I started making these overnight oats with fruit and nuts when my mornings got too busy to even think about cooking—and now I can’t stop. It’s the easiest way to have a nourishing, satisfying breakfast ready to go the minute I wake up.
I just toss everything in a jar at night, and by morning, it’s perfectly creamy with juicy bites of fruit and crunchy, nutty goodness in every spoonful. Seriously, it’s like my fridge hands me breakfast without even asking.
What I love most? It’s endlessly customizable. You can switch up the fruits and nuts depending on what’s in season or already in your pantry.
Plus, my kids love getting their own jars to build with their favorite toppings. It’s become a little routine for us—and honestly, it feels kind of magical pulling something this tasty out of the fridge when you’re barely awake
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those no-fuss, always-hits-the-spot recipes. It takes just five minutes to prep, and you wake up to a chilled, creamy breakfast packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness. The oats soften overnight in milk or yogurt, and when paired with the fresh fruit and nuts, the texture is absolutely dreamy.
It’s great for busy mornings, meal prep, and it keeps you full for hours. Bonus: you can totally customize the flavors to keep things interesting—try peaches in the summer, apples and cinnamon in the fall, or go tropical with mango and coconut flakes. It’s healthy, easy, and endlessly delicious.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ⅓ cup chopped fruit (e.g., strawberries, banana, blueberries, apple, or mango)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Extra toppings: nut butter, coconut flakes, granola, flax seeds (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use rolled oats, not quick oats. Rolled oats hold their shape and get creamy—not mushy.
- Don’t skip the chia seeds! They thicken the mixture and add healthy fats and fiber.
- Layer fruits last. If you’re using fruit that gets soggy (like bananas), add it in the morning.
- Make a batch. Multiply the recipe and prep several jars at once for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Stir well before eating. The oats settle overnight, so give them a good mix to get everything creamy and combined.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or sealable container
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for mixing
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping fruit and nuts)
- Refrigerator (of course!)
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free: Use almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk, and skip the yogurt or use a plant-based one.
- Nut-free: Leave out the nuts or sub with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Low-sugar: Skip the sweetener or use mashed banana or stevia.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of protein powder, hemp seeds, or extra Greek yogurt.
- Different fruit: Try chopped peaches, cherries, kiwi, figs, or frozen berries.
- Spices: Add cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for a fun flavor twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make 3–5 jars ahead of time. Overnight oats last up to 5 days in the fridge, so you can prep breakfast for nearly the whole week.
- Freeze in portions. Mix oats without fruit and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and top fresh in the morning.
- Add toppings at the last minute. Keep nuts and crunchy bits separate until right before eating so they stay crisp.
How to Make Overnight Oats with Fruit and Nuts
Step 1: Combine the Base
In a mason jar or container, mix the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt (if using), chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to fully combine.
Step 2: Add the Fruit
Add about ⅓ cup of your chopped fruit on top of the oat mixture. If you’re using fruit that browns easily (like bananas), wait to add it in the morning.
Step 3: Add the Nuts
Sprinkle chopped nuts on top. If you prefer them extra crunchy, you can add them in the morning just before eating.
Step 4: Seal and Refrigerate
Seal your jar or container and place it in the refrigerator overnight (at least 6 hours).
Step 5: Stir and Serve
In the morning, give everything a good stir. Add extra toppings like nut butter, coconut, or more fruit if you’d like—and dig in!
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy these oats straight from the fridge for a cool, refreshing start to your day. If you prefer it warm, microwave for 30–60 seconds (just loosen with a splash of milk first). Serve with:
- A drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter
- Extra chopped nuts and seeds for crunch
- Sliced banana or fresh berries
- Granola sprinkled on top for texture
- A dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder for flair
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerator: Overnight oats keep well in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Meal prep tip: Use small mason jars with lids for portable, single-serving breakfasts.
- Not freezer-friendly with fruit: Oats alone can be frozen, but fruit doesn’t thaw well—add fresh when serving.
- Stir before serving: The oats and chia settle overnight—just stir and enjoy!
Nutrition & Benefits
These overnight oats are packed with fiber from the oats and chia seeds, healthy fats from the nuts, and natural sweetness from the fruit. They’re a great source of sustained energy, especially when paired with a protein-rich milk or yogurt.
It’s a balanced breakfast that fuels your morning without the sugar crash. Plus, they’re customizable to suit different dietary needs—gluten-free, dairy-free, or high-protein.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Not for this recipe—steel-cut oats won’t soften enough overnight. Stick with rolled oats.
2. Can I skip the chia seeds?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit thinner. You can replace with flaxseeds if you’d like.
3. How long do overnight oats last?
Up to 5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
4. Can I warm them up?
Definitely! Just microwave for 30–60 seconds and stir well before eating.
5. Can I add protein powder?
Yes—add a half or full scoop with the oat mixture. You may need a splash more milk.
Nourishing, Customizable, and Perfectly Portable
These overnight oats with fruit and nuts are honestly my breakfast soulmate. They’re the kind of meal that makes busy mornings smoother, keeps you full, and tastes like something way fancier than it is.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need one solid breakfast ready to go, this recipe is a total keeper.