How to Make Overnight Oats with Quaker Rolled Oats

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study on the benefits of whole grains, including oats in your diet can improve heart health and provide sustained energy. Making overnight oats with Quaker rolled oats is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to incorporate this powerhouse grain into your routine, providing a nutritious, ready-to-eat breakfast with minimal effort.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a foundational recipe for creating overnight oats using Quaker rolled oats. It covers the simple, no-cook preparation process, essential ingredient ratios, and diverse customization options for flavors and toppings. The article also addresses common questions and offers expert tips for achieving the perfect creamy texture every time.

Key Points

Ingredient Ratio: For a single serving, use equal parts Quaker Old Fashioned Rolled Oats and liquid (e.g., ½ cup oats to ½ cup milk).
Chia Seed Magic: Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to create a thicker, creamier, and more pudding-like texture while boosting fiber.
Overnight Is Best: Let the mixture sit for at least 6-8 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor absorption and soft, chewy texture.
Airtight is Key: Always use an airtight container, like a mason jar, to prevent the oats from absorbing other fridge odors and keep them fresh.
Customize Your Flavors: Mix in ingredients like fruits, nuts, spices, and sweeteners to create endless flavor variations.
The Right Oats Matter: Avoid quick oats, as they tend to become mushy and lose their desirable texture in overnight recipes.
Thick or Thin: Adjust the consistency in the morning by stirring in a little more milk if the oats are too thick for your liking.

The Perfect Overnight Oats Base with Quaker

Creating a delicious batch of overnight oats starts with the right foundation. For a perfectly creamy texture that isn't mushy, using Quaker Old Fashioned Rolled Oats is key. Their heartier cut absorbs liquid slowly, giving you a substantial and satisfying consistency come morning. Unlike quick oats, which can turn to mush, the rolled variety holds its shape and bite, making for a much better overall experience.

Core Ingredients for Your Overnight Oats

The basic formula for overnight oats is simple and forgiving. While ratios can be adjusted based on desired consistency, a standard starting point provides a fantastic base. The core ingredients you'll need are:

Quaker Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star of the show. Aim for a ½ cup serving per jar.
Liquid: This is what softens the oats. You can use milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, soy, or oat), or even yogurt. The typical ratio is equal parts oats and liquid. For example, ½ cup oats to ½ cup milk.
Yogurt (Optional): Adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt makes the oats extra creamy and adds a protein boost. Start with ¼ cup and adjust as you like.
Chia Seeds (Optional but Recommended): A fantastic thickener that also adds fiber and healthy fats. One tablespoon per serving is a good starting point.
Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, or a dash of brown sugar are popular options. Start with a small amount, like 1 tablespoon, and adjust to taste.
Container: An 8-ounce mason jar with a lid is ideal for single servings, but any airtight container works.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Oats

Combine Dry Ingredients: In your container, add the ½ cup of Quaker Rolled Oats and any dry add-ins like chia seeds or cinnamon. If you're using a nut butter, you can also add it now.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in your ½ cup of milk or liquid of choice, along with any optional yogurt and your preferred sweetener.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined. Make sure there are no dry pockets of oats remaining at the bottom.
Cover and Refrigerate: Secure the lid tightly and place the jar in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight (6-8 hours), to allow the oats to fully absorb the liquid and soften.
Serve and Customize: In the morning, open the jar, stir, and add your favorite toppings. This is where you can get creative with fresh fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey. If the consistency is too thick, simply add a splash more milk and stir.

Flavor Variations with Quaker Rolled Oats

One of the best aspects of overnight oats is their incredible versatility. Here are a few popular flavor combinations you can try:

Peanut Butter & Banana: Add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter and ½ a mashed banana to the basic recipe. Top with banana slices and a sprinkle of nuts in the morning.
Apple Cinnamon: Mix in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ cup of chopped apple. A drizzle of honey will enhance the natural sweetness. Top with more fresh apple before serving.
Berry Burst: Add a handful of mixed berries (fresh or frozen) along with the other ingredients. The berries will soften and release their juices overnight. Add more fresh berries in the morning.
Chocolate Bliss: For a decadent but healthy treat, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and a little extra sweetener. Top with chocolate chips or shredded coconut.

Comparison: Quaker Rolled Oats vs. Quick Oats for Overnight Oats


Feature	Quaker Rolled Oats (Old Fashioned)	Quaker Quick Oats
Texture	Heartier, chewier, with a better "bite" after soaking.	Softer, mushier, and can become paste-like.
Soaking Time	Requires a longer soak (ideally overnight) for best results.	Can be soaked for shorter periods (as little as 30 minutes) but optimal texture is overnight.
Nutritional Profile	Contains slightly more fiber and resistant starch after soaking.	Processed further, which may affect resistant starch levels.
Flavor Absorption	Absorbs flavors from liquid and mix-ins more evenly over time.	Absorbs flavors quickly, but can become overpowered if not careful.
Preparation	Best suited for overnight, no-cook recipes.	Versatile for quick cooking and baking, but not ideal for texture in overnight oats.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate No-Cook Breakfast Solution

Making overnight oats with Quaker rolled oats is a simple, effective way to ensure you have a nutritious and satisfying breakfast ready and waiting for you. By following the basic steps and experimenting with different flavor combinations, you can create a meal that is both healthy and exciting every single time. This meal-prep staple is perfect for busy individuals who want to eat well without the morning rush. With just a few minutes of effort the night before, you can wake up to a delicious, perfectly prepared breakfast that will fuel your day.

Optional Outbound Link

For more detailed nutritional information on oats and their health benefits, you can visit the official Quaker website: https://www.quakeroats.com/extraordinary-oats.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can use a variety of liquids, including dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The best choice depends on your dietary preferences and desired flavor profile. For a creamier result, many people prefer a thicker plant-based milk or add Greek yogurt.

While it's possible to use quick oats, they are not recommended for overnight oats. Quick oats are more processed and will absorb liquid much faster, resulting in a mushy, less satisfying texture. Quaker Old Fashioned Rolled Oats are the superior choice for a better bite and creamier consistency.

For optimal results, overnight oats should soak for at least 6 to 8 hours. This allows the rolled oats to fully soften and absorb the liquid and flavors. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep.

Yes, overnight oats can be warmed up. If you prefer them warm, simply heat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before adding your final toppings. The texture will be similar to traditional oatmeal but with the convenience of having been pre-soaked.

Chia seeds are not mandatory but are highly recommended. They act as a natural thickener, giving your oats a more pudding-like texture and boosting the fiber content. If you don't have them, you can simply omit them, but the final consistency will be slightly different.

An 8-ounce mason jar with a secure lid is a popular choice for single servings. Any other airtight container, such as a reusable glass or plastic jar, will also work well to keep your oats fresh and prevent them from absorbing other food odors.

Yes, overnight oats are perfect for meal prepping. You can multiply the recipe and prepare multiple jars at once. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, so you can enjoy a quick and healthy breakfast throughout the week.