Salted Caramel Overnight Oats

This recipe for Salted Caramel Overnight Oats is the perfect way to have a decadent, dessert-like breakfast that’s actually healthy and ready to go on a busy morning. This simple, no-cook recipe features a creamy oat base with the rich, buttery flavors of caramel and a perfect hint of flaky sea salt. It’s a satisfying, wholesome, and incredibly delicious meal-prep solution that tastes like a special treat.

Taking just five minutes to prepare the night before, this recipe lets the refrigerator do all the work. You’ll wake up to a thick, creamy, and perfectly balanced sweet and salty breakfast. It’s a sophisticated and comforting flavor combination that will make you look forward to waking up.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes Like a Decadent Treat: The perfect balance of sweet caramel and savory salt in a healthy breakfast.
• 5-Minute Meal Prep: The ultimate make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
• Healthy & Filling: Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds to keep you full and energized.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: Made with just a handful of common kitchen staples.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned)
• 2/3 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup Plain or Vanilla Greek Yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
• 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt, plus more for topping
• Optional Toppings: A drizzle of caramel sauce, sliced bananas, chopped dates, or pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mason jar, small bowl, or any container with a lid, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
3. Chill Overnight: Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Serve: The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If they are thicker than you prefer, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired. Enjoy cold.

Tips & Variations

• Pro Tip: Using a good quality flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for the topping adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of clean, salty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness.
• Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder with the dry ingredients. You may need to add an extra splash of milk.
• Nutty Flavor: A swirl of almond butter or a topping of toasted pecans adds a delicious, nutty dimension that pairs perfectly with the salted caramel flavor.
• Date Caramel: For a healthier caramel flavor, blend 3-4 pitted Medjool dates with a splash of hot water until a smooth, caramel-like paste forms. Swirl this in before chilling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I warm this up?
  • While best enjoyed cold to preserve the distinct flavors, you can warm these oats in the microwave for 60-90 seconds for a cozier breakfast.
• How long do these last in the refrigerator?
  • You can prepare these for up to 4 days in advance. Store them in individual airtight containers in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
• Can I use steel-cut or quick oats?
  • Rolled oats are recommended for the best chewy texture. Quick oats will be much softer, while steel-cut oats will not soften enough and will remain tough.

Serving Suggestions

• These salted caramel overnight oats are fantastic served chilled. For the full decadent experience, top with a drizzle of your favorite caramel sauce, a few slices of fresh banana, and an extra pinch of flaky sea salt just before eating.

Abby

Salted Caramel Overnight Oats

This healthy salted caramel overnight oats recipe uses a creamy vegan peanut butter caramel for a decadent yet wholesome breakfast. Naturally sweetened with dates and layered with oats, chia, and yogurt, it’s a make-ahead meal that feels like dessert!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 408

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3/4 cup rolled oats (unprocessed)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1.5 cups almond milk
• 5 dates
• 1.5 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• sea salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp water (if needed to thin caramel)
• 1 cup coconut yogurt or natural yogurt
• 1 banana, sliced (optional, for decoration)
• puffed quinoa (optional, for topping)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Blender or fork (for caramel)
• Jar or container for serving

Method

 

1. Mix rolled oats, chia seeds, and almond milk in a bowl. Stir well and let soak for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the fridge.
2. Blend or mash dates, peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to make the caramel. Add 1–2 tbsp water if the mixture is too thick.
3. Optional: Place thin banana slices against the sides of the serving jar for decoration.
4. Layer the soaked oats into jars, spoon caramel on top, then finish with yogurt. Sprinkle puffed quinoa on top before serving.

Notes

*Quick-soaked oats will remain chewy with more ‘bite,’ while overnight oats are softer as they soak longer. For best results, refrigerate overnight.
**Add toppings like puffed quinoa just before serving, as they can become soggy if left too long.
These oats keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.