Blended overnight oats are one of my favorite ways to make mornings feel a little easier—and a lot more comforting. These creamy, smooth oats are blended the night before and tucked into the fridge, so when the sun rises, breakfast is already waiting. It’s a small thing, but it brings such peace to busy mornings.
I first started making them during a whirlwind season of school runs and work-from-home chaos. The texture reminded me of a soft pudding, and it quickly became a favorite for everyone in the house—even the picky eaters. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want to savor something simple and homemade, this recipe might just become your new morning habit.
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What Are Blended Overnight Oats?
Blended overnight oats are a smooth and creamy twist on the classic overnight oats we all know and love. Instead of layering the ingredients and letting them soak as-is, everything gets blended together first—oats, milk, yogurt, sweetener—into a silky mixture that softens beautifully in the fridge overnight.
The result is something closer to a pudding than a porridge. It’s thick, spoonable, and surprisingly satisfying, especially if you’re not a fan of chunky oat texture. It’s also a wonderful base for all sorts of flavors—fruity, nutty, chocolatey—you name it.
And the best part? No stove, no rush, and no stress in the morning. Just blend, chill, and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love These Blended Overnight Oats
There’s a lot to love about this simple little breakfast—especially if you’re looking for something that feels both nourishing and a bit like a treat. Here’s why these blended overnight oats have become a staple in our home:
– Creamy and smooth – Like a cross between oatmeal and pudding, the texture is so comforting.
– No cooking needed – Just blend and chill—no stovetop or microwave.
– Kid-approved and easy to enjoy – Even picky eaters tend to love the soft, sweet texture.
– Perfect for meal prep – Make a few jars ahead of time and grab one on busy mornings.
– Easy to customize – From fruity to chocolatey, you can switch up the flavors all year long.
– Gentle on the tummy – Blending makes the oats easier to digest, especially for little ones.
Once you try this version, it’s hard to go back to the chunky kind. It’s cozy, convenient, and just a little bit special.
Blended Overnight Oats Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make one creamy, comforting jar of blended overnight oats:
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
⅔ to ¾ cup milk of your choice (I like almond or oat milk)
¼ cup plain yogurt (regular or non-dairy both work well)
2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional, but adds a lovely texture)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for a warm hint of flavor)
A pinch of sea salt
Topping ideas:
Fresh berries
A drizzle of almond or peanut butter
Granola for a little crunch
Sliced banana
A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts
Feel free to make it your own! The base is so forgiving—you can swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for.
How to Make Blended Overnight Oats
- Add everything to your blender
Combine the oats, milk, yogurt, sweetener, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt. I usually start with ⅔ cup of milk and add a splash more if it seems too thick. - Blend until smooth and creamy
It should look like a pourable pudding. You can taste it here and adjust the sweetness if needed. - Pour into a jar or container
Use a glass jar or any container with a lid. Cover and place it in the fridge. - Let it rest overnight (or at least 4 hours)
This gives the oats time to soften and the mixture to thicken into that perfect creamy texture. - Stir and top before serving
In the morning, give it a good stir and add your favorite toppings—fruit, nut butter, granola, whatever you’re craving.
Tips for the Creamiest Blended Oats
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats
These soften beautifully without turning gummy. Avoid quick oats—they don’t hold up as well once blended. - Don’t skip the yogurt
Yogurt adds richness and a subtle tang that makes the oats taste like breakfast pudding. You can use plain, Greek, or any non-dairy variety you like. - Adjust the milk as needed
Start with ⅔ cup, then add a little extra if you want a thinner consistency. The oats will thicken as they sit, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose after blending. - Let it chill long enough
Four hours will do in a pinch, but overnight really gives the best texture. I like making a few jars in the evening so breakfast is ready all week. - Blend thoroughly
Give everything a good blend until completely smooth. If you’re not sure, blend for an extra 15 seconds. The silkier, the better.
Simple Ways to Customize Your Blended Overnight Oats
This Blended Overnight Oats recipe is wonderfully flexible, which is exactly what I love on those weeks when my pantry’s a little unpredictable. Whether you’re adjusting for food sensitivities or just switching things up for fun, here are a few easy ways to tailor your blended overnight oats to fit your needs:
- Gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination can happen during processing, so it’s worth checking the label. - Dairy-free?
Swap the yogurt for a non-dairy version like coconut, almond, or soy yogurt. And feel free to use your favorite plant-based milk—oat milk gives an extra creamy texture. - Avoiding added sugar?
