Vanilla Oats

Why I Started Making Overnight Oats with Vanilla

I never really liked the idea of morning routines that feel like a production. One night, I had a little epiphany—mixing oats with vanilla extract actually smells like that sweet, warm-off-the-baking-sheep bakery down the street. Not the overly sweet junk, but a subtle vanilla that wraps around your nose and kind of makes you sleepy. It’s simple. It’s quiet. And it’s perfect for days when I want breakfast but don’t want to think too hard. Just a jar, some milk, oats, a dash of vanilla, and I forget I even set an alarm. No fuss, no fussing. I think it’s kind of beautiful how that little jar of wet oats can turn dreamy late at night into something I actually look forward to.

Vanilla Overnight Oats

This dish involves mixing rolled oats with milk, vanilla extract, and optional sweeteners, then allowing it to soak in the refrigerator overnight. The final product has a creamy, pudding-like texture with visibly hydrated oats and a fragrant vanilla aroma, served chilled in a jar or bowl.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup optional
• pinch salt

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Jar or container with lid

Method

 

1. Measure out the rolled oats, milk, vanilla extract, sweetener (if using), and salt. Place the oats into a mixing bowl.
   1 cup rolled oats
2. Add the milk, vanilla extract, sweetener, and salt to the oats. Stir thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is well combined and the oats are evenly coated.
   1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, pinch salt
3. Transfer the mixture into a jar or container with a lid. Cover tightly and shake gently to ensure even distribution or stir again with a spoon.
4. Place the jar in the refrigerator and let it soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. The oats will absorb the liquid, swelling and developing a creamy texture, with the mixture appearing thickened and slightly translucent.
5. Remove the jar from the refrigerator, give it a quick stir to loosen the mixture, and serve chilled. Optionally, top with fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor and texture.

Notes

For variations, add fruits, nuts, or spices like cinnamon before refrigerating. Adjust sweetness to taste.

So yeah, in a world full of fancy brunches and complicated recipes, these overnight oats remind me that sometimes, simplicity wins. A tiny act of kindness to yourself in the morning, even if it’s just vanilla and oats.