These overnight oats with coconut milk are made with just a few simple ingredients and can be prepped in five minutes for a creamy, nutritious breakfast the next morning. They’re versatile, so top them with fresh fruit, almond butter, or your favorite add-ins—perfect for meal prep and busy weeks!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses easy-to-find, pantry staples like rolled oats, light coconut milk, and maple syrup.
- Quick Prep: Just minutes of prep time the night before, and breakfast is ready by the next morning.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch and store it in mason jars or an airtight container for a healthy make-ahead breakfast that lasts all week.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Suitable for a variety of dietary needs, especially when using gluten-free oats and plant-based milk.
- Customizable: Add in your favorite toppings, nut butters, or sweeteners to make it your own.
The combination of rolled oats, chia seeds, and coconut flakes creates a satisfying breakfast that’s not only delicious but also packed with whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids.
This recipe is part of a series of easy breakfast options that are perfect for busy mornings like these High Protein Vegan Overnight Oats, Easy Vegan French Toast, and this Grapefruit Avocado Breakfast Fruit Salad.
Ingredient Notes
- Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats provide the best texture for overnight oats, holding up well after soaking in the fridge overnight.
- Lite Coconut Milk: This version of coconut milk is lighter in calories but still offers a creamy texture. For a richer flavor, you can opt for full-fat coconut milk.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Feel free to adjust to taste or substitute with agave nectar.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the coconut milk.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds help thicken the oats and add a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened coconut flakes add texture and enhance the tropical flavors.
- Pinch of Salt: A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Substitutions
- Oats: While rolled oats are preferred, you can use quick oats for a softer texture. I don't recommend steel cut oats, since they would require too long to soak.
- Coconut Milk: Substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for different results. For a richer taste, use full-fat coconut milk.
- Maple Syrup: Agave, coconut sugar, or a little sweetener of your choice can be used as alternatives.
- Chia Seeds: Flaxseed meal or hemp seeds can be used in place of chia seeds, though the texture will differ.
Step by Step Instructions
Step one: In a large bowl, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, and unsweetened coconut flakes. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step two: add in the can of light coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Step three: cover with an airtight lid and refrigerate overnight.
Step four: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Top with fresh strawberries, almond butter, or your favorite toppings before serving.
Expert Tips
Consistency Control: If you prefer thicker oats, reduce the amount of coconut milk. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of almond milk or plant-based milk of your choice before serving.
Make It Creamier: Stir in a dollop of vegan Greek yogurt or a spoonful of almond butter for extra creaminess and protein.
Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of cocoa powder, or even vanilla beans for added flavor.
More Protein: Add in a scoop of vegan vanilla protein powder or vegan Greek yogurt to boost the protein.
Storing
- Fridge: Store the oats in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving to achieve the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Top your coconut milk overnight oats with coconut flakes, fresh strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, or diced apples for a burst of flavor.
A drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut flakes adds an extra layer of texture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but the texture will be softer.
No, the oats soften in the fridge overnight.
Absolutely! It will make the oats richer and creamier.
More Breakfast Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 14 ounce can of lite coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup coconut flakes
- fresh strawberries (or fruit of choice)
Instructions
- Mix together the oats, chia seeds, coconut flakes and pinch of salt in a tupperware with a lid.1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup coconut flakes
- Add in the maple syrup, vanilla extract and coconut milk and stir until well combined, Cover with the lid and refrigerate overnight.14 ounce can of lite coconut milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In the morning, dish out into two small mason jars and top with fresh strawberries and fruit of choice and more coconut flakes.fresh strawberries
Notes
- Oats: While rolled oats are preferred, you can use quick oats for a softer texture. I don't recommend steel cut oats, since they would require too long to soak.
- Coconut Milk: Substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for different results. For a richer taste, use full-fat coconut milk.
- Maple Syrup: Agave, coconut sugar, or a little sweetener of your choice can be used as alternatives.
- Chia Seeds: Flaxseed meal or hemp seeds can be used in place of chia seeds, though the texture will differ.
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Melissa
Easy breakfast recipe! Thank you