Cozy Gingerbread Protein Overnight Oats Recipe
This Cozy Gingerbread Protein Overnight Oats recipe is a nutritious and delicious make-ahead breakfast option that combines the warming spices of gingerbread with protein-packed ingredients. Perfect for busy mornings, these oats soak overnight to develop a creamy texture and rich flavor, enhanced by optional Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and customizable toppings like nuts or dried fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- Chopped nuts or dried fruit (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl or a mason jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, protein powder, molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and maple syrup (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly blended to ensure the flavors distribute uniformly.
- Add Greek Yogurt (Optional): If you prefer a creamier texture, fold in the Greek yogurt gently until fully incorporated without over-mixing, which helps maintain a smooth consistency.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This chilling period allows the oats to soften and absorb the liquids and spices, developing a thick, creamy consistency.
- Serve: In the morning, stir the oats well. If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency. Top with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of additional spices for extra flavor and texture. Serve cold or warm briefly in the microwave for a cozy, comforting start to your day.
Notes
- You can use any milk of your choice including dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk depending on your dietary preferences.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of molasses and maple syrup according to taste.
- The protein powder can be vanilla or unflavored; plant-based or whey protein both work well.
- For a vegan option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or omit it entirely.
- Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and crunch.
Keywords: overnight oats, protein oats, gingerbread oats, healthy breakfast, meal prep oats, make-ahead breakfast, cozy breakfast, low fat breakfast
