May 3, 2023
updated
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With this simple and healthy recipe, you’ll be able to make overnight oats with water without needing milk or yogurt.
You’ll also find tips and toppings to make your breakfast even more delicious.
Can You Use Water for Overnight Oats?
Water is a great liquid option for overnight oats since it’s readily available, simple, and dairy-free when it matters.
With the recipe below, you’ll have the perfect water-to-oats ratio for overnight oats as well as other add-ins so the end result is a tasty breakfast with that hearty texture you love.
Ingredients
Below is the rundown of what you need to make these overnight oats for tomorrow’s breakfast! The first two ingredients are essential, while the others are options to boost texture and nutritional benefits.
- Old fashioned oats: have a large flake and can sustain a lot of liquid for long periods without getting soggy; it’s the #1 reason we use them for overnight oats.
- Water: the MVP of this recipe.
- Chia seeds: optional, add a thick texture and increase volume, add fiber and a healthy serving of omega-6 fatty acids.
- Flax meal: similar to chia seeds, you’ll have more volume, heartier texture, fiber, and fatty acids. They’re also optional.
- Salt: enhances the flavor of oats.
- Fruit: could be any fruit of your preference- the sky’s the limit.
*Reference the recipe card at the end of this post for ingredient measurements.
How to Make Overnight Oats with Water
Grab your favorite overnight oats jars, and let’s get this breakfast prepped.
- Measure
Place a serving of dry oats into a lidded 8-ounce jar along with your choice of dry add-ins (seeds, flax, chia, etc.). - Hydrate the oats
Pour the water into the oats, and stir to combine. If adding fruit, now is the time. - Mix and chill
Use a spoon to stir the oats, water, and ingredients together. Seal the jar or container and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. - It’s breakfast time!
In the morning, enjoy the oats cold or give them a quick warm in the microwave. Top with any other toppings before serving.
Watch this video to see how creamy this recipe for overnight oats without milk turns out!
More Ways to Make Overnight Oats Without Milk
Water isn’t the only option to make delicious overnight oats without milk. You can use anything from fruit juice to your favorite post-workout beverage!
- Juice: use ¼ cup of your favorite juice, such as orange, pineapple, or apple, and the rest water. This sweetens and adds flavor.
- Unsweetened apple sauce: add ⅓ to ½ cup apple sauce in addition to ½ cup water. A sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped apple would also be great!
- Mashed banana: will sweeten and thicken the oats’ texture. Stir half a mashed banana into the oats and water base, and use the rest as a topping.
- Yogurt: creates a creamy oatmeal consistency without milk! You’ll add this in addition to the water.
- Protein shake: mix a tablespoon of your favorite protein powder with the required amount of water and stir it into the oats.
Toppings & Mix-Ins
Turn your oats + water base recipe into a different breakfast each day with one of these mix-ins and toppings. The list is endless but here are some of my favorites:
- berries, any type
- frozen fruit, diced
- bananas
- chopped apple + cinnamon
- peanut butter
- almond butter
- chia seeds
- flax meal
- coconut flakes
- chopped nuts
- cocoa powder
How Long Do Overnight Oats with Water Last?
When made with water, overnight oats will last 2 days if made with berries, 3 days with most fruits, and 4 if made without (just oats and water). For ultimate longevity, I recommend preparing the base recipe and adding the fruit right before serving.
Overnight Oats with Water (Base Recipe)
Ingredients
Base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 cups water
Add-Ins per jar:
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds, optional
- 1 teaspoon flax meal, optional
- 1 pinch of salt, recommended
- ¼ cup fruit, any
Instructions
- Measure ½ cup of old-fashioned, rolled oats inside each lidded jar. Alternatively, you can place everything in a large lidded container and measure out individual portions.
- Add any dry “add-ins” at this time. These are optional.
- Pour ¾ cup of water inside each jar. Or a total of 3 cups in the large container.
- Add any fruit at this time, chopped into small pieces. If using.
- With a spoon, mix the oat and water mixture. Place the lid on the jar or seal the container.
- Place the jars in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
- In the morning, enjoy cold or warm up in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stir, and serve.
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