A friend recently asked me for advice on a healthy breakfast that could be prepared in advance, so we got to chatting about overnight oats. That, coupled with the long-awaited arrival of spring, has inspired this post, as these recipes provide a cool creamy alternative to porridge, perfect for warmer months.

The beauty of overnight oats is that you can make them completely your own, depending on both personal preference, and whatever happens to be in your fridge!

The base recipe here remains very similar for all three, and then you simply add your toppings the following morning. I like to include a scoop of protein powder but this is completely your choice.

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Ingredients

50g oats

150ml unsweetened almond or cows milk

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

50g greek yogurt

Pinch of salt

Handful raisins or sultanas

1 apple

Pinch of cinnamon

10g toasted flaked almonds

Drizzle of maple syrup (optional)

Method

Put the oats into a bowl or jar. Shake together the milk and protein powder (if using) then pour over the oats, and stir in the yogurt. Add the salt, raisins or sultanas, and put in the fridge overnight, or for at least a few hours.

The following morning, grate in the apple, stir in the cinnamon and top with flaked almonds. Depending on how sweet you like your breakfast, add a drizzle of maple syrup

 

Coco-berry Overnight Oats

Ingredients

50g oats

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

150ml coconut milk

50g coconut or greek yogurt

50g fresh or frozen berries

10g dessicated coconut

Method

Put the oats into a bowl or jar. Shake together the coconut milk and protein powder (if using) then pour over the oats, and stir in the yogurt. Leave in the fridge overnight or for a few hours to soak. The following morning give your berries a quick blast in the microwave so they turn nice and juicy, then stir into the oats, and top with the dessicated coconut.

Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

Ingredients

50g oats

1 scoop chocolate protein powder (optional)

1 tbsp cocoa

150ml milk of your choice

1 banana

50g greek yogurt

10g chopped toasted hazelnuts

Method

Put the oats into a bowl or jar. Put the milk, protein powder (if using), cocoa, and half the banana into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour over the oats, and then stir in the yogurt. Leave to soak in the fridge overnight or for at least a few hours.

The following morning, remove the oats from the fridge, and top with the rest of the banana, sliced, and sprinkle over the hazelnuts. For a real treat you could also grate over a little dark chocolate.