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Mornings can be a scramble, especially for busy folks who don’t have time to fuss with a complicated breakfast. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy a nourishing, flavor-packed meal in just a few minutes? Enter my Creamy Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats — the ultimate breakfast hack that’ll kickstart your day with zero hassle.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats

This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect busy-day breakfast. It’s quick, easy, and packed with cozy, comforting flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. Plus, the make-ahead nature means you can grab and go on those hectic mornings. No mess, no stress — just real-life, satisfying nutrition to power you through your day. Trust me, this is a weeknight (or weekend!) winner.

Ingredients (Single-Serve)

You only need a handful of basic ingredients to whip up this creamy, chai-spiced treat. Rolled oats, milk of your choice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and a drizzle of maple syrup come together for a breakfast that’s both nourishing and downright delicious.

1/2 cup (40g) – Rolled oats
3/4 cup (180ml) – Milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
1 teaspoon (5ml) – Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) – Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) – Ground cardamom
1 tablespoon (15ml) – Pure maple syrup

Ingredient Substitutions

Milk: Almond milk or oat milk work just as well as regular dairy milk (and make this recipe vegan-friendly).
Sweetener: Honey or agave also make great substitutes for the maple syrup.

How to Make Creamy Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats

This recipe couldn’t be simpler. Just mix, chill, and enjoy — it’s that easy! Let me walk you through the steps.

Step 1: Prep Work

In a microwave-safe mug or jar, stir together the rolled oats, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom until well combined. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).

Step 2: Enjoy!

When you’re ready to enjoy, give the overnight oats a good stir. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the top with a bit of maple syrup, then dig in! The oats will be deliciously creamy, with a comforting chai spice flavor that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Variations & Time-Saver Tips

Creamier Texture: Swap out 1/4 cup of the milk for a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Extra Protein: Stir in a tablespoon of nut butter for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.
Added Crunch: Top with toasted nuts, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of coconut for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Lover?: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a handful of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.

Creamy Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats to Kickstart Mornings

Serving, Storage & Reheat

Serve with: A sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of nut butter, or a handful of fresh berries.

Storage: This recipe is designed to be a single-serve breakfast, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to meal-prep for the week. Stored in the fridge, the overnight oats will keep for up to 5 days. Just give them a quick stir before enjoying.

Microwave Reheat: If you prefer a warm breakfast, you can pop the jar or mug in the microwave for 30-60 seconds to reheat the overnight oats.

Make-Ahead: The beauty of this recipe is that you can whip it up the night before and let the flavors meld overnight for a grab-and-go breakfast that’s ready when you are.

Nutrition Info

One serving of these Creamy Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats provides a satisfying balance of complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats to fuel your morning. It’s a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, too. Plus, the chai spices offer antioxidant benefits for an extra wellness boost.

Serving Size: 1 mug
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbs: 46 g
Fat: 12 g
Sodium: 140 mg

FAQs

Can I make these overnight oats in advance?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe. You can whip it up the night before and let the flavors meld overnight for a grab-and-go breakfast that’s ready when you are.

How long will the overnight oats keep in the fridge?

These overnight oats will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Just give them a good stir before enjoying.

Can I heat up the overnight oats?

Yes, you can definitely warm up the overnight oats if you prefer a hot breakfast. Just pop the jar or mug in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, then give it a stir.

What if I don’t have cardamom?

No problem! You can substitute a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg instead. Or, you can leave it out altogether and just use the cinnamon.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Simply swap out the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk, like almond, oat, or coconut milk. And use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

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Creamy Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats to Kickstart Your Morning

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Emma Brookstone
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 600 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast Mug Meals
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Start your day with these creamy vanilla chai overnight oats, a perfect blend of spices and sweetness that will kickstart your mornings.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, chai spice mix, and salt.

2. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.

4. In the morning, stir the oats and add a splash of almond milk if desired.

5. Serve in a mug topped with fresh fruit.

6. Enjoy your creamy vanilla chai overnight oats!

Notes

For a richer flavor, let the oats soak for an additional hour.

Feel free to customize toppings with nuts or seeds.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg