Mornings shouldn’t feel like a race—but they often do. That’s why this overnight oats without yogurt recipe is a total game-changer. You get all the creamy comfort of classic overnight oats without any yogurt—keeping it plant-based, dairy-free, and delightfully simple. Made with just a few staple ingredients, it comes together in minutes. Prep it the night before, grab it in the morning, and enjoy a nourishing start to your day.
This post walks you through why this breakfast is so satisfying, how to make it step-by-step, creative flavor add-ins, helpful tips, and ideas for storage and customization—all optimized to make your blog rank for terms like easy vegan breakfast recipe, dairy-free overnight oats, and overnight oats yogurt-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ No yogurt? No problem!
You might think yogurt is the secret to creamy overnight oats, but the magic combo of chia seeds + plant milk creates the same silky texture — without dairy. When I first tried skipping yogurt, I was skeptical… but honestly, I didn’t miss it at all. In fact, I prefer the lighter, cleaner flavor because it lets the toppings (like fresh fruit or nut butter) shine.
⏱ Crazy easy to make
It literally takes five minutes to throw everything in a jar at night. I usually prep mine while making tea in the evening, and by morning, it’s ready to grab from the fridge. If you’re someone who often skips breakfast because mornings feel rushed, this recipe removes all the stress.
🎨 Make it your own
Think of this recipe as your breakfast canvas. Some weeks I stick with banana + peanut butter, other times I go tropical with mango and coconut flakes, and in autumn I stir in cinnamon and apples. You’ll never get bored because you can swap flavors endlessly.
🌱 Totally plant-based and dairy-free
Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just trying to cut back on dairy, this recipe checks every box. It gives you the creamy comfort of traditional oats but stays light, clean, and easy on digestion.
💸 Easy on the wallet
Skip the $8 café parfaits — these oats cost only cents per serving. If you meal prep 3–4 jars at once, you’ll not only save money but also avoid the mid-morning temptation of buying a pastry or overpriced smoothie.
💪 Keeps you full and happy
The combo of oats, chia, and optional protein powder means these oats don’t just taste good — they actually work as fuel. On days I add protein powder and nut butter, I stay satisfied until lunch with steady energy (no crash, no mid-morning snack attack).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (opt for gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (oat milk, almond, soy—keep it plant-based and dairy-free)
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tsp natural peanut butter
- 2 tsp chia seeds (for thick, creamy texture)
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder
- 1 tsp sweetener of choice (maple syrup, agave, sugar – Optional)
- Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract or pinch of salt for added flavor
Tip: The classic 1:1 oats-to-liquid ratio (i.e., ⅔ cup each) is an easy baseline. Customize it to your preferred consistency.
How to Make Overnight Oats Without Yogurt
- In a jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats, non-dairy milk, chia seeds, sweetener, plant-based protein powder, banana, and vanilla (if using).
- Stir thoroughly to distribute chia seeds evenly—this avoids clumping.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
- Next morning, give it a stir. Adjust sweetness or thickness if needed.
- Top with your favorite plant-based, dairy-free toppings: fresh fruit, berries, nuts, seeds, nut butter, or jam.
- Serve cold or at room temperature—grab-and-go or enjoy at home!
Flavor Variations
Elevate your dairy-free overnight oats with these exciting twists:
- Vanilla Blueberry: Add a splash of vanilla and fresh or frozen blueberries.
Earthly Provisions - Caramel & Cashews: Stir in nut butter and top with cashews and a drizzle of maple syrup for indulgence.
caramel and cashews - Almond & Chia Crunch: Use almond milk, stir in extra chia, and add almonds or seeds for texture.
- Seasonal Treats: Try pumpkin spices in fall or cinnamon-apples in winter for cozy flavors.
- Tropical Twist: Stir in mango or pineapple chunks, coconut flakes, and a splash of coconut milk.
Optional Boosters (Protein, Texture & Nutrition)
Want to make it more filling or protein-packed? Try:
- Nut butter swirl: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Hemp hearts or protein powder: Stir in right before serving to up plant-based protein.
- Oats with other grains: Cooked quinoa or farro mix-ins add bite and nutrition.
Pro tip: Aim for around 15–20g of protein per meal to keep you satisfied longer.
Storage & Prep Ahead
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Fridge life: These oats stay fresh for 3–5 days, though the first 3 days taste the best.
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Meal prep tip: I usually make 4 jars on Sunday night — two with fruity toppings, two with nut butter + chocolate chips — so I get variety during the week.
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Consistency fix: If they thicken too much, just stir in a splash of almond milk before eating.
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Grab-and-go friendly: Keep them in a mason jar with a lid so you can toss them into your bag for work or school.
Conclusion
Mornings shouldn’t feel like a race, and with these overnight oats without yogurt, they don’t have to. You get a creamy, plant-based, dairy-free breakfast that’s quick, customizable, and nourishing enough to power you through the morning.
Whether you batch-prep ahead for stress-free weekdays or play around with seasonal flavors on the weekend, this recipe is designed to be your go-to breakfast base.
👉 If you loved this, check out my video easy vegan breakfast ideas — from protein-packed chia pudding to make-ahead smoothies — and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new recipe!