This nutrition-packed almond butter overnight oats recipe is an easy make-ahead breakfast that will keep you feeling satisfied!

jar of almond butter overnight oats on a kitchen counter

This recipe was created by Alexia Zolis, BSc

Busy weekdays make it tempting skip breakfast and run out the door. But these almond butter overnight oats are a fabulous, easy to prepare, grab-and-go option that makes breakfast A LOT more doable.

And better yet… these almond butter overnight oats are healthy and filling! This recipe has all the ingredients you need to start your day energized, and keep you feeling satisfied all morning. Two things this dietitian looks for in a balance breakfast, for sure.

Let’s get into what these almond butter overnight oats have to offer and how to make them!

Why you will love almond butter overnight oats

Almond butter overnight oats might just be your new breakfast best friend. Here’s a few reasons why I love this recipe.

Delicious – Even with so few ingredients, this recipe tastes like dessert. Expect a sweet, nutty flavor complimented by a bit of a crunch! 

Easy – This recipe packs a punch of nutrition while only taking 5 minutes to put together. It’s perfect for an on-the-go morning.

Filling – This recipe contains a whopping 13 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Customizable – There are so many swaps and additions to make this recipe one that works best for you! Keep reading to learn my favorites.

Ingredients

ingredients for almond butter overnight oats displayed on counter
  • Rolled oats – You definitely can’t skip out on this one! These are also known as ‘large flake’ oats and they provide an ideal texture.
  • Milk of choice – Use whichever milk you prefer! I use regular cow’s milk because it’s higher in protein and keeps me feeling satisfied.
  • Almond butter – The star of the show! This brings a tasty roasted almond flavor along with some healthy fats to make this breakfast extra filling.
  • Chia seeds – I love adding chia seeds to help thicken the oats and add an extra fiber boost that I’m sure we all need.
  • Plain Greek yogurt – Another important ingredient for keeping us full.
  • Sliced almonds – To add that crunch factor we all crave! (and some healthy fats)
  • Vanilla extract – Adds a load of flavor!
  • Cinnamon – Adds even more flavor!
  • Maple syrup – Any sweetener works, but this one is my favorite.
  • Pinch of salt – I find adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavor of any recipe x1000.
  • Bananas – I always try to include some type of fruit at breakfast, and bananas pair perfectly with this recipe.

How to make almond butter overnight oats

Make this simple and tasty breakfast in just four steps!

  1. Add your oats, chia seeds, sliced almonds, cinnamon, and salt to a mason jar or a small food container with a fitted lid. 
  2. Add in your milk of choice, as well as the almond butter, plain greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.  Mix together until well combined.
  3. Cover with a lid and place in the fridge overnight.
  4. In the morning, top with sliced bananas, additional sliced almonds, and a drizzle of almond butter.

Substitutions and variations

If you’re missing an ingredient, not to worry! I’ve listed some possible substitutions below.

  • Oats: If you do not have ‘large flake’ oats, you can substitute with quick oats. But the texture is not as great!
  • Milk: You can substitute cow’s milk with any other kind of milk/plant beverage or even water! But you may miss out on some protein.
  • Plain Greek yogurt: You can substitute with any other kind of yogurt, but it might compromise the protein content and flavor of your oats!
  • Chia seeds: In place of chia seeds, you can sub in whole flax seeds or hemp hearts.
  • Maple syrup: Try it with honey or brown sugar if you’d prefer.

In case of allergies or sensitivities, try these variations.

To make this recipe dairy free: Substitute cow’s milk with a plant-based milk, and substitute greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt.

To make this recipe gluten-free: Make sure the oats you’re using are certified gluten-free.

To make this recipe nut-free: This recipe will no longer be almond butter overnight oats without the almond butter and almonds, but feel free to swap the sliced almonds and almond butter with your favorite seeds and seed butter.

bidseye view of a jar of almond butter overnight oats with banana slices on top

Other optional add-ins

I kept this recipe as simple as possible without sacrificing flavor or nutritious ingredients that will keep you satisfied. That said, feel free to add even more toppings and mix-ins to customize this breakfast to your taste and needs.

Some other toppings you might like include:

  • Shredded coconut
  • Chocolate chips
  • Strawberries or raspberries
  • White chocolate chips
  • Diced apples
  • Dried fruit
  • Flaxseeds
  • Hemp hearts
  • Pumpkin seeds

Frequently asked questions

How long will overnight oats stay good in the fridge?

You can store your overnight oats in the fridge for up to 4 days in an air-tight container, making them a great meal-prep friendly option.

What container should I use?

I recommend using a mason jar or a small container with an air-tight lid. You can use a bowl covered with plastic wrap, however, it will not stay fresh as long and won’t work well for travel.

Can I heat up my almond butter overnight oats?

Absolutely! This recipe can be enjoyed warm or cold. If you would like your oats warm, ensure they are in a microwave safe jar and heat in the microwave for one minute.

Can I swap almond butter for peanut butter?

Although almond butter has the spotlight in this recipe, you can definitely swap the almond butter for peanut butter. As I said, one of the great things about this recipe is that it’s customizable!

How long do my oats need to be chilled?

I would suggest allowing your oats to chill for a minimum of 4 hours. This allows time for the oats to thicken, and the flavors to combine.

Why are my oats so watery?

If you find your almond butter overnight oats are too watery, you may have added too much milk. Try adding less milk next time and be sure to stir well! In a pinch, you can also add extra chia seeds, stir, and allow 10 minutes for your mixture to thicken.

More breakfast recipes you will love

jar of almond butter overnight oats on a kitchen counter
5 from 1 vote

Almond Butter Overnight Oats

Yield: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
This nutrition-packed almond butter overnight oats recipe is an easy make-ahead breakfast that will keep you feeling satisfied!

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup large flake oats, or rolled oats
  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 Tbsp sliced almonds
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 Tbsp almond butter
  • 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp maple syrup

Toppings

  • 1 tsp almond butter
  • 1 tsp sliced almonds
  • 1 banana, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Add your oats, chia seeds, sliced almonds, cinnamon, and salt to a mason jar or a small container with a fitted lid.
  • Add in your milk of choice, as well as the almond butter, plain greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Mix together until well combined.
  • Cover with a lid and place in the fridge overnight.
  • In the morning, top with sliced bananas, additional sliced almonds, and a drizzle of almond butter.

Notes

Nutrition information calculated without toppings.
Calories: 518kcal, Carbohydrates: 56g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 71mg, Potassium: 681mg, Fiber: 12g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 209IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 410mg, Iron: 4mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Snack