Techniques
Meal Prep
Skill
Beginner
1 min

How to make overnight oats by chilling a mixed base in the fridge

Mix your oats with wet ingredients and add-ins, then refrigerate to let it set into overnight oats.

Combine oats with ingredients like mashed fruit, yogurt, and flavorings, stir until evenly mixed, then cover and refrigerate until thickened and set.

The short version

  • Chilling is the ‘cooking’ step—time in the fridge sets the texture.
  • Mashing some fruit into the base distributes sweetness and flavor.

What you need

  • container or jar
  • fork or masher
    optional
    Useful for mashing banana
  • spoonFor mixing

How to do it

  1. 1

    Mash part of a banana (or other soft fruit) in a container.

    Mashing some fruit helps flavor and sweeten the base evenly.

    Watch this step
  2. 2

    Add oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and any mix-ins (e.g., chocolate chips).

    Add-ins can be swapped based on what you like.

    Watch this step
  3. 3

    Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.

    Scrape the sides/bottom so there are no dry pockets of oats or chia.

    Watch this step
  4. 4

    Top with remaining banana (or other toppings).

    Toppings can be added before chilling for convenience.

    Watch this step
  5. 5

    Refrigerate to set.

    Chill until thickened to your liking.

    Watch this step

Why it works

Time in the fridge hydrates the oats (and chia, if used), allowing them to absorb liquid and thicken without cooking.

Put it to use

Learn next