Name: Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup rolled oats; ½ cup milk (any kind: dairy, almond, oat, etc.); 2–3 tsp brown sugar (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional); ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional); Pinch of salt; ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

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If you're looking for a cozy, sweet, and effortless breakfast, these Brown Sugar Overnight Oats are exactly what I reach for. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, I wake up to a creamy, slightly spiced bowl of oats that’s ready to eat as-is or jazzed up with toppings.

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup rolled oats

½ cup milk (any kind: dairy, almond, oat, etc.)

2–3 teaspoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness & nutrients)

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Pinch of salt

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

Combine Ingredients:

I mix everything—oats, milk, brown sugar, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla—right in a jar or lidded container.

Stir Well:

A good stir ensures the oats soak evenly and the sugar dissolves.

Chill Overnight:

I cover the jar and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Serve:

In the morning, I give it a stir. It’s delicious cold, but I also like warming it in the microwave for 30–60 seconds when I want something cozy.

Optional Toppings:

Some of my favorites include sliced bananas or apples, a drizzle of maple syrup, chopped nuts, Greek yogurt, or a spoonful of nut butter.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 (but it’s super easy to double or triple)

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Chill Time: Minimum 4 hours, ideally overnight

Variations

I swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey when I want a different kind of sweetness.

For a richer texture, I add a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before refrigerating.

I mix in cocoa powder and top with chocolate chips for a dessert-like breakfast.

Sometimes I use mashed banana instead of sugar for a fruit-sweetened version.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I make a bigger batch, I portion them out ahead of time. To reheat, I microwave for about a minute, stirring halfway through, or I just eat them cold.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

I don’t recommend it—they can get too mushy. Rolled oats hold up best for overnight soaking.

Are overnight oats eaten cold or hot?

Either works. I usually eat them cold straight from the fridge, but warming them up is great too, especially in cooler months.

Can I make this sugar-free?

Yes! I sometimes skip the brown sugar or use mashed banana or a sugar-free sweetener as a substitute.

Do chia seeds make a big difference?

They help thicken the oats and add nutrients. I like using them, but the recipe works fine without them too.

Can I prep a whole week’s worth?

Absolutely. I often make 3–5 jars on Sunday night so breakfast is ready all week long.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Overnight Oats are my go-to for busy mornings. They’re fast, flexible, and full of comforting flavor. Whether I’m in the mood for something indulgent or light, I can make them work with just a few tweaks. Once I start making them, they quickly become a weekly staple.

📖 Recipe:

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Brown Sugar Overnight Oats are a cozy, sweet, and effortless breakfast made with rolled oats, brown sugar, and optional spices. Perfect for busy mornings, they’re creamy, customizable, and require no cooking.

Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats

½ cup milk (any kind: dairy, almond, oat, etc.)

2–3 teaspoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)

1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Pinch of salt

¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

In a jar or lidded container, combine rolled oats, milk, brown sugar, chia seeds (if using), cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed and the sugar dissolves.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
In the morning, stir again. Enjoy cold or warm in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if desired.
Top with sliced bananas, apples, maple syrup, nuts, Greek yogurt, or nut butter if desired.