Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats

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Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats in a jar topped with nuts and berries
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Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats

There’s a quiet kind of joy in the first sip of coffee and the first spoonful of something creamy and comforting. This Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats marries the sultry aroma of cold brew with the soft, custardy texture of well-soaked oats. Imagine the cool, slightly bitter whisper of coffee interlacing with warm vanilla, rounded out by a hint of almond butter and the gentle thrum of chia seeds — every bite is both brisk and indulgent. It’s breakfast that feels like a hug for busy mornings and a little weekday luxury you can prepare the night before.

Perfect for bleary weekday wake-ups, slow weekend brunches, or packing into a jar for on-the-go nourishment, this recipe is a weekday hero and a crowd-pleaser. It’s cozy enough for crisp autumn mornings, bright enough for summer brunches, and quick enough for a last-minute pantry rescue. If you love coffee and crave a make-ahead breakfast that tastes like it took more time than it did, this is for you.

At a Glance

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-cook recipe)
  • Total Time: 6–12 hours (active time 5 minutes; overnight chill time)
  • Servings: 1 generous jar (multiply as needed)
  • Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners

Nutritional Breakdown

Nutrition estimates per serving (one jar), using standard ingredient values from USDA FoodData Central and adjusted for typical commercial almond butter and 2% milk. Values are approximate and will change with different milk choices, almond butter brands, or sweeteners.

  • Calories: ~330 kcal
  • Protein: ~12 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~44 g
    • Sugars: ~15 g
    • Dietary Fiber: ~6–7 g
  • Fat: ~13 g
    • Saturated Fat: ~2–3 g
  • Sodium: ~120 mg

Notes on accuracy and variation:

  • These numbers assume 1/2 cup (about 40 g) rolled oats, 1/2 cup 2% cow’s milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla almond butter, 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon chia seeds. Choosing unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or a different almond-butter brand will alter totals — often reducing calories and fat if using unsweetened plant milk. Estimates use USDA nutrition averages for core components; adjust as needed to match your specific ingredients.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe balances elegance and ease. The cold brew brings a deep, slightly chocolatey coffee backbone that transforms ordinary oats into a pleasantly grown-up breakfast. The vanilla and almond butter add a warm, nutty sweetness without cloying sugar. It’s ideal for:

  • Coffee lovers who want a scoopable, make-ahead caffeine-flavored breakfast.
  • Busy mornings when you need nutritious fuel without a stove.
  • Pairing with fruit or yogurt for a light brunch, or eating straight from a jar on your commute.
  • Anyone seeking a portion-controlled, satisfying meal with fiber and protein to start the day.

How to Make Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats

Ingredients (single serving)

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (regular or gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons cold brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice (2% cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 teaspoons vanilla almond butter (use 2 tsp for more richness)
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • Dash of sea salt

Optional ingredients and substitutions:

  • Swap almond butter for peanut butter or sunflower seed butter (for nut-free).
  • Use unsweetened almond or oat milk to reduce calories.
  • For a richer texture, use Greek yogurt (2–3 tbsp) or an extra tablespoon of almond butter.
  • Use decaf cold brew to keep the coffee flavor without caffeine.
  • Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder for mocha flavor, or a scoop of protein powder for extra protein.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Add all dry ingredients to a jar or bowl: rolled oats and chia seeds.
  2. Pour in the cold brewed coffee and milk of choice.
  3. Add the vanilla extract, vanilla almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and dash of sea salt.
  4. Add all ingredients to a bowl or jar that can be sealed shut.
  5. Stir well to combine and cover in the refrigerator overnight. (Make sure to scrape almond butter into the mix so it’s evenly distributed.)
  6. In the morning, check the consistency. Stir again; if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk and mix.
  7. Serve hot or cold in the morning. Garnish with cacao nibs or your favorite topping!

Practical tips:

  • Stir until the almond butter is evenly dispersed; small clumps are okay, but avoid under-mixing.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, let soak 8–12 hours; for firmer oats, 6 hours may suffice.
  • Chia seeds will continue to thicken the mixture over time — if keeping longer than 24 hours, expect more gel-like texture.

