Creamy Overnight Oats Three Ways

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… I love a good bowl of oatmeal guys. I actually eat a giant bowl for breakfast almost every morning. Usually when I tell people this, I’m met with weirded out faces; face that convey the question “why would someone choose to eat oatmeal for breakfast everyday?” And my answer to that question is simple; because its freaking delicious and I LOVE IT! (All caps necessary)…

Believe it or not, I actually look forward to my morning bowl of oatmeal. I take so much pleasure in sitting down at my table with a steaming mug of coffee and a warm bowl of oats in front of me. It’s honestly my favourite part of my morning routine, and it never gets old. In fact, I often catch myself fantasizing about that very moment; that moment when I get to load up my bowl with all of my favourite toppings, and take that first oh-so-satisfying bite. It’s one of those simple pleasures that I can’t really explain…

I get so excited about putting together a bowl of oats. Oats have such a mild flavour, they are complimented by pretty much anything – so I find so much joy in getting super creative with them in the most simple ways. I just take a peak at whatever ingredients happen to be in my pantry on a given day and go to town. That’s definitely one of the reasons why I love oats so much; because they provide the perfect base to add in all of my favourite flavours and ingredients that go along with the change in seasons.  So as we are coming into Fall, I have been loving using pears, apples and pumpkins from local farmers to jazz up my morning oats.

People often mistake oatmeal for being boring – but when you really think about it, there is SO much opportunity for variety. Not only can you play with seasonal flavours, but there are so many ways to prepare your oats too!

On the weekends when I have more time, I opt for cooking a pot of steel cut oats – because they are soooo good. Weekends are also the perfect opportunity for a bit of an indulgent baked oatmeal dish.

But during the week between morning work outs, washing & drying hair, getting dressed, petting cat, usually baking something on a whim, and then trying to squeeze in a photo shoot for the blog every now and again before work – I’ve been finding myself pretty strapped for enough time to cook my oatmeal in the mornings.

So for the past few weeks, I have been really lovin’ on overnight oats. They are so easy to prep the night before – or even batch prepare at the beginning of the week – so that all I have to do in the morning is whip them out of the fridge, load em’ up with my favourite toppings in and voila; Breakfast in seconds! Plus if you put them in a little jar, they are perfect for eating in the car on those mornings when you’re really running behind (and for me that is a regular occurrence… I get distracted easily LOL) . 

Needless to say I have been really enjoying coming up with unique new ways to enjoy my overnight oats. I find that overnight oats kinda rock, because much like the idea of a pasta salad or a fine wine – overnight oats kind of just get better with age. What I mean by that, is the flavours intensify overnight and become extra delicious. Most recently I came up with a “healthy snickers” version, and I have been obsessed with it ever since. It’s sooooo good guys, so I had to share. Along with two of my favourite fall flavours; Apple Pie and of course Pumpkin Spice, because duh…

Seriously these overnight oats are no joke – and as far as I’m concerned they are totally guilt free. Prepare to be addicted.

Side note – I use coconut yogurt and almond milk in my overnight oats base, but this recipe is super versatile for you to do you. Go wild and swap in your favourite yogurt, or your favourite milk or swap in your favourite nuts / dried fruits to suit your tastes. I would love to see your creations! Make sure you tag me in all your overnight oats deliciousness on Instagram.

Happy oat making!

KP xoxo

Creamy Overnight Oats Three Ways

Super Creamy Overnight Oat Base
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp large flake coconut
1/2 cup plain coconut yogurt (or yogurt of choice)
1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
good pinch of salt

Apple Pie Additions
3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (I like to use homemade)
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
heaping spoonful of toasted pecans (or walnuts)
heaping spoonful of dried cranberries (or raisins)

** Fav toppings: Fresh chopped apple, a spoonful of peanut butter, a few toasted pecans, and a sprinkle of granola.

Pumpkin Spice Additions
3 tbsp pure pumpkin puree
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
pinch of cloves
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (or walnuts or pecans)
spoonful of raisins (or dried cranberries)

** Fav toppings: Drizzle of maple syrup, pumpkin seeds, large flake coconut, sprinkle of granola

Cacao Peanut Butter Date (aka – Healthy Snickers Overnight Oats)
2 tbsp natural peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
1-2 tbsp maple syrup
2-3 fresh pitted dates, chopped
1/2 tsp pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp cacao nibs

Fav toppings: A few shaves of dark chocolate, drizzle of peanut butter, banana slices, a few peanuts, sprinkle of granola