Creamy Cardamom Overnight Oats are the perfect balance of sweetness and warm spice, takes less than 5 minutes to prep and only requires 8 ingredients.
This cardamom overnight oats recipe marries the subtle warmth of cardamom and cinnamon with creamy oats, creating a comforting breakfast that's as easy to make as it is delicious. As you let the oats soak overnight, the cardamom and cinnamon infuse their aromatic essence into every spoonful, offering a delightful start to your day. The addition of chia seeds not only boosts the nutritional profile with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber but also adds a delightful texture to each bite. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these oats are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing way to fuel your morning.
If you haven't yet experienced the combination of cardamom and cinnamon in your oatmeal, get ready to elevate your breakfast game to a whole new level!
Overnight oats are an amazing option for meal prep! With just a few minutes of preparation the night before, you can wake up to a ready-to-eat, nutrient-dense breakfast that's bursting with flavor. Simply mix the ingredients together in a jar, pop it in the fridge, and let time work its magic overnight. It's a hassle-free way to ensure a wholesome start to your day, even on your busiest mornings.
Craving more oat-based delights?!? Then check out this Simple Zucchini Oatmeal, indulge in the richness of Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal with Berries, or savor the crunchy goodness of this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola.
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Ingredients
- Rolled oats - also known as old-fashioned oats, are whole oat groats that have been steamed and then rolled flat into flakes. Oats are celebrated for their high fiber content, notably rich in beta-glucan soluble fiber, which has been linked to various health benefits such as improved heart health and digestion.
- Unsweetened almond milk - choosing unsweetened almond milk not only keeps added sugars lower but also allows the other ingredients in this recipe to shine. This choice prevents the oatmeal from becoming overly sweet, ensuring that each component stands out distinctly while maintaining a balanced flavor profile.
- Cardamom - brings unique, slightly citrusy, and floral aroma and complements cinnamon exceptionally well, making it one of the best spices to pair with cinnamon. The marriage of these two spices imparts a rich and nuanced flavor profile to the recipe, enhancing its overall depth and complexity.
- Cinnamon - offers warmth and sweetness.
- Chia seeds - are a powerhouse ingredient in this recipe, boasting high fiber content and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. 1 tablespoon of chia seeds provides ~ 5 grams of fiber! Beyond their nutritional benefits, they play a crucial role in thickening the overnight oats, ensuring a satisfyingly creamy texture.
- Nut butter like almond butter or peanut butter. Personally, I have been enjoying the Kirkland Signature Mixed Nut Butter with Seeds from Costco in this recipe.
- Maple syrup - adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients.
- Pinch of salt
- Optional fruit toppings: berries, sliced banana, or any fruit of choice.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This recipe is as easy as it gets, friends. Simply add all the ingredients to a jar or container with a lid, and give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
Seal the jar or container with a lid and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours, to allow the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If desired, you can add more almond milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
Optional: top with fruit.
Meal prep tip: When prepping multiple jars of overnight oats, streamline the process by setting up an assembly line of jars and systematically add the ingredients to each one. This ensures consistency and efficiency, allowing you to enjoy a week's worth of delicious breakfasts with minimal effort. I like to line up several jars in a row and make 3-5 of these at a time for the week.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut butter - transform this recipe into a nut-free alternative by substituting in your favorite seed butter. I've successfully used tahini (made from ground sesame seeds) as a flavorful and creamy alternative.
- Unsweetened Almond milk - use any unsweetened plant-based milk to achieve a creamy, dairy-free overnight oats.
- Gluten-free - use gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for those who need to follow a gluten free diet like those with celiac disease.
Equipment
Any jar or container with a lid.
I love using a wide-mouth mason jars for making overnight oats.
Storage
Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Top tip
A top tip for making overnight oats is to experiment with the ratio of oats to liquid to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer thicker oats, use less liquid, and if you prefer them thinner, add more liquid. Additionally, try adding the toppings just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunchiness.
FAQ
The best oats to use for making overnight oats are rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats. These oats have been steamed and flattened, allowing them to absorb liquid and soften overnight while still retaining a pleasant texture. Avoid using steel-cut oats for overnight oats, as they require more time to soften and may result in a chewier texture. Quick oats can also work, but they may become too mushy after soaking for an extended period. Overall, rolled oats provide the perfect balance of texture and creaminess for overnight oats.
Overnight oats "cook" through a process called soaking rather than traditional cooking methods like boiling or simmering. The oats absorb the liquid they're soaked in, along with any flavorings or sweeteners. This extended soaking time softens the oats, giving them a creamy texture similar to cooked oatmeal. The oats can be eaten cold straight from the fridge, making them a convenient and nutritious option for busy mornings.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Cardamom Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk, or other plant-based milk of choice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon nut or seed butter (examples peanut butter, almond butter, tahini)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Optional fruit topping
- ½ cup of fruit like sliced banana, berries, or any fruit of choice
Instructions
- In a jar or container with a lid, combine rolled oats, unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk alternative), ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, chia seeds, nut butter, maple syrup, and salt.
- Stir the ingredients until well combined, ensuring that the oats are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Seal the jar or container with a lid and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours, to allow the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If desired, you can add more almond milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Serve the overnight oats cold straight from the fridge, or warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop if you prefer them warm.
- Optional: Garnish with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries and/or sliced bananas.
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