How to make overnight steel cut oats, no cooking required! Vegan and gluten free, with just 4 ingredients required and ready in just 5 minutes of meal prep.
Oatmeal is such a versatile ingredient for meal prep: you can make baked oatmeal, overnight oats, or steel cut oats. But here's a new one for you: did you know you can make overnight oats using steel cut oatmeal?
Chewy, nutty, and easy to prep, this is a different way to prep steel cut oatmeal: rather than cooking, we soak. Unlike regular overnight oats, when using steel cut oatmeal, you get a really chewy texture, similar to muesli.
Reasons you'll ♡ this recipe
- it's vegan, gluten-free and nutritious
- you can prep multiple portions in 10 minutes or less
- it has a different texture than regular oatmeal: chewy and similar to muesli
Recipe video
Watch the video below to see exactly how I prep this recipe. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.
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Steel cut versus rolled oats
Wondering what the difference is between steel cut oats and rolled oats?
Steel cut oats– are very similar to the harvested oat grain (groat), and have been cut into pieces using a steel blade. They take longer to cook and have a chewy texture.
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Rolled oats- have been steamed and rolled flat (hence the name ‘rolled oats’). Cook quickly and work well in baked goods. Rolled oats have a soft texture.
Step by step directions
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredient quantities.
- Just like traditional overnight oats, you are going to portion out your oatmeal into different containers. I like using 12.5 oz Weck Jars for my oats, but you can use pint sized mason jars or even plastic tupperware containers. I use ¼ cup portions of steel cut oatmeal per serving.
- Next, you add your liquid and flavorings: almond milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract
- Give them a good stir up (this is actually important, and in fact if you can give them another stir up after a few more hours, they will absorb even more liquid), and let the oats sit in the fridge overnight.
- Enjoy cold, with toppings of your choice, and extra almond milk if desired.
Recipe notes
Texture
Overnight steel cut oatmeal has a much different texture than traditionally cooked steel cut oatmeal or rolled oats: much chewier.
For softer texture, here are two options
- Wait for 48 hours before eating the oatmeal- this allows extra time for the almond milk to absorb into the steel cut oats, softening it up slightly more.
- Soak in boiling water first- another way to soften the oats is to cover in boiling water for 5-10 minutes (up to 1 hour if you have it), then drain it off and add the almond milk.
Liquids
I tested this recipe with both almond and 1% dairy milk, and found the almond milk to soften the oats better. Feel free to experiment with other liquids, but know that this may make the oatmeal more or less chewy.
Thickening the oatmeal
As written, this is a thin recipe...think of it like a bowl of muesli! If you'd like to thicken, you have a few options:
- add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (increase the almond milk to ¾ cup)
- add ¼-1/2 cup yogurt (I recommend adding the yogurt after day 2 of soaking as it seemed to hinder the steel cut oats from absorbing the almond milk).
Add ins
Think of this as a great base recipe, and put your spin on it! Here are some ideas for add-ins:
- chia seeds- aim for 1 tablespoon per portion
- peanut butter
- applesauce
- pumpkin puree
- spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
- dried fruit- cranberries or blueberries
- lemon or lime zest
- fresh fruit (add to serve)
- collagen or protein powder
More breakfast recipes
- Chocolate Chia Pudding
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
- 7 Breakfast Smoothies
- Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats (NOT instant steel cut oats!)
- 2 cups almond milk (see 1)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons maple syrup
Instructions
- In four 1.5 cup jars, measure out: ¼ cup steel cut oats, ½ cup almond milk, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
- Stir up and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours. Oats are best after 48 hours of soaking.
- Stir up and enjoy cold as is, or with extra toppings such as fresh berries, yogurt, seeds, nut butter etc.
