A Short Story About the Recipe
I have always been a fan of breakfast recipes that make mornings feel effortless, and overnight oats have been a game changer in my kitchen. One evening, after a long day of baking, I wanted to create something that felt like a little treat but still kept me nourished for the next day. That is when I decided to experiment with one of my favorite dessert flavors — salted caramel. The result was a creamy, indulgent bowl of oats that tastes like dessert but is packed with wholesome ingredients. I loved how the oats soaked overnight, absorbing all the flavors and creating the perfect creamy texture without any extra effort in the morning.
This recipe quickly became a staple in my home. I prepare it the night before, and by the time I wake up, breakfast is already waiting for me. It is perfect for those busy mornings when I have little time to cook but still want to enjoy something homemade and comforting. Every spoonful feels like a cozy, sweet hug that sets the tone for a good day.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love these salted caramel overnight oats because they combine rich, caramel-like sweetness with a hint of saltiness that balances every bite. The oats are perfectly creamy, the caramel flavor is naturally sweet without being overpowering, and the texture is smooth and satisfying. It feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it ideal for breakfast or even as a midday snack.
Versatile
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can prepare it in individual jars for easy grab-and-go meals or make a large batch to feed the whole family. You can top it with banana slices, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of extra caramel sauce if you want a fancier breakfast. The base can also be adjusted to suit any dietary preference, whether you prefer dairy milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
Affordable
Another reason I love this recipe is how affordable it is to make. Rolled oats are budget-friendly and easy to find in any grocery store. Most of the other ingredients are pantry staples, which means you probably already have them at home. You get a breakfast that feels luxurious without spending much money.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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1 cup rolled oats
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1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
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2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
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1 ½ tablespoons caramel sauce (or homemade date caramel)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon sea salt
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1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for extra thickness)
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1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
How to Prepare This Recipe
When I make salted caramel overnight oats, I always start by gathering all the ingredients in advance. This step helps me work quickly and makes the process even smoother. Overnight oats are meant to save time, so preparation should be just as simple. I use a medium mixing bowl or a mason jar, depending on how many servings I want to prepare.
The key to perfect overnight oats is to mix the ingredients well so that the oats can absorb all the flavors evenly. I like to add my rolled oats first, followed by milk, yogurt, caramel sauce, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. The salt is what turns this recipe into something truly special because it balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor beautifully. If I want thicker oats, I add chia seeds at this stage.
Once everything is in the bowl, I stir carefully until there are no dry oats left. The mixture should look slightly runny, which is normal because the oats will absorb the liquid overnight. I then transfer it to a sealed container or divide it into small jars if I am prepping for the week. Refrigerating for at least six hours is important, but overnight works best for full creaminess.
In the morning, I give the oats a good stir to loosen them up. If the texture feels too thick, I simply add a splash of milk to make them creamier. This step is completely customizable depending on how you like your oats — thick and pudding-like or softer and lighter.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Combine the oats and milk: Place rolled oats in a bowl or jar and pour the milk over them.
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Add Greek yogurt: Stir in the yogurt to give the oats a creamy consistency and extra protein.
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Mix in caramel sauce: Add the caramel sauce and mix until well incorporated.
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Add vanilla and salt: Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt to enhance the flavor.
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Optional chia seeds: If you want thicker oats, mix in chia seeds at this stage.
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Sweeten if desired: Add maple syrup or honey to adjust sweetness.
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Stir well: Make sure everything is evenly combined and no dry oats remain.
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Cover and refrigerate: Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Serve: Stir before eating, adjust consistency with milk if needed, and top with nuts, banana slices, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Quick and Easy
What I love most about this recipe is how quick it is to prepare. It takes less than 10 minutes to put everything together, and the refrigerator does the rest of the work. This makes it ideal for busy mornings or meal prepping ahead of time.
Customizable
Salted caramel overnight oats are easy to customize to match your taste. You can swap the caramel sauce for a homemade date caramel if you want a healthier option. For a nutty flavor, add almond butter or peanut butter to the mix. You can even switch the milk type — almond milk gives a light, nutty taste, while coconut milk adds richness.
Popular with Many People
This recipe has been a hit with friends, family, and even customers who love simple yet indulgent breakfasts. It appeals to kids because of the caramel sweetness, and adults love that it is healthy yet satisfying. Whether you are eating it at home or packing it for work, it always feels like a treat worth looking forward to.
PrintCreamy Salted Caramel Overnight Oats
Salted Caramel Overnight Oats are a creamy, indulgent breakfast that comes together effortlessly. The combination of rolled oats, caramel flavor, and a hint of sea salt creates a sweet yet balanced dish that can be prepped the night before. Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe is customizable, affordable, and loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoons caramel sauce (or homemade date caramel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions
- Place rolled oats in a bowl or jar.
- Pour in the milk and stir to combine.
- Add Greek yogurt and mix until smooth.
- Stir in caramel sauce for sweetness and flavor.
- Add vanilla extract and sea salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Optional: Add chia seeds for thicker oats.
- Optional: Sweeten with maple syrup or honey as desired.
- Stir the mixture well, ensuring all oats are coated and no dry oats remain.
- Cover the bowl or jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- In the morning, stir the oats and adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed.
- Serve with toppings such as banana slices, nuts, or extra caramel sauce.
Notes
Use a mason jar or airtight container for easy storage and grab-and-go convenience.
Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less caramel or syrup.
The oats will thicken overnight; add a little milk in the morning if you prefer a creamier texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, absolutely. You can replace the milk with almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. You can also use dairy-free yogurt to keep it fully plant-based while still creamy.
How long can I store salted caramel overnight oats?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes them ideal for meal prep. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
No, chia seeds are optional. They help make the oats thicker and add extra fiber, but the recipe works perfectly well without them.
Can I warm up overnight oats?
Yes, you can. Simply microwave them for 30–60 seconds or heat them gently on the stove with a splash of milk until warm.
What toppings go well with this recipe?
Fresh banana slices, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce pair beautifully with the oats. You can also add cocoa nibs for a slight crunch.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes. You can easily scale the ingredients to make multiple servings for the entire week.