Brown sugar, espresso powder and cinnamon are combined with oat milk to give this overnight oats recipe all the flavor of your favorite Starbucks coffee drink...in a healthy breakfast form! These brown sugar coffee overnight oats are a perfect way to start your day.
This make ahead breakfast recipe is made in one mason jar which makes it not only easy to make, but the perfect thing to grab during your busy morning routine. It's always nice to have some quick breakfasts on hand to have with your morning cup of coffee.
If you love the flavor of brown sugar, espresso and cinnamon, you are going to love these brown sugar coffee overnight oats! These are truly the best overnight oats!
If you are looking for other breakfast recipes, try: Bacon Apple Dutch Baby, Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins, or Cocoa Buttermilk Pancakes.
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Why You Will Love This
- They are easy to make. All you need is a jar, five minutes and a few simple ingredients to prep these overnight oats. Clean up is easy and your breakfast for the next day is ready to go when you wake up! Make them in a jar before you go to bed and wake up to a delicious breakfast ready to grab as you run out the door the next morning! A great option for busy mornings!
- They fill you up. When you fill you belly up in the morning, you are setting yourself up to make good choices throughout the day!
- They help to kickstart your day. The espresso powder helps to jumpstart your day with a little bit of added caffeine kick for your morning. A great way to start the day for coffee lovers!
Ingredients Needed
Here are notes about the ingredients needed to make this healthy recipe. You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store or at an online retailer like Amazon.
- Brown sugar: You could use light or dark packed brown sugar for this.
- Espresso powder: Espresso powder is used in a very small amount to give the hint of espresso flavor without overpowering the brown sugar and cinnamon. You could substitute with instant coffee for a more subtle hint of coffee flavor. If you have the option, a shot of espresso would be perfect too!
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is used to add just a hint of flavor.
- Oat Milk: I prefer to use oat milk for these overnight oats but your favorite milk of choice will work too! I've tried it with cow's milk, almond milk, coconut milk and soy milk. All are great!
- Oatmeal: Be sure to use old-fashioned oats. You will get the best texture and they won't turn to mush! Quick oats or instant oats would work, but the texture will not be as chewy. Steel-cut oats will not work for this recipe.
- Chia seeds: Add these for an easy way to add texture and a pudding-like consistency!
Step by Step Instructions
Here is how to make these creamy oats. For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.
STEP 1: Add the brown sugar, espresso powder, cinnamon and oat milk to a jar with a tight fitting lid.
STEP 2: Secure the cover and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are combined.
STEP 3: Remove the lid from the jar and add the oats and chia seeds.
STEP 4: Replace the lid back on and shake again to thoroughly mix.
STEP 5: Place your filled jar in the refrigerator overnight.
STEP 6: When you are ready to eat, give it a good stir and sprinkle with brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Make these in small jars with lids. I like to use these half pint mason jars.
- If you want to make a batch of these to have ready for the entire week, prepare several at a time. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- The cinnamon tends to overpower the flavors the longer it sits. You might want to wait to add the cinnamon when are you ready to eat it, especially if you plan to make your Coffee Overnight Oats several days in advance.
- Use a larger jar and double the recipe for a heartier portion.
Variations
- You do not have to use oat milk. You could use whichever kind of milk you prefer.
- Try pure maple syrup in place of the brown sugar. This will add the same sweetness, but will also add that additional maple flavor.
- If chia seeds aren't your thing, leave them out.
- Try using instant coffee in place of the espresso powder.
- Experiement with delicious toppings like your favorite nut for an added crunch or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Try adding chocolate chips cacao nibs for a touch of sweetness!
FAQ
Overnight oatmeal will last for 5 days in the refrigerator.
Preparing the overnight oats only takes about 5 minutes. After you put them in the refrigerator, it takes about 4 hours for them to be ready to eat.
No. You can make this in bowls or any other kind of container you have that has a lid. I would whisk together the brown sugar, espresso powder, cinnamon, and oat milk before stirring in the chia seeds and oats.
Storing and Freezing
Store prepared overnight oats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can freeze overnight oats for up to 3 months in the freezer. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Other Recipes to Try
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Recipe
Brown Sugar Coffee Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup oat milk
- ⅓ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ teaspoon chia seeds
Instructions
- In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the brown sugar, espresso powder and cinnamon. Add the milk, put the cover on tightly and shake until all ingredients are fully incorporated.1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar, packed, ½ teaspoon espresso powder, ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup oat milk
- Remove the lid and add the the oats and chia seeds. Put the cover back on and shake it again until combined. Place jar in the refrigerator overnight.⅓ cup old fashioned oats, ½ teaspoon chia seeds
- Sprinkle with brown sugar or cinnamon if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Please note that these nutrition facts are approximations and may not be entirely precise.
Pia says
Had them for breakfast and they were so good! Will definitely make them again. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Ashlyn Meredith says
You are welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Sue says
How do I heat them up? In the microwave?
Also if I use instant coffee how much should I use?
Ashlyn Meredith says
These overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold! You can eat them straight out of the fridge. If you'd rather have warm oats, you might enjoy my Baked Oats for One. To answer your second question, you can use 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee in place of the 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder. Enjoy!
Ruth says
Can protein powder be substitute for chia seeds?
Ashlyn Meredith says
Yes. You could easily add protein powder to this in place of the chia seeds.
jordi says
Can I substitute coffee for espresso powder?
Ashlyn Meredith says
I would use an equal amount of instant coffee in place of the espresso powder. You could also substitute 1 shot, or 1 ounce, of espresso or strong brewed coffee. I hope that helps!