Gingerbread Overnight Oats are a cozy little breakfast that you can prep the night before! With oats soaking in creamy yogurt, hints of ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of molasses, they taste just like holiday cookies!
I love how easy these oats are to make—just mix everything in a jar and let the fridge do the work. Wake up to a yummy breakfast that feels like a festive treat! 🎄🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These oats are the base for your dish. If you’re in a pinch, quick oats can also work, although they may become mushier. Steel-cut oats aren’t the best fit since they need longer cooking time.
Milk: Any milk will do! If you’re dairy-free, almond, soy, or oat milk are great alternatives. Choose unsweetened if you want to control the sweetness.
Yogurt: I like using plain yogurt for a tangy taste, but flavored yogurt adds a fun twist! For a dairy-free option, try coconut or almond yogurt.
Molasses: This gives the gingerbread its warm depth. If you don’t have molasses, honey or maple syrup are decent substitutes, though they’ll change the flavor slightly.
Spices: The spices are what make this dish sing! Fresh ginger is great if you have it, but dried works well too. Don’t shy away from adding more cinnamon or nutmeg if you love that flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Overnight Oats Are Creamy?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture, it’s all about the soaking time and mixing. Here are some tips:
- Combine all your ingredients thoroughly! Use a spoon or a jar with a lid and shake well to mix everything evenly.
- Refrigerate overnight, or for about 6-8 hours. This is when the oats absorb the liquid, softening and blending those flavors.
- If the mixture seems too thick in the morning, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk. Stir it in until you reach your desired creaminess!
- Garnishing with yogurt makes a tasty topping! It adds an extra creamy layer, plus it looks pretty!
Gingerbread Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Base:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
- 1 tbsp molasses
- For the Spices:
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (for extra sweetness)
- For Garnishing:
- 2 gingerbread cookies
- Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- A sprinkle of rolled oats
- A pinch of cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and you’ll need to let it chill for at least 6-8 hours overnight. So, just a little bit of effort the night before propels you into a delicious and festive breakfast in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium bowl or jar, add rolled oats, milk, yogurt, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and the chia seeds if you’re using them. Mix everything together really well so that all the spices and molasses are evenly distributed.
2. Sweeten It Up:
If you like your oats a bit sweeter, add the maple syrup or honey and stir again. Taste it to see if it’s to your liking!
3. Chill Out:
Cover your bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator to chill overnight. This helps the oats soak up all that yummy flavor and soften perfectly.
4. Ready to Serve:
When you’re ready for breakfast, take your oats out of the fridge. Give them a good stir. If they’re too thick for your liking, feel free to add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
5. Assemble and Garnish:
Spoon the oats into bowls or jars for serving. Top with a dollop of yogurt or cream if you’d like, and add your garnishes: fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds, a sprinkle of rolled oats, a pinch of cinnamon, and finish with those adorable gingerbread cookies on top!
6. Enjoy!
Your delicious, cozy Gingerbread Overnight Oats are ready to enjoy! Dive in and savor each bite.
This recipe makes one serving but can easily be multiplied if you’re cooking for family or friends. Grab these festive flavors and whip up a delightful breakfast any day!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can substitute quick oats for rolled oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats will soften more quickly and may have a mushier consistency.
Can I Use a Different Sweetener Instead of Molasses?
Absolutely! While molasses adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Just note that this will change the taste and sweetness level slightly.
How Long Will These Overnight Oats Last in the Fridge?
These overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Give them a stir and add a splash of milk if they thicken too much over time!
Can I Make These Oats Vegan?
Definitely! Just use plant-based milk and yogurt, such as almond, soy, or coconut milk and yogurt. Ensure any sweetener you choose is also vegan, like pure maple syrup.