These Simple Vanilla Protein Overnight Oats contain very few ingredients, making for a simple, quick to-go breakfast option. Make them the night before and grab them on your way out the door the next morning.
I want to get real for a second.
Life gets hectic. For instance, right now, I am exhausted. It’s a Sunday evening, and I worked [blogged] about 24 hours this weekend, after working 40 hours during the week for my ‘day’ job. And that’s so far.
That’s not to complain. Yeah, I’m exhausted, but I love this blog and sharing deliciousness with you wonderful people. But, sometimes I don’t want to deal with making my overnight oats taste like an ice cream flavor you would see at Coldstone. Sometimes, I just want to throw it together in under a minute and go to bed.
That’s what this recipe is for. It’s to serve as your go-to, lazy-ass, tired-from-work, don’t-feel-like-doing-shit, overnight oats recipe. It’s to prevent you from skipping breakfast because you weren’t prepared, or from getting something less-than-healthy because, well, you weren’t prepared.
Besides all of that, these oats taste like dessert.
And, they are totally customizable. Here are a few ingredients you can throw in based on your preferences:
Chia seeds (ground or whole)
Nuts
Nut butter
Hemp seeds
Goji berries
Berries
Banana
Cacao nibs
Dates
…the list goes on!
The simplicity of this recipe allows one of my favorite ingredients to shine: cinnamon. I am obsessed with the combination of vanilla and cinnamon, plus sweet almond milk. I’m done. It’s so good.
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ¾ cup almond milk
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
- Optional:
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Combine ingredients in a jar or a small tupperware.
- Shake to combine well. Make sure the mixture is perfectly combined!
- Place in the refrigerator overnight.
Your turn:
What is your go-to breakfast when you’re lazy af?
Are you hungry right when you wake up or does it take you a while to build an appetite?
If you liked this recipe, don’t forget to pin it for later!
If you liked this recipe, you’d love The Ultimate Guide to Breakfast On-The-Go! These Simple Vanilla Protein Overnight Oats are a featured recipe, serving as the base for other delicious overnight oat recipes. This eCookbook contains 20 simple recipes, meal prep and cooking tips, a four-week meal plan and accompanying grocery list.
Here’s a quick video on how to assemble these Simple Vanilla Protein Overnight Oats:
To read more about my eCookbook, click the image below!
Everything you described in the intro is me right now. I was hoping that it slows down at some point, but thanks for giving me a reality check
Breakfast is by far my favorite meal and there’s nothing that I hate more than a boring breakfast. These oats look so creamy and good and so so easy!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…A Guide to Choosing a Garmin Watch
I live for simple and easy recipes like this because I am always starving in the morning that I can’t wait too long or i’ll eat everything in the fridge. I appreciate this simple yet delicious vanilla oats because I could always go for vanilla, always. All I gotta do is add a scoop of peanut butter in the morning and I’m good to go!
rachel at athletic avocado recently posted…Jelly Donut Mug Cake {Paleo, GF + Vegan option}
I’m the same exact way haha! And yeah – PB usually makes its way in there 😀
I am all about simple overnight oats! I usually just open up my fridge and my pantry and grab whatever looks good. As long as there is cinnamon in there, I am game.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Garlic Lime Chickpea Salad
Right??? Cinnamon is bae.
It takes me a while to get my appetite in the morning, but once I am done with my workout, my belly is screaming at me…I need to make some oats again..It has been too long. Looks delicious and cannot wait to give it a go! Have a great day!
I am the total opposite!! I wake up starving ha. And yeah – post workout is probably when I can be the most ravenous!
Reading this as I eat my overnight oats with nearly the same contents … I LOVE having breakfast waiting for me in the fridge on busy mornings. Or on lazy mornings. I love overnight oats. Good one!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…Because change can be good
Thanks girl!! I use this as my ‘base’ and then if I’m feeling fancy I throw whatever I want in!
