These coffee overnight oats are an easy, high fiber meal prep breakfast made with espresso powder instead of coffee. This allows for creamier overnight oats, with a more concentrated coffee flavor.
My classic overnight oats recipe gets an energized upgrade that combines one of my favorite things on earth, coffee! My recipe uses espresso powder instead of cold brew coffee, which is more commonly used. This allows you to better control the coffee intensity. And, it lends to a creamier , chewier texture when soaked in milk versus coffee (which is essentially just water).
These overnight coffee oats are so quick to prep and are ready in just a few hours. Add in a scoop of protein powder and you’ve got a whopping 20+ gram protein breakfast that’s under 450 calories. The perfect grab-and-go, well-balanced breakfast or post-workout fuel.
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Why you’ll love these overnight coffee oats
- Easy to prep with just a few ingredients. As I’ve said before, I am all about quick meal preps, as shown in my 1 Hour Meal Prep post. So I’m a BIG fan of any dish I can prep in just 5 minutes and will make hectic mornings go smoother.
- Customizable with flavors and coffee intensity. While I highly recommend sticking to my overnight oats base recipe template, I love that you can play around with the flavors. Don’t care for vanilla? Sub in a different flavored protein powder, or add a shot of sugar-free coffee syrup! Also, suit the espresso intensity to your liking, finding all my recommendations in the recipe card.
- A nutritionally well-balanced, high fiber healthy breakfast! These oats offer impressive doses of Omega-3 fatty acids, soluble and insoluble fiber, antioxidants, protein, and a whole host of vitamins and minerals. Diets rich in fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve heart health, weight management and improved gut health.
Ingredients
- Old fashioned rolled oats – To make 2 servings, you will need 1 cup of rolled oats. I absolutely do not recommend using quick oats, as they will get too broken down and mushy!
- Milk of choice – 1 cup total (½ cup per serving) of milk of choice. If you’re really trying to ramp up the protein content, then cows milk will be your best bet. I personally prefer the flavor and consistency of almond milk in my overnight oats.
- Chia seeds – 1-2 tablespoons depending on your preference. I typically add 2 tablespoons, which will result in a thicker texture (the chia seeds really absorb a lot of liquid). If you want a more liquidy overnight oat, then try using just 1 tablespoon.
- Espresso Powder – I opt for espresso powder instead of coffee in my coffee overnight oats for a couple of reasons. First, it is shelf stable, easily accessible and easy to store for extended periods of time. Second, it gives the oats an intense coffee flavor that you can control more easily than if you just used cold-brew coffee. And lastly, it gives a concentrated dose of coffee flavor without a ton of caffeine.
- Vanilla extract and Maple syrup – These 2 ingredients add flavor and sweetness to the overnight oats, and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences.
Why are chia seeds used in overnight oats?
In my humble opinion, chia seeds are a must in overnight oats. They add loads of nutritional value including both soluble and insoluble fiber, protein and healthy fats. Plus, they really improve the texture of the oats. Chia seeds help thicken overnight oats and make them creamier.
Optional ingredients
- Vanilla (or other flavored) protein powder – this will add more protein plus a more intense flavor! If you use a protein powder, especially one that is already well-sweetened, I recommend removing the maple syrup. Also, I recommend only using ½ serving of protein powder as to not effect the texture too much.
- Sugar-free vanilla coffee syrup – this is a great way to give your overnight coffee oats a latte flavored spin. Again though, if you decide to add a pump of your favorite coffee syrup, ditch the maple syrup.
Mix dry ingredients
Add the old fashioned rolled oats, chia seeds, espresso powder and if using, the protein powder to a glass jar. Mix well.
Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and stir till well combined. Cover with a lid and shake vigorously a couple of times before placing in the fridge.
Refrigerate then enjoy!
Refrigerate coffee overnight oats for at minimum 4 hours. This allows enough time to for the liquid to break down and soften the oats. Oats store well in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, garnish with a few berries, nuts or a dollop of whipped cream.
ingredient swaps and serving suggestions
Serve your overnight coffee oats with a variety of toppings. Fresh berries, chopped up nuts, fold frothed milk, whipped cream or chocolate covered espresso beans are all great ideas!
The vanilla extract the recipe calls for will offer just a hint of vanilla to the finished flavor profile. If you would like to add more vanilla oomph, either add a vanilla flavored protein powder, or a vanilla syrup.
Alternately, you can add another flavored syrup along with the espresso powder, to recreate an edible version of your favorite coffee shop drink! Think hazelnut syrup, pumpkin spice or caramel!
REcipe Faq’s
Espresso powder is a brewed espresso that has been dried into a fine powder. Unlike the standard roasted coffee that you brew in your coffee maker, Instant Espresso Powder is much stronger and pre-brewed. This robust coffee ingredient adds a rich chocolate flavor, or heightens chocolate recipes, without adding a distinct coffee flavor.
I preferred it in the overnight oats because it adds coffee flavor while allowing you to add milk as the liquid, giving it an overall creamier flavor and texture.
Yes, most espresso powders (unless they’re decaffeinated) have caffeine. The amount varies by brand but typically range from 30-80 mg per teaspoon. The brand I used, DeLallo, has 80 mg per teaspoon.
The only time I would say using quick oats is fine is if you just plan to make one jar and plan to eat them within a few hours of making them. Left much longer than 3-4 hours and I personally think they get way too mushy. But if in a pinch and in a hurry, they will work out for a single serving.
Additional overnight oats recipes:
- High protein overnight oats made with protein powder are quick, easy and packed with fiber and protein.
- Overnight oats made with frozen fruit are both beautiful and packed with flavor and little added sugar.
- Kefir overnight oats for are great if you’re trying to add more protein and gut friendly prebiotics to your diet!
- Pumpkin protein overnight oats are a fantastic seasonal treat for Fall!
need More high protein meal prep breakfasts?
Overnight Coffee Oats
Equipment
- 2 Sealed Mason Jars
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rolled oats
- 1 cup Milk use milk of choice
- 4 tablespoon Chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon Maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon Espresso powder adjust up to 4 teaspoon depending on desired intensity
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 serving Vanilla protein powder optional
Instructions
- Add ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats each to 2 mason jars.1 cup Rolled oats
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds and 1-2 teaspoons espresso powder (see notes for details of measurements) each into 2 mason jars. If using vanilla protein powder, also stir in ½ serving to each mason jar. Make sure to mix dry ingredients together very well.4 tablespoon Chia seeds, 2 teaspoon Espresso powder, 1 serving Vanilla protein powder
- Add ½ cup milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon maple syrup to each mason jar. Stir very well. If adding vanilla protein powder, you may want to add a bit more milk (1-2 tbsp) if the mixture seems too dry. Add lid and seal, then shake vigorously a couple times to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.1 cup Milk, 2 tablespoon Maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Refrigerate 2 jars for at least 4 hours, or overnight. When ready to enjoy, remove lid and top with desired garnish. Fresh raspberries, crushed almonds, a dollop of whipped cream or frothed milk and a couple of chocolate covered espresso beans are a nice flavorful touch.
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