Easy Berry Overnight Oats (5-Minute No-Cook Breakfast)
These berry overnight oats take 5 minutes to stir together at night, and breakfast is ready when you wake up. No cooking, no pan to wash: the oats soak in milk and yogurt in the fridge and turn thick, creamy and spoonable.
They are a great easy breakfast for busy weekdays and January meal prep. Below you will find what you need, the simple steps, flavor ideas, tips and how long they keep.
Why you’ll love berry overnight oats
- No cooking. All the work is done the night before.
- 5 minutes of prep. Stir, cover, done.
- Easy meal prep. Make 4 jars on Sunday for the week.
- Grab and go. Eat it at home or take the jar to work.
Ingredients for berry overnight oats
- Rolled oats (1/2 cup). Old-fashioned rolled oats soften just right. Quick oats get mushy and steel-cut oats stay too hard.
- Milk (1/2 cup). Any kind works: dairy, oat, almond or soy.
- Yogurt (1/4 cup). Plain or vanilla, for a creamy texture.
- Chia seeds (1 tsp, optional). They make the oats thicker.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tsp). Add more or less to taste.
- Mixed berries (1/2 cup). Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, fresh or frozen.
- A pinch of salt. It makes the oats taste less flat.
Full amounts are in the recipe card below. The recipe makes 1 jar; multiply it for as many jars as you need.
How to make berry overnight oats
- Add the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey and salt to a jar or container with a lid.
- Stir well, making sure no dry oats are stuck at the bottom.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- In the morning, stir. Add a splash of milk if it is too thick.
- Top with the berries and eat cold.
Berry overnight oats flavor ideas
- Berries and cream: use vanilla yogurt and top with raspberries.
- Blueberry lemon: add a little grated lemon zest and blueberries.
- Strawberry peanut butter: stir in 1 tbsp peanut butter and top with sliced strawberries.
- Crunchy topping: add a spoon of granola or chopped nuts just before eating.
Tips for the best overnight oats
- Use a jar with room to stir; a 12 oz (350 ml) jar is a good size for one serving.
- Put the fresh berries on top in the morning so they stay bright.
- If you like thinner oats, use 2/3 cup milk instead of 1/2 cup.
- Want a warm breakfast instead? Try our 5-minute peanut butter banana oatmeal.
Storage and meal prep
Sealed jars keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can make the week’s breakfasts in one go. Always keep them cold, and follow the USDA advice on storing food in the fridge. For more easy morning ideas, see our quick breakfast ideas, fluffy 3-ingredient pancakes and easy January dinner ideas.
Berry overnight oats FAQ
Do you eat berry overnight oats cold or warm?
Most people eat them cold, straight from the fridge. If you like them warm, microwave the jar (without a metal lid) for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway, and add a splash of milk.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes. Stir frozen berries in the night before. They thaw in the fridge and turn the oats a pretty pink color by morning.
Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats?
Rolled oats work best. Quick oats turn soft and mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too hard without cooking.
How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in a sealed jar. Add the fresh berries on top the morning you eat them so they stay bright.
Berry Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Method
- Add the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey and salt to a jar or container.
- Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight (at least 4 hours).
- In the morning, stir and add a splash of milk if needed.
- Top with fresh berries and eat cold.
Notes
This recipe was developed with the help of AI tools and reviewed before publishing. It may not have been independently kitchen-tested — use your judgment, check for allergens, and cook to safe temperatures. See our AI Content Disclosure. Spotted an issue? Tell us.
