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These easy 5-minute overnight oats are infused with chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger and soaked in almond milk and brewed black tea. Super creamy, healthy, naturally sweetened, and perfect for meal prep!
In the past, I have made strawberry overnight oats, blueberry overnight oats, and even some Ferrero Rocher-inspired overnight oats (a must-try, by the way). Surprisingly, I never shared a recipe for beverage-inspired oats. Today, I’m sharing with you a delicious breakfast recipe based on the popular Indian Chai latte!
I make these chai overnight oats so regularly that I realized they needed their own recipe. They’re perfectly spiced and taste just like your favorite chai latte!
📘 What Are Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are rolled oats that are soaked overnight in milk and/or water. As opposed to oatmeal, which is cooked on the stove, overnight oats are eaten raw. The soaking process allows the oats to soften and get a porridge consistency.
Health Benefits
- Rich in fiber: Oats are naturally high in fiber, promoting good digestion and making you feel full longer.
- High in antioxidants: It may help reduce blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties.
🥣 How to Make It
The advantage of overnight oats is that it requires very minimal ingredients that you most probably already have on hand. Here is what you will need:
- Rolled oats – You can also use quick oats, but I personally prefer the chewier texture of rolled oats.
- Unsweetened almond milk – Or any plant-based milk. Cashew milk works great as well.
- Black tea – To give the oats that specific chai tea flavor. A great way to use leftover brewed black tea!
- Maple syrup – To sweeten, maple syrup adds a nice caramel flavor to the oats. You can use agave or honey if not vegan. A liquid sweetener works best for overnight oats as it dissolves better.
- Chai spices – Ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and an optional pinch of cloves.
Preparing these chai overnight oats takes just 5 minutes. You can simply prepare it in the evening to have it ready for the next morning or make a bigger batch to enjoy throughout the week. To prepare these overnight oats:
- Combine rolled oats with the spices.
- Add the almond milk, brewed black tea, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Stir to combine and transfer to a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy in the morning!
Toppings
When it comes to toppings, feel free to be creative! A few of my favorites are almond butter, chocolate chips, banana slices, and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. You can also use:
- Fresh fruits: sliced apples, raspberries, blueberries, or even mango!
- Nuts: chopped hazelnuts, roasted pecans, peanuts, or macadamia nuts are great options.
- Vegan protein powder: if you want a protein-rich breakfast. I recommend using a neutral protein powder, or a vanilla-flavored one.
- Seeds: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chia seeds for healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Shredded coconut or coconut flakes: use raw or toasted flakes.
- Chocolate spread: Such as vegan Nutella or homemade chocolate spread.
📔 Tips
- Instead of first mixing the oats in a bowl, you can combine everything directly in a jar.
- For more natural sweetness, feel free to add chopped dates or raisins directly into the oats. Raisins will plump and become softer and juicier.
- Add the toppings just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
💬 FAQ
Overnight oats will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can substitute the rolled oats with quinoa or buckwheat flakes.
This recipe can be easily doubled if you want to meal-prep your breakfasts. Feel free to switch up the toppings for a slightly different breakfast every day!
For soft and creamy oats, let them soak for at least 4 hours.
Yes, if you are craving something warm the next morning, simply heat the oats in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. It is said that soaking the oats also helps make them easier to digest.
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Chai-Spiced Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup brewed black tea
- 2 tbsp vegan yogurt
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- a pinch of salt
- For topping: banana slices, chocolate chips, almond butter or vegan caramel
Instructions
- Whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to a jar and cover with the lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before eating, top with banana slices, chocolate chips, almond butter, or your favorite toppings!
- Overnight oats will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
About the Author
Thomas Pagot is the founder, photographer, and recipe developer behind Full of Plants. He created the blog in 2016 as a personal cookbook for vegan recipes. Through years of recipe development, Thomas has successfully grown Full of Plants into a trusted resource for plant-based recipes.
Leave a Comment
Simply delicious! This is one dish I can have every day!!! Thank you for the recipe ^^
Thanks for your rating Anne, glad you liked these overnight oats!