These protein overnight oats are quick, indulgent, and healthy too! Prep them the night before for an easy grab-and-go breakfast full of plant-based protein. Vegan & Gluten-free.
Stuck in a breakfast rut? I hear ya! Whenever I start my day with protein, I instinctively reach for eggs, but it's easy to wear them out. Overnight protein oats is just the thing to liven up breakfast.
Why add protein powder?
Simple carbs are delicious (think pancakes & waffles!), but they don't keep you satiated for long. A combination of complex carbs and protein helps your body feel full for a longer period of time! This is why I love to add protein to overnight oats. It gives you the best of both worlds - complex carbohydrates from the oats, and plenty of filling protein!
Ingredients
Protein overnight oats are simple to make with just a handful of ingredients. Here's what you need.
- Old fashioned oats - Be sure to purchase old fashioned oats for overnight oats! Steel-cut won't soften, and quick cooking will turn to mush. If you avoid gluten, be sure to buy oats that are labeled gluten-free. I personally like Bob's Red Mill brand for it's superb quality, but you can find rolled oats anywhere. Trader Joe's sells a big bag for a reasonable price.
- Protein powder - I bought a plant-based pea protein powder, but any type of protein powder works. If you're vegan or dairy-free, avoid whey protein powder. Otherwise, just use your favorite kind that fits your dietary needs. Not all protein powders are created equal. Try to avoid ones with weird ingredients, additives, or excess sugar!
- Peanut butter - Peanut butter adds protein and a rich, peanut buttery taste! I like to spread some around my glass before I add all the ingredients to it. This gives me peanut butter flavor in every bite. If you're allergic to peanuts, replace with your favorite nut butter!
- Almond milk - Almond milk is creamy, healthy, and low calorie! Feel free to use your favorite milk of choice. Soy, oat, cashew, or coconut milk are good plant-based options. Regular milk can also be used.
- Cocoa powder - Dark or Dutch-processed cocoa powder imparts a ultra-rich and smooth chocolatey flavor.
- Maple syrup - To sweeten the oats. A little goes a long way, but if you want it sweeter, simply add more!
How to make overnight oats
It's about as simple as dump, mix, and refrigerate! But if you're looking for more guidance, follow the steps below.
Combine - Combine all the ingredients in whatever dish you like. A small bowl or cup work great.
Mix - Use a spoon or mini spatula to mix until the peanut butter and chocolate are well incorporated.
Refrigerate - Cover the glass or bowl with saran wrap and refrigerate overnight! Enjoy first thing in the morning.
Variations
The best part about overnight oats, besides its simplicity, is how easy it is to customize! Try one of these simple variations.
- Protein - Try any flavor of protein powder you like! The flavors are endless. Try vanilla, strawberry, caramel, or coffee. Or add protein through mix-ins and toppings. Nut butter, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, chopped nuts, cottage cheese, and pumpkin seeds are great options!
- Mix-ins & toppings - Try fresh berries, dried fruit, granola, sliced bananas, shredded coconut, maple syrup, honey, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, seeds, spices, brown sugar, jam, or Nutella.
- Flavors - Chocolate peanut butter is a classic, but you can make protein overnight oats any flavor! Try vanilla protein powder with strawberry jam and granola, or vanilla protein powder with sliced bananas, walnuts, and cinnamon.
FAQs
The short answer is, it depends what you put in them! Oats provide fiber, complex carbohydrates, important vitamins, and disease-fighting antioxidants. Plant-based protein powder or nut butter is a great way to add substantial protein.
This is actually a matter of preference, and what ingredients you add. Ingredients like protein powder and chia seeds require more liquid because they absorb more of it. If you like thicker oats, add less liquid. If you like soupier oats, add more liquid.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Toast
- Cassava Flour Pancakes [Paleo & Gluten Free]
Protein Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats*
- 1 scoop plant-based chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- ½-3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk Use ½ cup for thicker oats
- ½ tbsp dark cocoa powder
- ½ tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, peanut butter, almond milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Carefully stir until fully mixed together. For thicker oats, use only ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk.
- Cover the bowl, or transfer the mixture to a glass and cover with plastic wrap.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy in the morning!
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