Overnight oats with frozen fruit are the easiest healthy breakfast. It only takes 5 minutes to prep and you'll have breakfasts for the whole week!
Winter is the best month for microwave oats or baked oats, but I've been feeling something fresher and lighter as we transition into warmer weather. Overnight oats with frozen fruit fit the bill perfectly. Creamy, cool and full of fibre to keep you full, it's the best way to start your morning.
They're also the classic "meal prep" breakfast, but for good reason! It takes 5 minutes (or less) and 4 base ingredients to whip up a batch, and then you've got breakfast prepped for the whole week. I always recommend overnight oats to any students or busy people who have early starts to their day- it's super convenient to grab on your way out the door.
Lastly, overnight oats with frozen fruit are super customizable! I promise that there's a flavour combo to please ANY taste buds. They're also gluten-free and vegan, making them great for any dietary restrictions.
If you struggle with fitting breakfast into your morning routine, I challenge you to take a few minutes to set yourself up for success by making these overnight oats. So simple, so good!
Ingredients
- Oats (quick, minute or rolled)
- Chia seeds
- Milk of choice
- Frozen fruit of choice
Optional flavour boosters:
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Honey
- Toppings
Instructions
In a mason jar or any container with a lid add oats, chia seeds, cinnamon and protein powder (if using).
Pour in milk, vanilla extract and honey and stir well.
Top with frozen fruit, cover and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight.
In the morning top with any toppings you like. I like peanut butter, chopped almonds and additional berries!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
To make vegan: Use a dairy-free milk option (e.g. almond, coconut, soy) and use maple syrup instead of honey.
To make nut-free: Omit any nut toppings and try adding seeds like hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds.
There are so many ways to switch up this recipe, from changing the frozen fruit or playing around with different toppings. Check out some other AMAZING flavour combos here:
- Chocolate: Add 2 teaspoon cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup.
- Tropical: Add frozen mango and shredded coconut.
- Key Lime Pie: Add in lime zest, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, and top with graham cracker crumbs.
- Blueberry Lemon: Add frozen blueberries and lemon zest.
- Black Forest Cake: Add frozen cherries, 2 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, and chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
Here are some other toppings to try:
- Nut butters or seed butters
- Cacao nibs or chocolate chips
- Shredded coconut
- Caramel (my 5 minute vegan caramel is SO good)
- Hemp hearts
- Yogurt
- Chia jam
Equipment
Storage
These overnight oats with frozen fruit can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. However, they are best eaten within 3 days for the ideal texture. The longer the oats are chilled, the thicker they get- so if you decide to eat these after more than 3 days, you may need to add an additional teaspoon of milk right before you eat them!
Top Tip
For the best texture, don't mix in your frozen berries until the morning. I find that allowing the fruit to sit on top while the oats are soaking allows for the perfect consistency of overnight oats. If you mix them in the water from the defrosting fruit it will result in a slightly thinner consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you absolutely can! I recommend using 2 tablespoon of your favourite protein powder and an additional 1 tablespoon of milk. Nuzest is my favourite and you can get 15% off with code NOURISHEDBYNIC.
So many ways- Greek yogurt, hemp hearts, and nut butters are great options. Another easy way is to use a higher protein milk like cow, pea or soy when you're making the oats.
A couple reasons. I love overnight oats with frozen fruit because it's easy, affordable, and convenient. Frozen fruit also allows me to enjoy out-of-season fruits like strawberries. I'm also obsessed with the pretty purple colour that frozen berries make your oats!
Yes! I love this recipe because you can use whatever frozen fruit you have on hand.
I wouldn't recommend steel cut oats, as they are a lot tougher and need to be cooked. The texture would be a lot gritter and grainier.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
If you're as obsessed with overnight oats as I am, give these recipes a try next:
- Tiramisu Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Blended Overnight Oats
- High Protein Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Pie Blended Oats
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these overnight oats with frozen fruit, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit
Ingredients
- ½ cup oats quick, minute or rolled
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- ¼ cup frozen fruit of choice
Optional for flavour:
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon honey
Instructions
- In a mason jar or any container with a lid add oats, chia seeds, cinnamon and protein powder (if using).
- Pour in milk, vanilla extract and honey and stir well. Top with frozen fruit, cover and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours (ideally overnight)
- In the morning top with any toppings you like (I like peanut butter, chopped almonds and additional berries)!
Jon says
Easy to make and tastes good! I make it the night before and take it to work the next day
Lauren Brewer says
I make this every Friday so that I can have a nice treat every Saturday morning.
Melvina says
The only thing I did differently is use what I had on hand. I used quick oats, premade chocolate protein shake. (Ran out of milk earlier today) chai seeds and frozen bananas. I’m actually looking forward to breakfast in the morning!
Savannah says
The frozen fruit was a GAME CHANGER! not only did it make my oats purple - but it was delicious! #nourishedspring
Nicole Addison says
Yes!! The beautiful colours the frozen fruit turn your oats is definitely a bonus to the delicious taste of these- I am SO glad you enjoyed!!