The simple combination of rolled oats and dairy-free yogurt is an easy and satisfying breakfast or snack. It's basically overnight oats without milk or chia seeds and is even creamier and more delicious! Plus, you can customize your yogurt oats with a variety of spices, extracts, fruits, nuts and seeds.
Something magical happens when you combine oats and yogurt. It's like regular overnight oats, but better! No milk or chia seeds needed and it's still wonderfully thick and creamy.
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Ingredient Notes
Here are the basics you'll need:
- oats - regular, old fashioned rolled oats work best here. You can use quick oats, but they don't hold up as well in the yogurt. If using quick oats I recommend enjoying it soon after mixing.
- yogurt - any type of yogurt you enjoy is great, whether plain or sweetened. I often use homemade yogurt (find my recipes linked below). Store-bought options we love are Kite Hill's Greek-style and Forager's plain cashew-gurt.
I posted about yogurt oats recently on Instagram and shared the story about how my husband used to make these when we first met (well, not exactly like this since it was before we went vegan).
Each morning while prepping his lunch and snacks for the day, he would transfer store-bought yogurt to a storage container and stir in some oats. Usually he ate it as an afternoon snack, but sometimes it was breakfast, or pre-workout fuel, or even dessert.
As a pretty serious weight lifter, he says the idea of adding oats to yogurt occurred to him as a way to simply get more calories - and to have something quick he could eat at work.
When we started dating, I picked up the yogurt oats habit, too.
Fast-forward a few years, we ditched dairy and learned about the sensation that is overnight oats! Overnight oats are similar, of course, but usually made with plant milk and chia seeds. Honestly, regular overnight oats aren't as delicious as yogurt oats! And they're not as thick and creamy.
Randomly last week I decided to revisit our old friend yogurt oats, and now I’m hooked all over again!
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If you're interested in homemade yogurt, I have a few to try:
I'm no scientist, so I won't claim to understand what magical thing happens when oats and yogurt are combined. Probably something to do with the starch bonding with fat molecules or something.
All I know, is that it's a creamy dream! The yogurt softens the oats faster than milk does, and the oats provide the loveliest, chewy texture. It's awesome kind of in the same way rice pudding is awesome.
Serving Suggestions
Sweeten and flavor your yogurt oats however you like. Or keep it sugar-free and embrace the tang of plain yogurt.
Add any flavorings and toppings you can dream up, such as:
- fresh or frozen berries
- chopped fruits like apples, peaches, and pineapple
- pickled fruit - delightfully sweet and tangy. Pickled peaches and strawberries are my favorite with oats and yogurt.
- nuts and seeds or nut butters
- dried coconut - so good paired with coconut yogurt
- granola - for a little crunch! Try my oil-free granola or this single-serving microwave granola–ready in no time.
- spices like cinnamon, chai, and pumpkin spice - perfect in the fall with diced apple or a spoonful of apple butter stirred in.
- extracts - you can't go wrong with vanilla.
- jam, jelly, and fruit compotes are delicious, too!
How to Store Oats With Yogurt
Similar to regular overnight oats, the longer the yogurt oats sit, the softer the oats become. So there's definitely a window where the consistency is best.
They'll keep up to 3 days in the fridge, but I like to enjoy them within 24 hours for the best texture.
Since yogurt seems to soften the oats more quickly than milk, you can actually prep these in the morning and enjoy them not long after. I often stir them together before showering and getting dressed for the day. Then when I'm hungry for breakfast they're just right.
FAQ
For this quick recipe, rolled oats are best because they soften almost instantly. Steel-cut oats would need to be pre-cooked.
Absolutely! For an even thicker, more pudding-like texture, stir in about 1 teaspoon of chia seeds with the oats and yogurt. Just keep in mind they’ll need a few minutes (or overnight) to fully thicken. Totally optional, but a fun way to boost fiber and omega-3s!
I hope you enjoy the magical simplicity that is oats with yogurt. If you try the recipe be sure to comment below and let us know!
More Quick Vegan Breakfasts
Recipe
Easy Vegan Oats With Yogurt (No Milk)
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ to 1 cup plain dairy-free yogurt - see Notes for homemade options
- sweetener of choice - such as maple syrup, granulated sugars, or sugar-free options
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds for serving
Instructions
- Stir the oats and yogurt together in a small bowl or storage container. Add sweetener and extract, if using.
- Yogurt oats can be made the night before, like overnight oats, or mixed not long before serving because yogurt softens oats more quickly than milk. The oats continue to soften the longer it sits. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used.
Adriana says
Delicious and easy! I topped mine with a cut-up apple and sweetened with monkfruit.
Ruth says
So quick and easy. Ideal for the summer.