Save Start your morning on a bright note with these wholesome overnight oats. This make-ahead breakfast features creamy oats layered with fresh strawberries and crunchy homemade candied walnuts, offering a naturally sweetened and clean start to your day. It is a perfect solution for busy mornings when you need a nutritious, energizing meal ready to grab and go.
Save The combination of chilled, velvety oats and the warm, aromatic crunch of cinnamon-spiced walnuts creates a breakfast experience that feels like a treat while remaining entirely vegetarian and wholesome.
Ingredients
- Oat Base: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice), 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of sea salt
- Strawberries: 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Candied Walnuts: 1/2 cup walnut halves, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil, pinch of cinnamon, small pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the oat base
- In a medium bowl or jar, combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
- Step 2: Make candied walnuts
- In a small skillet over medium heat, add walnuts, maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly for 3–4 minutes until walnuts are coated and fragrant. Transfer to parchment paper to cool and harden.
- Step 3: Assemble
- In the morning, stir the oat mixture. Layer oats, fresh strawberries, and candied walnuts in jars or bowls. Top with additional berries or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
- Step 4: Serve
- Serve chilled and enjoy immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats. When making the candied walnuts, be sure to use parchment paper during the cooling process to prevent them from sticking and to ensure they harden into a perfect, crunchy topping.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan-friendly version, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt. If you prefer different nuts, you can easily swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds. For those with nut allergies, seeds can be used as a crunchy alternative.
Serviervorschläge
These overnight oats are best served chilled. They pair exceptionally well with a glass of cold brew coffee or a cup of green tea to complement the fresh strawberry flavors.
Save Whether you're looking for a quick weekday fuel-up or a delicious weekend treat, these strawberry and candied walnut oats provide a balanced and satisfying way to start your day.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prepare the oat base?
Mix rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and oats to soften.
- → What is the best way to make candied walnuts?
Warm walnuts with maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until coated and fragrant. Let cool on parchment paper to harden.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for diet preferences?
You can use plant-based yogurt to make it vegan and swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred or for allergy reasons.
- → How long should the oats chill before eating?
Chill the oat mixture for at least 6 hours overnight to achieve a creamy and soft texture.
- → What serving suggestions pair well with this dish?
It pairs nicely with cold brew coffee or green tea for a refreshing morning setup.