Super Simple Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

Often, there's not much time to make a delicious and nutritious breakfast before diving into the day. This simple overnight oats recipe can be made without much effort the night before, ready for breakfast whenever you are. It's easy enough that any child that knows how to use measuring cups and spoons can do it, too. This recipe serves two, but it's super simple to adjust it for more or fewer servings. (For four, just double the milk and oats, and the other items to taste). It's also very easy to customize with your own add-ins, such as cinnamon or brown sugar.

1 Cup: Oats (quick oats, old fashioned oats

1 Cup: Dairy-free milk (oat, cashew, soy, or even regular dairy milk if you prefer that kind)

1 Tablespoon: Your favorite nut butter (this one features cashew butter)

1/2 to 1 Tablespoon: Chia seeds (optional, for added nutrition)

2 Tablespoons/to taste: Raisins

1 - 2 Tablespoons: Maple syrup (or brown sugar, if you prefer)

Measuring cup

Measuring spoon(s)

Measure 1 cup oats in a measuring cup, then dump the oats into the bowl you're using to make the overnight oats. I used a 1 quart bowl with a lid, which offers a nice amount of room for a two-serving meal.

Measure out about 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon chia seeds if you wish to add them to the overnight oats, then pour them into the bowl. The chia seeds add beneficial nutrients and they're raw, so they're good for you in many ways. They also make the oats a little thicker, but the recipe works just as well if you choose not to use them.

Raisins add a little varying texture to overnight oats, and they're tasty. (If you don't like them, they're not crucial to this recipe at all.) Add about 2 Tablespoons raisins to the bowl.

Measure about 1 Tablespoon nut butter and put it atop the other items in the bowl. You may need a second utensil to scrape the nut butter off the spoon.

Measure 1 to 2 Tablespoons maple syrup and pour it atop the other items in the bowl. If you prefer other types of sweeteners in your usual bowl of oatmeal, brown sugar or honey work just as well. If you want it barely sweet at all, feel free to cut back on the sweetener. You can always add more later, if necessary.

Measure 1 Cup of your favorite non-dairy milk; feel free to use the same measuring cup you used for the oats. Pour the milk atop the other items in the bowl.

Stir the oat mixture slowly to mix all the items in, especially the nut butter, which tends to cling to itself in one blob. The goal is to have every item mixed nicely in so every bite has a hint of nut butter and sweetener. At this point, the overnight oats look a bit soupy, and that's okay. The oats absorb a lot of the liquid as you let them rest. Put the lid on the bowl (if you have one that fits) then put it in the refrigerator. Take them out the next morning and enjoy! PS: If you like them a little warmer, take them out a couple hours before you plan to eat them.

If you like regular warm oatmeal with cinnamon in it, feel free to sprinkle that on before or after chilling the oats. A dash of cacao powder adds a chocolatey taste to the meal. Other nutritious extras such as nuts, blueberries, or bananas taste delicious in this dish. Add the fresh fruits before serving.