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Tips:
- chia seeds- aim for 1 tablespoon per portion
- peanut butter
- applesauce
- pumpkin puree
- spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
- dried fruit- cranberries or blueberries
- lemon or lime zest
- fresh fruit (add to serve)
- collagen or protein powder
Video
Nutrition Information
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Barbara Witt says
When would I add frozen blueberries?
Annie says
Hi Barbara, optional add-ins can be added before or after refrigeration. Personally, I prefer to add fresh berries the next morning after the oats have absorbed the liquid. Enjoy!
Lena says
I'm gonna try my hand at these soon! I've just been making oatmeal the normal way but using half water & the other half a milk. I've used both almond & 2% & for one not liking almond milk to drink it's really good in oats! & then my addons are frozen peaches, diced, in the bottom of the bowl & a spoon or two of brown sugar. I've noticed I haven't used near as much sugar in these as I did in “normal” oats, rolled oats I think.
Trying to eat healthy to continue losing weight. I've lost 81lbs since the middle of last year.
Denise Bustard says
Hi Lena, wow, congrats! I hope you enjoy this recipe.
Kelly says
I'm not one to use a recipe for things like this, but I bought steel cut oats instead of rolled for the first time and needed some guidance on how to do overnight oats.
Great tips and how to so you get the right consistency and texture.
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Kelly, so glad that you found this post helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review 🙂
MINAL CHANDARANA says
Can I use the instant steel cut oats to make the overnight oats?
Denise Bustard says
Hi Minal! During testing for this recipe, I did try the instant steel cut oats and found them to be very soft...I didn't personally enjoy them. If you're OK with soft, it could be worth a try?
Michelle says
Just curious, is it possible to make overnight steel cut outs with water instead of milk? Thanks!
Denise says
Hi Michelle! That should work, though I haven't tried.
Patti says
When do you add protein powder? Before refrigerating or just before eating?
Denise says
Hi Patti! I haven't actually tried this myself but I would probably mix it in before refrigerating so it has time to dissolve in. Hope you enjoy!
Carol Cell says
I added protein powder just before eating it. So good
Jonie says
These are so delicious and chewy. I really love the texture. It’s very different from the creaminess of rolled overnight oats. Such a great recipe. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Denise says
Hi Jonie! I'm so happy you enjoyed! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Dawn says
I love these overnight steel cut oats. Since I've found this recipe, I've been eating them almost every day and always eat them cold. I'm kind of addicted. I've added:
1. Blueberries
2. Peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, and banana
3. Greek yogurt, strawberries, and blackberries
I'd never purchased almond milk until making the oats. I saw there is dark chocolate almond milk so I decided to make the oats with it. I mixed up one jar last night and plan to add raspberries. I gave a friend the recipe, and he warms his before eating. His favorite addition is apples and cinnamon.
Denise says
I'm so happy to hear you've been enjoying the oats, Dawn! Thanks for sharing all your toppings, and for taking the time to leave a review.
Deedee says
These are SO easy and delicious! I love the tip about pre-soaking, it really does help! Thanks for a great recipe!
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks so much for your review, Deedee!
Jo says
How long can they stay in the fridge ?
Denise says
Up to 4 days!
KAYDIANA S O'MEALLEY says
Can you add frozen fruit before the overnight soak or should it before eating?
Denise says
That should work just fine!
Wendy says
These are so convenient! We love them after day 2. Day 1 is a bit too chewy for me.
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks so much for your review!
Kysta says
I just make them the morning before. I eat the ones I made then make a new batch. Then I don't have to remember to do it later. No planning ahead necessary!
Debbie says
Can they be heated if desired?
Denise says
Sure!
ginger says
can you use regular rolled oats
Denise says
Hi Ginger! You can find my traditional overnight oats (with rolled oats) here: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/fruit-on-the-bottom-overnight-oats/
Adam says
I just love steel cut oats recipe, in the morning I mix in my favorite protein powder for the easiest protein packed breakfast.
Thanks,
Denise says
What a great idea to give them some staying power. Thanks for the suggestion, Adam!