Name: Brown Sugar Overnight Oats Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; pinch of salt; sliced bananas; chopped nuts; chia seeds; drizzle of maple syrup

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something genuinely comforting about starting your morning with a chilled bowl of Brown Sugar Overnight Oats. This easy, nourishing breakfast melds the creamy richness of Greek yogurt, soft rolled oats, and the deep, sweet notes of brown sugar into a delightful make-ahead meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. With just a few simple ingredients and almost zero prep, you’ll have a dreamy, satisfying breakfast waiting for you—no morning rush required.

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love a recipe that keeps things simple? Brown Sugar Overnight Oats get their amazing flavor and texture from just a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient has a role to play, so let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters!

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These hold their shape beautifully overnight and make the oats pleasantly creamy without getting mushy.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): The liquid that softens the oats and blends everything into a spoonable dream; use your favorite variety for extra richness or a dairy-free twist.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy touch and luxurious creaminess, plus a protein boost to keep you full all morning long.
Brown sugar: The star of our show—a couple of tablespoons bring caramelly sweetness and depth.
Vanilla extract: Just a hint transforms the whole bowl and elevates the oats to something truly special.
Ground cinnamon: A pinch of warmth that cozies up alongside the brown sugar without overpowering.
Pinch of salt: A little salt actually makes all those sweet flavors sing.
Optional toppings (sliced bananas, chopped nuts, chia seeds, maple syrup): These finishers add color, crunch, and extra flavor—so you can endlessly personalize your bowl.

How to Make Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

Step 1: Mix Everything Together

Combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a tiny bit of salt in a medium bowl or right into your favorite mason jar. Give everything a good stir so all ingredients are evenly distributed and the brown sugar melts into the creamy mixture.

Step 2: Chill Overnight

Cover your bowl or jar tightly and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the oats soak for at least 6 hours—or overnight—so they soften up, thicken, and soak up all that delicious flavor. You’ll wake up to a ready-made breakfast!

Step 3: Add Toppings and Enjoy

In the morning, stir your oats to fluff them up. Spoon them into bowls and personalize each serving with whatever toppings you crave—think fresh bananas, a handful of nuts for crunch, chia seeds, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. If you like your Brown Sugar Overnight Oats even creamier, add a splash of milk. You can enjoy these oats cold right from the fridge, or gently warmed in the microwave.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

Garnishes

This is where you can have a little fun! Sliced bananas, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, chia seeds, and a gentle drizzle of maple syrup all add different flavors and textures. Fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon are other tasty choices that complement the brown sugar beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Brown Sugar Overnight Oats with something on the side can round out your breakfast. Try a small fruit salad, a hard-boiled egg, or even a smoothie for a breakfast that feels special but isn’t complicated.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Layer your overnight oats parfait-style in clear glasses with alternating layers of fruit and nuts. Or portion them into cute mason jars for a grab-and-go breakfast that’s as pretty as it is practical. These oats also make a cheerful addition to any brunch table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats are a meal-prepper’s dream! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld and the texture stays lovely, making weekday breakfasts a total breeze.

Freezing

While you don’t usually need to freeze overnight oats, it’s definitely an option if you want to plan way ahead. Spoon prepared oats into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating, and give them a good stir in the morning.

Reheating

If you prefer your Brown Sugar Overnight Oats warm, just pop a serving in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Stir before eating, and maybe freshen it up with a splash of milk or new toppings. The oats stay creamy and satisfying either way!

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats will soak up liquid faster but can become mushier after sitting overnight. If you like a very soft texture, quick oats can be swapped in, but for classic overnight oats with a little bite, rolled oats are best.

How can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and a non-dairy Greek-style yogurt. The rest of the ingredients in Brown Sugar Overnight Oats are already vegan-friendly.

Is there a way to boost the protein content?

You can easily add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or sprinkle in chia seeds and flaxseed for a protein kick. Extra Greek yogurt also adds more protein and keeps the oats nice and creamy.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Totally! Start with one tablespoon of brown sugar if you prefer your oats less sweet, or go up to three if you really love that caramelly flavor. You could also play around with maple syrup or honey if you want a different twist.

How long do Brown Sugar Overnight Oats last in the fridge?

They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, so feel free to prep a big batch and portion it out—you’ll thank yourself on busy mornings!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Brown Sugar Overnight Oats yet, make this your week to dive in! It’s one of those rare recipes that makes life easier, tastes amazing, and feels good from the very first bite. Whip up a batch tonight and discover how this simple, cozy breakfast can warm up your mornings in the most delicious way.

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast by making these Brown Sugar Overnight Oats. Creamy, sweet, and customizable with your favorite toppings, these oats are a convenient make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

Oats Mixture:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

sliced bananas
chopped nuts
chia seeds
drizzle of maple syrup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Oats: In a medium bowl or jar, combine oats, milk, yogurt, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Serve: In the morning, stir the oats and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy cold or warm.