Try sweetening with ripe banana or soft Medjool dates instead of maple syrup or honey. Sometimes, the toppings alone are sweet enough! - Looking to add more protein?
A scoop of protein powder or a spoonful of peanut butter blends in beautifully. Greek yogurt is also a great protein booster if dairy works for you. - Making it kid-friendly?
Blend in mild fruits like mango or strawberries, and top with a few chocolate chips or a swirl of nut butter for a treat they’ll look forward to. A few mini chocolate chips on top can turn it into a fun morning treat—especially if your kids love little bites like mini chocolate chip muffins.
Think of this recipe as a base you can build on—simple, forgiving, and ready to match whatever’s in your fridge.
Blended Overnight Oats Flavor Variations
Once you’ve got the base recipe for blended overnight oats down, it’s easy to play around with different flavors. I like to think of this breakfast as a blank canvas—ready to take on whatever you’re craving or whatever fruit is ripe on the counter.
Here are some of our favorite twists:
- Banana Bread
Add half a ripe banana, a pinch of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts before blending. It’s like a spoonable version of healthy banana bread—cozy, satisfying, and perfect for breakfast. - Berry Vanilla
Toss in a handful of fresh or frozen mixed berries and a splash of vanilla extract. Top with more berries in the morning. - Chocolate Peanut Butter
Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder and a spoonful of peanut butter to the blender. A few chocolate chips on top never hurt. - Apple Pie Spice
Blend in ¼ cup of finely chopped apple with cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. Perfect for cozy fall mornings. - Mango Coconut
Add frozen mango chunks and use coconut milk in the base. Top with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
You can mix and match as much as you like. Some mornings I keep it simple with cinnamon and honey, and others I go full “dessert-for-breakfast” mode. That’s the beauty of blended overnight oats—they’re endlessly adaptable.
How to Store Blended Overnight Oats
Blended overnight oats are a dream when it comes to prepping ahead. On busy weeks, I like to make a few jars at once and line them up in the fridge like little promises of calm mornings.
- Refrigerator:
Store your oats in an airtight jar or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, though they’re at their creamiest in the first 2 or 3 days. - Containers:
Glass jars with lids work beautifully—mason jars or small weck jars are my go-to. Just make sure it seals well to keep things fresh. - Meal Prep Tip:
Blend a big batch and portion it into smaller jars. You can even flavor each one differently before chilling—berry in one, banana in another, maybe a touch of cocoa in the third. If you’re prepping for the week, it pairs nicely with something savory too—like this roasted chili corn salsa you can keep in the fridge for lunches or snacking. - Can I freeze blended oats?
You can, but the texture might change slightly when thawed. If you decide to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and leave a little room at the top. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
Having breakfast already made frees up space in your morning—for quiet moments, hot tea, or just a slower start.
If you’re looking for another cozy breakfast to prep ahead, these healthy pumpkin pancakes are soft, spiced, and perfect for chilly mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put oats overnight in a blender?
Yes, you can! In fact, that’s what gives blended overnight oats their silky, pudding-like texture. You simply blend all the ingredients before chilling them overnight. The oats soften beautifully as they rest in the fridge, no need to blend again in the morning.
Are oats still healthy if you blend them?
Absolutely. Blending doesn’t reduce their nutritional value. You still get all the fiber, vitamins, and slow-digesting carbs that make oats so nourishing. It’s just a smoother way to enjoy them—especially nice if you prefer a soft texture or are feeding little ones.
Why are my blended overnight oats runny?
If your oats turn out too thin, it’s likely due to extra liquid or not enough thickening time. Try using less milk next time, or blend in a spoonful of chia seeds or nut butter to help it thicken overnight. The longer it sits, the creamier it gets.
What not to put in overnight oats?
Avoid using fruit that browns easily (like sliced apples or bananas) unless you blend them in. Also, steer clear of crunchy toppings until just before serving—they’ll lose their texture if stored overnight. And try not to add citrus or acidic ingredients, as they can sometimes curdle dairy.
Final Thoughts from Emma’s Kitchen
I’ve come to really appreciate the kind of recipes that take care of you before the day even begins. Blended overnight oats do just that—they offer a little peace and nourishment when mornings feel hurried or a bit heavy.
If you’re curious about using different types of oats in your breakfast routine, this helpful guide from Healthline breaks down the differences between rolled, steel-cut, and quick oats. It’s a great read if you want to understand how each one affects the texture and flavor of your oats.
I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Maybe you added a swirl of peanut butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or some fresh fruit from the garden? Share your version in the comments—I always enjoy seeing what’s happening in your kitchen.
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