Start your day with these yummy coffee cake overnight oats! They’re packed with oats, a hint of coffee, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making your breakfast a real treat.
What I love most is how easy they are to whip up. Just mix everything the night before and let the fridge do the work. You’ll wake up to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal! ☕️🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These oats are perfect for overnight soaking as they absorb the liquid well. If you need a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can be used too, but they’ll get mushier.
Milk: You can use any kind of milk, including almond, oat, or cow’s milk. I often go for almond milk for its slightly nutty flavor. If you like a creamier texture, try whole milk or coconut milk.
Brewed Coffee: This is key for that coffee cake flavor! If you want to avoid caffeine, use decaf coffee or even coffee-flavored herbal tea for a tasty alternative.
Maple Syrup: This adds natural sweetness. If you’re looking for something lower in calories, try agave syrup or honey. You can also use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version.
Pecans: They give a nice crunch. If you’re a fan of walnuts or almonds, feel free to swap them for pecans. You can also skip the nuts if you’re nut-free.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for Overnight Oats?
The key to great overnight oats is the soaking time and the ratio of oats to liquid. Too much liquid makes them soupy, while too little leaves them dry. Aim for equal parts oats to liquid. Don’t forget to stir them well before refrigerating!
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar and stir to mix.
- Cover and let them soak in the fridge overnight, but at least for 4 hours to ensure the oats are softened.
On serving day, give them a gentle stir. They should be creamy and thick. Adjust with a splash more milk if they seem too thick for your liking. Enjoy your tasty, speedy breakfast!
How to Make Coffee Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 2 tablespoons pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vegan butter or softened butter (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to let it chill overnight or for at least 4 hours. The waiting time is where the flavors develop, making your breakfast flavorful and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, brewed coffee, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is nicely mixed together. This is where the magic starts — the oats will soak up all those lovely flavors!
2. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover your bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the oats soak overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This will allow the oats to soften and absorb all the delicious flavors from the coffee and other ingredients.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
While your oats are soaking, you can prepare the streusel topping. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and butter (if using) until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. This will give your oats that coffee cake-like crunch!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your oats, take them out of the fridge and give them a gentle stir. They should be thick and creamy. Top your oatmeal with the streusel mixture for that perfect coffee cake finish. You can let the streusel sit on top for a few minutes to soften slightly, or dig right in for that crunchy texture!
5. Final Touches:
Serve cold and enjoy a delightful breakfast that tastes like dessert! This dish is not only easy to make, but it also gives you a delicious start to your day with the flavors of coffee cake.
This recipe yields a creamy, cinnamon-spiced overnight oats dish topped with a nutty, sweet streusel that mimics the classic flavors of coffee cake. The addition of coffee gives a lovely depth of flavor that balances the sweetness. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Instant Oats in This Recipe?
While you can use instant oats, they will absorb liquid more quickly than rolled oats, resulting in a mushier texture. If you choose to use instant oats, reduce the soaking time to 2-3 hours instead of overnight.
What If I Don’t Have Brewed Coffee?
No problem! You can replace the brewed coffee with chocolate almond milk for a different flavor or simply use an equal amount of milk, making it a deliciously creamy option without the coffee kick!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftover overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Stir well before serving, and add a splash of milk if they become too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is already very close to being vegan; just ensure you use plant-based milk and vegan butter for the streusel topping. The maple syrup used also serves as a great vegan sweetener!