Start your day with these cozy Gingerbread Overnight Oats! They mix oats, milk, and warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. You’ll love how easy and comforting they are!
I always feel like I’m having cookies for breakfast—what a treat! Just prep them the night before, and in the morning, you have a yummy meal ready to eat. So simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for overnight oats due to their texture. If you have quick oats, you can use them, but they may become mushier. Steel-cut oats require longer soaking, so I wouldn’t recommend them for this recipe.
Milk: You can use any milk, whether dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk. I prefer almond milk for its nutty flavor, but feel free to choose what you enjoy best!
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap it with coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt for a similar texture.
Molasses: This ingredient gives that deep, rich gingerbread flavor. If you don’t have molasses, you could use honey, maple syrup, or dark corn syrup, but it will taste a bit different.
Spices: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates the classic gingerbread taste. Don’t hesitate to adjust them based on your preference—more ginger if you like it spicy!
How Do I Make Sure My Overnight Oats Are Creamy?
Getting the right texture for your overnight oats is key. You want them to be creamy but not too thick. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Use rolled oats and let them soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. This helps them absorb moisture.
- Mix in enough liquid, like milk and yogurt. If they seem too thick in the morning, add a splash of milk to loosen them up.
- Stir everything really well before refrigerating, so the spices and sweeteners blend evenly.
With these tips, your Gingerbread Overnight Oats will be perfectly creamy and flavorful every time!
Gingerbread Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling on top
- Gingerbread cookie, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then needs to chill in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours. So you can whip it up before bed and enjoy a delicious breakfast waiting for you in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium jar or bowl, mix together the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, molasses, and vanilla extract. If you like your oats sweeter, feel free to add the maple syrup or honey. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Add the Spices:
Next, mix in the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to stir well so that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oats.
3. Refrigerate the Mixture:
Cover your jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Leave it to soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. This will help the oats soften and soak up all the delicious flavors!
4. Ready to Serve:
When you wake up, give the oats a good stir. If the mixture seems too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of milk to make it creamier.
5. Top It Off:
For a lovely finish, top your oats with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon. You can even add a gingerbread cookie on the side or on top for that festive flair!
6. Enjoy!
Dig into your cozy, spiced Gingerbread Overnight Oats! They can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or at room temperature. Either way, they’re sure to warm your heart!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use instant oats, keep in mind that they tend to absorb liquid faster and might result in a mushier texture. If you prefer a creamier consistency, stick with rolled oats for the best outcome!
How Long Do These Overnight Oats Last in the Fridge?
Your Gingerbread Overnight Oats can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you plan on storing them, it’s best to wait to add toppings like whipped cream until just before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, absolutely! To make these oats vegan, use plant-based yogurt and milk, and stick with maple syrup as your sweetener. It’s an easy swap that will still keep the recipe delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with honey, dark corn syrup, or maple syrup. Each will add its own unique flavor, but keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different from traditional gingerbread oats.
