If you have been searching for an easy yet delicious breakfast that feels like a tropical treat, the Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe is your new best friend. It’s everything you want in a nourishing morning meal—creamy, subtly sweet, and packed with texture. This recipe brings together the gentle richness of coconut milk and shredded coconut with hearty rolled oats and chia seeds for a creamy, make-ahead breakfast you can grab and go. Whether you’re craving something refreshing after a busy day or just love coconut-infused flavors, this Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are not only simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in building the signature flavor and creamy texture you expect from this recipe. From the wholesome oats to the delicate sweetness of maple syrup, every item adds its magic to your jar of overnight oats.
- Old fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): The star of the dish, providing body and the perfect chewy texture.
- Chia seeds (2 tablespoons): These tiny powerhouses thicken the oats and create that creamy consistency.
- Refrigerated coconut milk (2 1/2 cups): The rich base that infuses a tropical coconut flavor—make sure it’s refrigerated, not canned for best results.
- Maple syrup (4 tablespoons): Adds a natural, delicate sweetness to balance the oats and coconut.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): Creamy and tangy, it gives the oats a lovely smoothness and boosts the protein.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut (1/3 cup): Adds texture and deepens the coconut flavor without extra sweetness.
- Coconut flakes (optional): A decorative and crunchy topping option that complements the oats beautifully.
How to Make Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients
Start by placing the rolled oats, chia seeds, refrigerated coconut milk, and maple syrup into a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together so the oats and chia seeds start soaking up that luscious coconut milk while the maple syrup gently sweetens the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or, better yet, overnight.
Step 2: Stir and Adjust in the Morning
Once your oats have had time to fully absorb the liquid, give the mixture a good stir to redistribute the creaminess. If your oats feel too thick, simply add a splash of your preferred milk to loosen the texture. This step ensures every bite is just right—not too dry, not too soupy.
Step 3: Add Yogurt and Shredded Coconut
Fold in the Greek yogurt and the shredded coconut to add layers of creaminess and a subtle chewy contrast. This final mix-in transforms your overnight oats into a delightful breakfast bowl bursting with coconut goodness.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
For that extra special touch, sprinkle with coconut flakes if you have them on hand. Now you’re ready to enjoy your Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe, the perfect blend of easy prep and indulgent morning flavor.
How to Serve Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate your bowl to a whole new level. Try topping your oats with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple chunks or mango slices for a juicy burst. Toasted coconut flakes add a wonderful crunch and intensify the coconut aroma. Alternatively, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey to customize each bite exactly how you like it.
Side Dishes
While these oats are quite filling on their own, pairing them with a side of freshly brewed coffee or a vibrant green smoothie creates a balanced breakfast. For those wanting a savory touch alongside, crispy bacon or a boiled egg can contrast beautifully with the creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually appealing breakfast, serve your Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe layered in a clear glass jar or parfait cup. Alternate layers of oats with granola, fruit, and a dollop of yogurt to create a stunning rainbow effect. These make fantastic grab-and-go options and look pretty enough for brunch gatherings too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your prepared overnight oats in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. This makes it an excellent option for busy mornings—just scoop, garnish, and dig in without any fuss.
Freezing
Freezing overnight oats is possible but not ideal since the texture can change after thawing. If you do choose to freeze, store in freezer-safe containers and consume within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Reheating
Though many love this dish cold, you can gently warm your oats by microwaving for 20 to 30 seconds or heating in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk during reheating to loosen them up if needed—it’ll taste just as delicious and comforting warm.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
It’s best to use old fashioned rolled oats because quick oats tend to become mushy during soaking. Rolled oats hold their texture nicely overnight, giving you the perfect creamy yet chewy bite.
What if I don’t have chia seeds?
You can omit the chia seeds, but know they add a wonderful creaminess and thickness when they bloom in the coconut milk. If skipping them, reduce the coconut milk to about 2 cups total to avoid making the oats too runny.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a coconut milk yogurt or any other non-dairy yogurt you prefer. This keeps the tropical flavor while making the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
Is it okay to use canned coconut milk?
Refrigerated coconut milk works best here because of its lighter consistency and fresher taste. Canned coconut milk is usually thicker and richer, which might overpower the oats and change the texture.
How long do overnight oats last?
Overnight oats can safely be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. This makes it a wonderful option for meal prep so you can enjoy a quick, wholesome breakfast all week long.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like waking up to a ready-made breakfast that tastes indulgent and feels nourishing at the same time. The Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe brings together such vibrant flavors and effortless preparation that it will likely become a beloved breakfast go-to for you too. Give this recipe a try—your mornings will thank you with every creamy, coconut-kissed spoonful!
PrintCoconut Overnight Oats Recipe
A creamy and delicious Coconut Overnight Oats recipe that combines rolled oats, chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and shredded coconut for a nutritious and easy grab-and-go breakfast. This no-cook, make-ahead meal is perfect for busy mornings and can be customized with your favorite non-dairy options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Wet Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups refrigerated coconut milk (not canned; substitute with your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk)
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Optional Toppings
- Coconut flakes for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the oats, chia seeds, coconut milk, and maple syrup in a large bowl. Stir well to ensure all dry ingredients are fully incorporated with the liquids.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften, creating a creamy texture.
- Stir and Adjust Consistency: In the morning, give the oat mixture a good stir. If it is too thick, add a little more coconut milk to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
- Add Yogurt and Coconut: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and the unsweetened shredded coconut to add creaminess and texture to your oats.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the overnight oats into bowls or jars and top with optional coconut flakes if desired. Enjoy immediately for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast.
Notes
- Use old fashioned rolled oats only; quick or instant oats will create a mushy texture.
- Chia seeds are essential for creaminess as they bloom in the coconut milk; if omitted, reduce coconut milk to 2 cups total.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut milk yogurt or your favorite non-dairy yogurt.
- Prep overnight oats in advance and store in jars or containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts.