Wow girl, you are BUSY. I’m pretty lucky cause my day job is literally 8 hours (8 hours and 15 minutes if i stay late…) but the gym plus website take up agessss some days. On sunday i also made overnight oats and im so glad i did because they let me sleep in like 10 minutes longer this week haha! I need to do it more often. Next time i’ll try your recipe
Beverley Cheng recently posted…Butternut Squash & Egg Breakfast Tacos + The Best & Baddest Taco Round-Up
Yeah I’m barely surviving right now lol Thanks yo, hope you like em
I HAVE BEENLOVING making my protein oats every night for the next day. keepin it simple too
xo,
Sarah Grace
Sarah Grace recently posted…Top 10 Tips for a Healthy 2016 & Homemade Vegan Brownie Protein Bars
Such a quick, easy option
I’ve never actually tried overnight oats because every other recipe I’ve seen has 895934759 ingredients in it. I’m so excited to have a “base” I can make my own
Diana recently posted…Carlsbad Half Marathon Race Recap + What’s Next!
LOL that is exactly why I shared this. I see some amazing, creative recipes, but at this time in my life I do NOT have time for all that!! I hope you enjoy
I’m saving this recipe now to make later! I’ve never tried making overnight oats but these look like a piece of cake to throw together!
YES so so easy. I hope you like em!!
I love how simple this recipe is! Vanilla is such a great flavor on its own so I’m glad that you’re spotlighting that flavor. I’m gonna try these soon!
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Favorite Etsy Finds
YUM! This looks amazing! Great recipe… I hear ya, sometimes we need something simple and easy! Besides, this looks so healthy and delicious! I just pinned it! Thanks for the recipe
Great mix in ideas as well!!
Cailee recently posted…Hello Healthy Fats!
I’ve only ever had overnight oats once in my life, which is pretty sad considering how much I love oats. But I’m just rubbish at being a constructive member of society at night time. So the night before prep never happens. Determined to try this one day next week though! Pinned 😀
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…5 super simple ways to replace butter when baking
This recipe speaks to my lazy-ass, tired-from-work, don’t-feel-like-doing-shit soul. Yes, I copied that from the post because it is truly how I feel about life. Overnight oats are definitely my breakfast go-to, and smoothies. I can’t forget about smoothies. I recently started prepping smoothie ingredients in my nutribullet cups and storing them in the freezer. Then in the morning I pour in almond milk, protein, blend and run out the door!
Les @ The Balanced Berry recently posted…Broiled Grapefruit
This looks so good and so easy! I’ve been looking for more breakfast recipes I can take “to go” to eat in the library after my early morning workout and 8 am anatomy lecture! This looks perfect.
sarah recently posted…Currently: January 2016
Greek yogurt with nut butter, granola, and fresh fruit is my go-to when I”m lazy and need something filling, nutritious, and fast! I love the simplicity of this recipe!
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Blondies
Do you prefer plain Greek or like vanilla or any other flavors?
I like ’em all! Vanilla is nice b/c I know it will go well with any flavor, but I love any and all
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…My Effective Method for Better Bicycle Crunches
I love reading your blog! What is your favorite brand or type of protein powder to use? Thanks!
Thanks so much, Maggie!! I use Quest Nutrition protein powder
this looks SO GOOD! I definitely am planning on trying this this week
question though, can you sub out the whole oats with oat bran? I know they’re smaller, but I’m assuming they could work?! Excited to try and see !!
Ali recently posted…Beat Plateaus with Cardio Post Strength Training
Hi Christina! What type of vanilla protein do you use? I’m going to try this and have it every morning. Helps me lactate for baby Adrian.
Hi Melissa
I use Quest Nutrition Vanilla Milkshake flavor protein powder. You may want to look into a plant-based protein if you’re making this with the intention of increasing lactation. Vega is a good brand for protein – I don’t find it to be that tasty but I’m sure you can mask the flavor.
Made this last night, but omitted the vanilla extract and used vanilla cupcake protein, added 1 tbsp chia seeds and half a banana. It was perfect!
So glad you liked it!! Thanks for sharing
Have a great day!
Your recipe is just perfect! I have a big run tomorrow and wanted to make fuss free oats with nothing fancy that will upset my tummy. I am sure they will make me run faster thank you!
I love chia seeds and I add it to everything I can
Love your recipe, thank you 😉