Name: Overnight Chai Oatmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup oats; 1 cup almond-coconut milk; 2 tablespoons chia seeds; 2 tablespoons shredded coconut; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

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I love this Overnight Chai Oatmeal—it’s like a cozy breakfast dessert waiting for me in the fridge. I combine oats, warming chai spices, creamy almond-coconut milk, chia seeds, and coconut, then let it rest overnight. In the morning, it’s a fragrant, creamy, no-cook treat that tastes indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I can’t resist the subtle chai spice blend—cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla—that lightly perfumes each bite. I also appreciate how the chia seeds and coconut add thickness and texture while making it feel richer. Plus, I only spend about 10 minutes prepping, and I wake up to a ready-to-eat, flavorful breakfast that feels almost like dessert.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup oats
1 cup almond-coconut milk
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

I combine oats, almond-coconut milk, chia seeds, shredded coconut, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and nutmeg in a serving bowl until well mixed. Then I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight—for about 8 hours 10 minutes total including prep.

Servings And Timing

This recipe yields 2 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Additional (resting) time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

I sometimes tweak the recipe in a few ways:

Use regular almond milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative instead of almond-coconut milk.
Sweeten it up with a touch of maple syrup or honey if I want extra sweetness.
Stir in fresh or frozen berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter right before serving.
Warm it in the microwave if I’m craving a hot breakfast.
These changes personalize the flavor and texture based on what I’m in the mood for.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge and they stay good for up to 3–5 days. If they get too thick over time, I just stir in a splash of milk before eating. If I prefer warm oatmeal, I microwave it for a short time until it’s heated through.

FAQs

1. What if I don’t have almond-coconut milk?

I simply replace it with any non-dairy or dairy milk I have on hand—regular almond, oat, soy, or even cow’s milk work just fine.

2. Can I skip the chia seeds?

I can, although the texture won’t be as creamy. If I skip them, I usually use a bit more liquid to avoid a dry consistency.

3. How can I make this vegan or adjust sweetness?

It’s already vegan if I use plant-based milk. For sweetness, I might stir in maple syrup, honey (if not strictly vegan), or a bit of sugar before refrigerating or when serving.

4. Can I prep this for more servings?

Absolutely—I double or triple the ingredients and store portions in separate containers so I have breakfast ready for a few mornings in a row.

5. Does it need to rest for a full 8 hours?

While I usually let it sit overnight, it’s often ready in as little as 3–4 hours if I’m pressed for time, though the texture improves with longer chilling.

Conclusion

I find this Overnight Chai Oatmeal to be a delightful, effortless way to start the day. I love how the warm spices feel indulgent yet gentle, and the prep is so minimal. Whether I’m serving it cold or warm, solo or with fun mix-ins, it always hits the spot, especially on busy mornings.

Overnight Chai Oatmeal