Ways to Enjoy

  • Plain: Scoop it straight from the jar for a portable breakfast.
  • With toppings: Fresh berries, banana slices, toasted walnuts, or cacao nibs add texture and freshness.
  • Creamier: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt before serving for extra protein.
  • Warmed: Heat gently in the microwave for 30–45 seconds (stir, then heat more if desired) for a cozy start on chilly days.
  • With a beverage: Pair with a hot latte or a light herbal tea if you’re having a second cup.

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: Do not leave jarred overnight oats at room temperature longer than 2 hours — perishable ingredients (milk, nut butter) can allow bacterial growth.
  • Refrigeration: Store tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Texture will continue to thicken; add milk before serving if necessary.
  • Freezer: You can freeze prepared overnight oats in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; note texture may change (chia can become more gelatinous).

Chef’s Advice

  • Use rolled oats (old-fashioned) for the best balance of creaminess and texture — steel-cut oats need longer cooking and won’t soften properly overnight without additional steps.
  • The strength of your cold brew will determine coffee flavor. Use a bold concentrate if you want a pronounced coffee note, or dilute slightly for a subtle hint.
  • Vanilla almond butter adds both flavor and emulsified creaminess — if it’s very thick, warm it slightly and stir before adding so it blends.
  • Adjust sweetness deliberately: maple syrup is lower on the glycemic index than refined sugar, but still contributes sugars — taste after mixing and before chilling to get it right.
  • If you like layered parfaits, spoon half into a glass, add fruit or yogurt, then top with the rest for a pretty presentation.

Creative Twists

  1. Mocha Almond: Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder and a pinch of cinnamon. Use 1 tablespoon almond butter and top with dark chocolate shavings.
  2. Protein-Packed: Stir in 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder in the morning (if added before soaking, reduce milk slightly) or add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for extra protein and tang.
  3. Berry & Citrus: Use orange zest and a handful of raspberries or blueberries as a bright contrast to cold brew — excellent with vanilla almond butter swapped for plain almond butter.
  4. Vegan & Nut-Free: Use unsweetened oat milk and sunflower seed butter with maple syrup for a nut-free, plant-based version.
  5. Spiced Autumn: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and top with toasted pepitas—perfect for cooler months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use instant oats or steel-cut oats?
A: Instant oats will become very soft and can turn mushy; rolled oats give the best balance. Steel-cut oats require cooking or much longer soaking and won’t fully soften overnight in cold liquid.

Q: How do I prevent it from being too runny or too thick?
A: If too runny in the morning, add a tablespoon of quick-oats or chia seeds and refrigerate another hour. If too thick, stir in a splash of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: Is it okay to warm overnight oats?
A: Yes — microwave gently for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway through. Warming is personal preference and may slightly change the texture.

Q: Can I make this sugar-free or lower in calories?
A: Yes — use unsweetened almond milk and omit the maple syrup or replace with a natural zero-calorie sweetener to taste. Reducing or omitting almond butter will lower calories but reduce richness.

Q: Can children have this?
A: Yes, if you use decaf cold brew or omit the cold brew for a coffee-free version. Otherwise, be mindful of caffeine content for younger children.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s quick to prep, rich in texture, and layered with coffee-forward flavor, give this Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats a try — it’s reliable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. For a slightly different take and more inspiration, see the lovely adaptation at Lemons & Zest’s Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Overnight Oats, and for a fast no-cook variation, check out Street Smart Nutrition’s Cold Brew Overnight Oats (5-Minute, No Cook Breakfast).

If you make it, I’d love to hear how you customize the flavors — share your photos and tips so we can build a little community of overnight-oats aficionados. Enjoy spooning your way to easier mornings!

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Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats

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Description

A cozy and indulgent breakfast that combines cold brew coffee with creamy oats, perfect for busy mornings and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (regular or gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons cold brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice (2% cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 teaspoons vanilla almond butter
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • Dash of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Add all dry ingredients to a jar or bowl: rolled oats and chia seeds.
  2. Pour in the cold brewed coffee and milk of choice.
  3. Add the vanilla extract, vanilla almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and dash of sea salt.
  4. Stir well to combine and cover in the refrigerator overnight.
  5. In the morning, check the consistency. Stir again; if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk and mix.
  6. Serve hot or cold, garnished with toppings as desired.

Notes

Adjust sweetness and ingredients based on personal preferences. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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