With a simple method that creates a creamy breakfast high in iron, protein, and fiber, these Overnight Steel Cut Oats are a favorite meal prep option for busy mornings. Bonus: You can adjust the flavor as you like.
After making Chia Pudding Overnight Oats and Coconut Milk Overnight Oats, I wanted to make a version with steel cut oats to take advantage of their texture—and nutrition.
Quick Look: Overnight Steel Cut Oats
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight in the fridge)
- Servings: 4-6
- Flavor Profile: Creamy vanilla pudding with rice-pudding-like texture
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for everyday breakfasts
- Why to Make: It’s a nutritious way to serve oats to kids and adults
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Table of Contents
This meal prep breakfast is a great way to turn pantry staples into a satisfying meal and is a high fiber food for kids…that kids will actually enjoy!
Why this Recipe Works
By mixing steel cut oats with milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and optional fruit, you can make a pudding-like breakfast to share that’s great to prep ahead and is packed with nutrition.
I have learned that my kids like Blended Overnight Oats when they are super creamy or this version, which has more texture. Steel cut oats are a less-refined version of the oat grain, which means they have fiber and B vitamins…and a really fun mouthfeel.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Steel Cut Overnight Oats so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Milk: You can use any type of milk you prefer here. I always have whole milk dairy in my house, so that’s my preference.
- Steel cut oats: Look for these near the regular rolled oats in your supermarket. If you see “instant” steel cut oats, grab those as they will soften more easily, too. These have a chewier texture than other types of oatmeal.
- Applesauce: I like to use applesauce as the sweetener here to avoid added sugars. You can also use mashed ripe banana or a little maple syrup if you prefer.
- Hemp seeds (or peanut or almond butter; optional): Feel free to increase the protein by adding 1-2 tablespoons of any of these.
- Cinnamon and vanilla extract: A little of each of these adds flavor that pairs nicely with the rest of the ingredients–and goes well with fresh fruit if you decided to top your Steel Cut Overnight Oats with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or another fruit.
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How to Make Steel Cut Overnight Oats
Here’s a preview of how to make these Steel Cut Overnight Oats so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Add the milk and oats to a medium pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and turn off the heat.
Step 2. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl. Stir well.
Step 3. Portion into individual jars or cover the bowl. Refrigerate overnight, and serve cold with sliced fruit, granola, or additional milk.
TIP: I wanted to make this recipe for myself and I tried a few existing recipes online…but none of them made the oats soft enough to easily chew. So I tested and retested and landed on a super easy method that’s more reliable.
Overnight Steel Cut Oats FAQs
You can do the first step of my recipe in the microwave if you prefer. Or use instant steel cut oats and skip the cooking all together.
Sure, you can stir it into the whole batch or add a drizzle to each serving.
Imagine the consistency of rice pudding, with a naturally sweet base. These are meant to be eaten cold out of the fridge, though you can warm them slightly if you prefer.
How to Store
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Best Tips for Success
- Store in the refrigerator overnight to allow the steel cut oats to soften enough to be tender enough to easily chew.
- Top with fruit, Greek yogurt, milk, almond milk, honey (for kids over age 1), Homemade Granola, or another desired topping.
- If the mixture is thicker than you prefer, simply stir in a little more milk (or yogurt) before serving.
More Easy Overnight Oats
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Overnight Oats with Yogurt
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Strawberry Overnight Oats
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Blended Overnight Oats
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Chia Pudding Overnight Oats
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Steel Cut Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup raw steel cut oats
- ½ cup applesauce
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds (or peanut or almond butter; optional)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the milk and oats to a medium pot set over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and turn off the heat. (This step helps ensure the oats soften enough as they sit overnight; in my testing, skipping this step meant the oats were too chewy.)
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl and stir.
- Portion into individual jars or cover the bowl.
- Refrigerate overnight and serve cold with sliced fruit, granola, or additional milk.
Equipment
Notes
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Store in the refrigerator overnight to allow the steel cut oats to soften enough to be tender enough to easily chew.
- Top with fruit, Greek yogurt, milk, almond milk, honey (for kids over age 1), Homemade Granola, or another desired topping.
- If the mixture is thicker than you prefer, simply stir in a little more milk (or yogurt) before serving.
- Dairy-free: Use a favorite nondairy milk.
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