Overnight Oats Recipe – Blueberry Chia Seed & Cinnamon Breakfast

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Overnight Oats Recipe – Blueberry Chia Seed & Cinnamon Breakfast

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… chaotic. Between getting ready and rushing out the door, a healthy breakfast often falls by the wayside. But I’ve found the perfect solution: overnight oats! This Blueberry Chia Seed & Cinnamon version is my absolute go-to. It’s quick to prep, incredibly delicious, and keeps me full and energized all morning long. I first made this when I was desperately trying to find a breakfast that didn’t involve skipping it altogether, and it’s been a staple ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings. It requires minimal effort – just a few minutes of prep the night before – and delivers a creamy, flavorful breakfast that feels like a treat. Plus, it’s packed with goodness from the blueberries, chia seeds, and cinnamon. It’s a healthy and satisfying way to start your day, and honestly, it just feels good to nourish your body with something so wholesome.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a serving of these delightful overnight oats:

• ½ cup rolled oats (about 40g)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (240ml)
• 2 tsp chia seeds (about 10g)
• ½ cup fresh blueberries (75g)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (15ml)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (2.5ml)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder (1g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can really elevate this recipe.

Chia Seeds – Health Benefits & Varieties

Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses! They’re loaded with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. You can find black or white chia seeds – they both offer the same nutritional benefits, so it really comes down to personal preference. I usually use black chia seeds because they’re a bit easier to find.

Almond Milk – Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Unsweetened almond milk is my preference for this recipe, as it keeps the sugar content in check. You can absolutely use store-bought, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade almond milk is so good! It takes a little extra time, but the flavor is incredible.

Maple Syrup – Grading & Alternatives

I love the warm, caramel-like flavor of maple syrup. Look for Grade A Dark Color Robust Taste maple syrup for the most flavor. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with honey, agave nectar, or even a little bit of coconut sugar.

Cinnamon – Ceylon vs. Cassia

Cinnamon adds such a cozy warmth to this recipe. You’ll typically find Cassia cinnamon in most supermarkets, which is perfectly fine! However, Ceylon cinnamon (often called “true cinnamon”) is a bit more delicate and complex in flavor. It’s a little pricier, but worth it if you’re a cinnamon aficionado.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (well, prepping!). It’s super simple, I promise.

1. Grab a mason jar or a bowl. I prefer a jar because it’s easy to grab and go in the morning!
2. Add the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder to the jar.
3. Now, toss in half of those beautiful blueberries.
4. Give everything a gentle stir until it’s all nicely combined. You want to make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
5. Pop the lid on tightly and into the fridge it goes! Let it sit overnight, or at least for 6 hours. This is where the magic happens.
6. In the morning, give it another stir. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash more almond milk.
7. Top with the remaining blueberries and any other toppings you fancy.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t skip the overnight chill time! This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and create that creamy texture.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and add more if needed.
• Layering is key. Adding some blueberries on top keeps things interesting!

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegan: This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check your maple syrup is 100% pure.
• Gluten-Free: Make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
• Fruit Swaps: Mango is amazing in this! My family also loves swapping in sliced bananas or strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

This is perfect as a quick breakfast on its own. But if you’re feeling fancy, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower), or a few coconut flakes on top. A dollop of nut butter is also a delicious addition!

Storage Instructions

Overnight oats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Let’s tackle some common questions!

1. Can I make overnight oats with water instead of almond milk?

You can, but the flavor and creaminess won’t be quite the same. Almond milk adds a lovely richness. If you do use water, you might want to add a little extra maple syrup or vanilla extract.

2. How long can overnight oats sit in the refrigerator?

I recommend enjoying them within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.

3. Can I warm up overnight oats? What’s the best way to do it?

You can! But honestly, I prefer them cold. If you do want to warm them up, heat them gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.

4. What other seeds can I use in place of chia seeds?

Flax seeds or hemp seeds are good alternatives. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, as they absorb liquid differently.

5. My overnight oats are too thick/thin – how do I adjust the consistency?

If they’re too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If they’re too thin, add a teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit for another 15-20 minutes.

6. Is maple syrup essential, or can I use another sweetener?

Nope! Honey, agave, or even a little coconut sugar work just fine. Use whatever you prefer.

Enjoy your delicious and easy overnight oats! Let me know in the comments what variations you try. Happy breakfasting!