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Coffee overnight oats are a must make for coffee lovers! They take just 5 minutes to prep and are loaded with protein to keep you energized. Made with cold brew coffee, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, and hearty oats. They’re creamy, lightly sweetened, and perfect for busy mornings. They’re a make-ahead breakfast or snack you’ll look forward to eating.
I’m a coffee lover through and through so the idea of combining coffee with one of my favorite snacks, overnight oats, was very appealing. The inspiration for these coffee overnight oats actually came about when I realized I had run out of milk and needed a liquid replacement. Cold brew turned out to be a delicious swap, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
I love meal prepping a batch on Sunday so I have them ready for a quick afternoon snack (or easy breakfast) during the week. They’re packed with 22 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber to keep me satisfied and energized until my next meal. The bold coffee flavor pairs perfectly with vanilla extract and vanilla protein powder, and the Greek yogurt makes them extra thick and creamy. It’s also a snack or breakfast that’s easy to customize with toppings or mix-ins.
Ingredient Notes
Coffee – I like to use cold brew coffee for these overnight oats because it has a more concentrated coffee flavor. You can also use regular brewed coffee that’s been cooled. Don’t use hot coffee.
Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt is what makes these overnight oats extra thick and creamy. It also adds extra protein. You can use any fat content, however, whole milk Greek yogurt or 2% will give you the richest flavor and creamiest consistency.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste enhance the flavor of the coffee.
Maple syrup – The natural sweetener. If you don’t use protein powder you’ll want to use the full amount that the recipe calls for. If you are using protein powder I recommend only using 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or omitting it.
Oats – Old fashioned rolled oats are best for overnight oats. They have a soft chewy texture after sitting in the liquid overnight. Quick oats tend to get too mushy and the consistency will be more like porridge.
Chia seeds – Chia seeds are packed with fiber and protein. They also help to thicken the overnight oats.
Salt – Don’t skip adding a pinch of salt. It brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Protein powder – Protein powder is optional, but something I always add to my overnight oats. It’s an easy way to boost the protein and it makes the oats even thicker. I recommend using vanilla protein powder. It makes them taste like a vanilla latte!
Tips for Making Coffee Overnight Oats
- Refrigerate the overnight oats for at least 4-5 hours so they set up properly. The longer you refrigerate them the thicker they will get and the softer the oats will be.
- If you don’t like chia seeds add an additional 2 tablespoons of oats to the mixture.
- For meal prep, I recommend storing the overnight oats in 8 ounce glass jars with reusable lids. It’s great for portion sizing and it’s convenient for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Substitutions and Flavor Variations
Make these coffee overnight oats your own with any of these flavor and dietary variations!
- Dairy-free – Use dairy-free yogurt and dairy-free milk to make your overnight oats vegan and dairy-free. If you use protein powder make sure to use plant-based protein powder instead of whey protein powder.
- Gluten-free – These overnight oats are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check the oats you use to make sure they say certified gluten-free.
- Mocha – Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or swap vanilla protein powder with chocolate protein powder and turn them into mocha overnight oats! If you love chocolate you might also enjoy these chocolate peanut butter overnight oats.
- Cinnamon – A a 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to give them a warm cinnamon coffee flavor.
- Add fruit – Sliced bananas or fresh raspberries would be a delicious combo with the coffee flavor.
- Topping ideas – I love adding chocolate chips as a topping. Cocoa nibs, chopped almonds, peanuts, pecans, or granola would all be delicious crunchy toppings.
- Nut butter – Add some healthy fats to these overnight oats and swirl in your favorite nut butter or drizzle it on top. Peanut butter, almond butter, and Nutella would all taste great.
Best Coffee for Coffee Overnight Oats
Light vs dark roast – Light roast coffee will have a more mild and mellow coffee flavor. Dark roast coffee will have a bolder, slightly more bitter coffee flavor. If you use a dark roast coffee or espresso you may need to add additional maple syrup to balance the bitter notes.
Cold brew – Cold brew coffee is a great option because it’s already cold and it has a smoother flavor with lower acidity and less bitterness compared to brewed coffee. This is what I use most often when I make these overnight oats.
You can make cold brew coffee at home or for convenience buy canned or bottled cold brew. A couple brands I enjoy are Pop & Bottle and La Colombe.
Storage
Coffee overnight oats will keep in an airtight container, such as jars with lids, for 4-5 days. The longer they sit in the fridge the softer the oats get.
TIP: If the oats are too thick add in a splash of milk and if they’re too thin, stir in a spoonful of yogurt.
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Coffee Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt Any fat content
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup omit or reduce to 1 tablespoon if using protein powder that’s sweetened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional, but recommended)
- 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
- chocolate chips for topping the oats optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cold brew coffee, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and protein powder.
- Stir in the oats, salt, and chia seeds until combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly into two jars and cover. Refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours or overnight (best). Serve topped with chocolate chips if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make these Coffee Overnight Oats, please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you and do my best to respond to your comments. And if you’re on Instagram tag @reciperunner so I can see your beautiful creations!
This was filling and healthy, the yogart made it very tangy though… But my partner loved it post run
I’ve found that using a higher fat yogurt (not non-fat) tends to cut some of the tanginess. You can also use vanilla yogurt and that may help.
Can I use instant coffee like BUSTELO??
Yes. Just be sure to cool the coffee before adding it to the other ingredients.