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Learn how to make overnight oats with protein powder to make an already wholesome breakfast even more satisfying. Protein overnight oats are thick, creamy, and easy to customize. It’s great for meal prepping, too.
Table of Contents
Adding protein powder to my classic overnight oats has helped my family and me stay energized and fuller for longer. It’s an easy way to add extra protein to breakfast, and doesn’t affect the texture or flavor of oatmeal.
This is a spin on protein oatmeal, except these are enjoyed straight from the refrigerator- no microwaving or cooking required. I like how you can customize the base recipe with different flavors, mix-ins, or even protein powders. They are fabulous for meal prepping, and I usually prepare a large batch for us (at least 20 portions) on a Sunday, so every member of my household has breakfast each weekday morning. Fun fact- I ate this very breakfast every morning before culinary school. I may or may not credit my honors degree with them, haha!
Protein overnight oats recipe highlights
High protein: The addition of protein powder packs 45 grams of protein in each breakfast bowl.
Quick and easy: As I mentioned earlier, protein overnight oats require very little preparation. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl or jar and let them sit overnight.
Customizable: I think I’ve tried almost every combination featuring fresh and frozen fruits, nut butter, jellies, jam, and various nuts and seeds.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I just love this recipe. I’ve made it up for the morning and added a few blueberries. Can’t wait to have it.” – Tracey
Key Ingredients
- Rolled oats (Old-fashioned oats). While quick oats work, the rolled variety has a chewy and satisfying texture. They soak up all the liquid and thicken the oats beautifully. Don’t fret, though. They will not turn to mush! You can also use gluten-free oats if you need them to be gluten-free.
- Chia seeds. I like to add some chia seeds to thicken the oats and also pack in some extra fiber (6 grams per tablespoon!). I have also successfully used ground flaxseed.
- Protein powder. Vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored protein powder. I like casein protein powder, but whey protein and vegan protein also work fine. Please ensure you like the taste of the protein powder you use, as it will be very noticeable.
- Milk of choice. I use unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works (oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, etc).
- Mix-ins. The fun part: fresh or frozen fruit, bananas, cinnamon, strawberries, maple syrup, nut butter, nuts, coconut, or even some chocolate.
How to make overnight oats with protein powder
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Mix the oats, chia seeds, and protein powder in a bowl.
Step 2- Add milk. Gently mix it, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Step 3- The next morning, add more milk if needed.
Step 4- Stir through and top your favorite mix-ins and enjoy immediately.
Substitutions and additions
Here are some fun ways to customize your protein overnight oats, along with flavor variations to try:
Nuts or seeds: Cashews and almonds are among my favorite nuts, which also provide healthy fats and fiber. Opt for unsalted and raw nuts.
Fruit: This is my family’s go-to. Either fresh or frozen fruit works, and we typically enjoy strawberries, bananas, blueberries, and raspberries.
Nut or seed butter. Peanut butter, almond butter, and even tahini are all fantastic ways to add healthy fats, which will keep you fuller for longer.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are great, as are vanilla extract or other extracts.
Toppings: I always love a bit of crunch on top. Try my protein granola or healthy granola, or sometimes chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
How to store overnight oats
Storage: High-protein overnight oats will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. If the oats become too thick, you can add milk to thin them out. I wouldn’t add any fresh fruit toppings until ready to eat.
Freezing: You can freeze portions of the oats for up to 6 months in the freezer.
More oatmeal recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this Overnight Oats With Protein Powder recipe, please give it a star rating. It really helps others thinking of making it.
Overnight Oats With Protein Powder {45g Protein}
Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup protein powder
- 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Add the oats, protein powder, and chia seeds to a shallow container or cereal bowl. Add the milk and give it a mix.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- When ready to enjoy, give it a mix and add more milk if needed. Add your toppings and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the ratios: If you prefer thicker oats, you can cut back on the liquid, or if you like them thinner, add more liquid.
- Add sweetness: Add maple syrup, sugar, or your favorite sweetener if your protein powder is unsweetened.
- Give everything a good mix! Before refrigerating, give everything a good mix to prevent the oats or chia from clumping.
- Add toppings just before eating.:This is especially important for crunchy toppings like nuts or granola. You don’t want them to soften and be soggy!
- Meal prep the oatmeal: Simply multiply this recipe by five and divide the mixture into five Tupperware containers, and you will have breakfast sorted for every weekday morning!
- Storage: Prep your oats in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just be sure to give the oats a good mix, as it will continue to thicken.
Wow I don’t usually love overnight oats but these were amazing. I sprinkled cinnamon and threw strawberries and blackberries on top. Kept me full the better part of the morning.
Do you know if hemp protein powder will work for your recipes? I’d prefer not to waste it if not. It has hemp powder, flaxseed, spirulina. Very much interested in trying the bars and protein balls, and overnight oats 1st. Thank you.
I don’t see why not. If anything, I’d just be cautious of the overpowering taste coming through (but it can be masked up!)
I just love this recipe. I’ve made it up for the morning, added a few blueberries. Can’t wait to try it.
Made some overnight oats for tomorrow and I can’t be more excited! I would love to try the keto-friendly recipe one day. Been meaning to integrate more keto-friendly recipes that are also vegan!
Where is the recipe for the low carb option? You write, “This thick and creamy overnight oatmeal recipe is vegan, gluten-free and comes with a keto and low carb option!” So where is it?
LaWanda it is written both in the post and in the recipe card. Enjoy