For anyone craving a decadent yet wholesome breakfast, these Salted Caramel Overnight Oats are about to become your new obsession. Imagine spoonfuls of creamy oats swirling with silky, sweet date caramel and just the right hint of sea salt, all made with nourishing ingredients you probably already have on hand. This recipe promises a dreamy, dessert-like breakfast that takes mere minutes to prepare and rewards you with a perfectly chilled, ready-to-enjoy jar when you wake up. It strikes that magical balance between delicious indulgence and feel-good nutrition, all packed into one cozy serving.

Salted Caramel Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the fantastic simplicity of these ingredients: each one is chosen for its ability to add something special. From the oats that soak up flavor overnight to the luscious dates delivering natural caramel notes, every component plays a vital role in making these Salted Caramel Overnight Oats utterly irresistible.

Oats (⅓ cup): The hearty base, rolled or minute oats both work beautifully and give the dish its signature creamy texture.
Chia seeds (1 tbsp): Not only great for extra fiber, but also help thicken the oats to a pudding-like consistency.
Vanilla protein powder (2 tbsp): Adds lovely vanilla notes, plus a protein punch to keep you satisfied all morning long.
Cacao nibs (1 tbsp): Bring a hint of chocolatey crunch and a bit of sophistication to each bite.
Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla (¼ cup): Makes the oats creamy and decadent, while boosting the protein content even more.
Milk (½ cup): Helps everything blend together, and you can choose your favorite dairy or plant-based milk.
Medjool dates (1-2 large, pitted): Nature’s caramel! These blend right in to create that signature salted caramel flavor.
Sea salt (Pinch): Essential for that deeply satisfying salted caramel contrast—don’t skip it!
Peanut butter caramel (1 tbsp, optional): For those who want to go all out, a drizzle on top seals the deal and adds a nutty, sweet finish.

How to Make Salted Caramel Overnight Oats

Step 1: Mix Up the Dry Ingredients

Grab your favorite 10-ounce glass jar. Layer in the oats, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, and cacao nibs. Give everything a quick mix, making sure those chia seeds and cacao nibs are evenly distributed. This mixture is going to soak up all the creamy goodness later, and the cacao nibs ensure every spoonful has a surprise little crunch.

Step 2: Blend the Caramel Magic

Next, bring out your trusty blender. Into it goes the Greek yogurt, milk, those luscious medjool dates, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until completely smooth; the dates should disappear into the milk, creating a thick, dreamy base that smells almost like caramel sauce—without any added sugars.

Step 3: Combine and Whisk

Pour the gorgeous date-milk mixture right into your jar of dry ingredients. Grab a small whisk or spoon and blend everything together thoroughly. You want to make sure there are no pockets of powder or stray date bits—it’s all about that smooth, creamy finish in these Salted Caramel Overnight Oats.

Step 4: Top and Chill

A generous swirl of peanut butter caramel on top (if desired) makes this breakfast feel extra special, almost decadent. Scatter a few more cacao nibs for good measure. Cover your jar and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours or—better yet—overnight. This gives the oats time to soak up every flavor, resulting in a texture that’s thick, creamy, and truly crave-worthy.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Overnight Oats

Garnishes

A breakfast this delicious deserves a little dress-up! Add a drizzle of extra peanut butter caramel, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a few more cacao nibs for a crunchy finish. Sliced bananas or a handful of toasted nuts are also wonderful if you want to keep layering on textures and flavors.

Side Dishes

Salted Caramel Overnight Oats can stand alone as a filling breakfast, but pairing them with a fresh fruit salad, hot cup of coffee, or even a small smoothie on the side feels like a treat. If you’re brunching with friends, add a platter of seasonal fruit or nutty granola bars for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not show off your masterpiece? Spoon the oats into a clear glass or mini trifle bowl to highlight those pretty layers. Top with caramel zigzags or even a scoop of whipped Greek yogurt for flair. If packing for the office or school, try layering in a portable jar with a tight lid for a beautiful and practical take-along breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which, honestly, is rare), simply pop the jar back into the fridge with the lid tightly on. Salted Caramel Overnight Oats keep beautifully for up to three days, although the oats will keep softening the longer they sit. Give everything a quick stir before eating, and you’re back in breakfast bliss.

Freezing

While overnight oats are best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, you can freeze them if you need to meal prep in advance. Place the oat mixture (minus the garnishes) in a freezer-safe jar or container, leaving a little space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, stir well, then add your favorite toppings.

Reheating

These Salted Caramel Overnight Oats are designed to be eaten cold, straight from the fridge for that perfectly creamy texture. If you’re craving something a bit cozier, spoon them into a microwave-safe bowl and warm gently for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through—just be mindful not to overheat and lose those contrasting textures.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

Absolutely! While rolled oats add a bit more bite, instant or minute oats break down faster and give you an even creamier base. You may want to decrease the chilling time slightly if you prefer a looser texture.

What if I don’t have chia seeds?

No worries! The chia seeds help thicken these Salted Caramel Overnight Oats, but you can swap them for ground flaxseed or simply leave them out—the oats will still thicken up thanks to the yogurt and milk.

Is there a protein powder alternative?

Yes! If you prefer not to use protein powder, add a splash of vanilla extract and a little extra Greek yogurt or nut butter for richness and a subtle vanilla flavor. The oats are plenty filling even without the extra protein.

Do I have to use Medjool dates?

Medjool dates create that classic caramel flavor, but in a pinch, you can use regular dates—just soak them in warm water first to soften them up. Alternatively, try a spoonful of date syrup or a little maple syrup as a substitute.

How can I make these oats dairy-free?

To keep your Salted Caramel Overnight Oats completely plant-based, use your favorite dairy-free Greek-style yogurt and a non-dairy milk. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work wonderfully for both texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a little excitement to your morning routine, Salted Caramel Overnight Oats are truly a breakfast game-changer. The combo of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavor will keep you coming back, morning after morning. Give them a try, and share the breakfast joy with someone you love!

Salted Caramel Overnight Oats Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the sweetness of Salted Caramel Overnight Oats, a delightful and nutritious breakfast option that can be prepared the night before for a hassle-free morning.

Ingredients

Scale

Oat Mixture:

⅓ cup oats (rolled or minute oats)
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp cacao nibs

Liquid Mixture:

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla)
½ cup milk
1–2 large medjool dates (seed removed)
Pinch of sea salt

Topping:

1 tbsp Peanut butter caramel (optional for topping)

Instructions

Oat Mixture: In a 10 oz glass jar, add oats, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, and cacao nibs. Mix to combine.
Liquid Mixture: In a high-powered blender, blend together Greek yogurt, milk, medjool dates, and sea salt until smooth.
Combine: Whisk the date milk blend into the dry ingredients.
Chill: Top with peanut butter caramel sauce (if desired) and additional cacao nibs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to thicken and chill, preferably overnight.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Mixing, Blending
Cuisine: American