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These snickers overnight oats have all the best parts of the candy bar in a breakfast bowl. Made with everyday ingredients, this 5-minute oats recipe is like having a dessert for breakfast!
I love giving my oatmeal a dessert-like makeover. It’s probably why tiramisu overnight oats or brownie baked oatmeal are both inspired by two popular desserts.
As someone who loves a Snickers candy bar, I like to make my oats taste like them! Crunchy yet creamy, salty yet sweet, caramelly yet chocolaty, and satisfying yet healthy- these oats are what breakfast dreams are made of!
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It is healthy. Snickers may not be the healthiest of candies, but these oats are! They are refined sugar-free and free from added fats. The fiber and slow releasing carbs from the oats, healthy omega-3 fats from the seeds, and an extra protein boost from protein powder make this recipe a perfect post-workout meal.
- It is customizable. You can do so many variations of this recipe. Switch the nuts, add a crunchy element, throw in some chocolate chips, add dried fruits- the possibilities are endless!
- Family favorite. My family used to hate oatmeal but since I gave them a healthy dessert makeover, it’s now their favorite breakfast,
What I love about the overnight oats is the minimum prep time. With five minutes of prep the previous night, you get a delicious, readymade, and filling breakfast the next day!
Ingredients Needed
If oats are your go-to breakfast, you’ll have most of these ingredients in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need.
- Rolled oats. I have found that rolled/old-fashioned oats work best with overnight recipes. Quick oats become too mushy, and steel-cut oats are a little time-consuming! However, if you do prefer the latter, try my steel cut overnight oats recipe and just adapt the toppings.
- Maple syrup. For the subtle sweetness. If you’re avoiding natural/ refined sugars, try the recipe with sugar-free alternatives like allulose or monk fruit sweetener.
- Protein powder. Some days, when I need the extra boost of protein (especially after a workout!), I add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to my oats. This is completely optional.
- Flax seeds. I like to add some ground flaxseed for some added fiber, but also it helps to thicken the oats.
- Sea salt. You need just a pinch. It brings out the natural sweetness in the oats.
- Vanilla extract. Any good quality vanilla extract will work. You only need a few drops!
- Milk. Depending on your preference, use dairy or plant-based milk to soak the oats. Because we’re adding flavors, I suggest you go with unflavored milk.
- Peanuts. Buy salted and roasted peanuts for the authentic peanut and salted caramel taste.
- Caramel sauce. I like to make my own sugar free caramel syrup, but any mainstream supermarket sauce works.
- Chocolate sauce. What’s a Snickers without its chocolate layer? Recreate it in your bowl with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce or just some melted chocolate.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make Snickers oatmeal
We have used our favorite ingredients and turned humble overnight oats into delicious breakfast desserts! Here’s how you do it.
Step 1- Mix the dry ingredients. Combine oats, protein powder, sea salt, and ground flax seeds in a small container or a cereal bowl.
Step 2- Refrigerate the overnight oats. Mix in milk and vanilla extract and stir to combine. Add half the salted peanuts and refrigerate the oats for at least an hour. It’s best if you do it overnight.
Step 3- Adjust the consistency. Remove the oats from the refrigerator and adjust the consistency using milk!
Step 4- Drizzle the toppings and enjoy! Finish it by drizzling over salted peanuts, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, and a pinch of sea salt.
Recipe tips and variations
- Stir the mixture well. You want chia or ground flax seeds to be evenly distributed for a uniformly creamy texture. Because they tend to clump together, stir the oats after adding milk and allow them to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Stir it once more before transferring it to the fridge.
- Adjust the sweetness. I prefer my oats to be less sweet. Add more or less maple syrup to your liking.
- Make it more chocolaty. If you love intense chocolate flavor, stir in a spoon of cocoa powder or use chocolate-flavored protein powder in the recipe.
- Make it vegan. You can make this recipe vegan without a lot of hassle. Simply use plant-based milk and protein powder. You’ll also find plant-based caramel and chocolate sauces in supermarkets.
- Scale it up. I often make a big batch for my family or as a part of my weekend meal prep! It keeps well in the refrigerator, and you have a healthy breakfast at beck and call!
Storage instructions
To store. Refrigerate the overnight oats for three to five days in sealed containers.
More delicious ways to enjoy oatmeal
Frequently asked questions
Skip the roasted peanuts and substitute them with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
I understand some of you like your oats warmed through. To do so, leave out the toppings and heat your oats in the microwave until warmed, and enjoy!
Snickers Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 cup protein powder optional
- 1 tablespoon ground flax can sub for chia seeds
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon peanuts divided
- 1/2-3/4 cup milk I used unsweetened almond
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce see above
- 1 tablespoon chocolate sauce see above
Instructions
- In a cereal bowl or small container, combine your rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, ground flax, sea salt and mix well. Add the milk and mix well. Add 1 tablespoon of the salted peanuts and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight.
- The next morning, remove the oat mixture from the fridge. If it is too thick, add milk to thin out to desired consistency. Top with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, extra tablespoon of salted peanuts, and a dash of sea salt and enjoy!
Can I keep this oatmeal in fridge for 1 day or more?