Wake Up to Creamy Magic With Horchata Overnight Oats
We’ve all been there, rushing through mornings, skipping breakfast, or settling for something boring and forgettable.
What if your first meal could taste like a dessert and still be wholesome?
Think: creamy oats infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutty warmth.
That’s what Horchata Overnight Oats bring to your bowl. It solves the “I’m too busy for breakfast” problem by making flavor-packed nutrition ready before your alarm even rings.
What is Horchata?
Horchata started as a sweet drink from Mexico, made with rice, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. Its fragrant spice blends with smooth sweetness are exactly the vibe we want in a breakfast that kicks off energy for the whole day.
Ingredients
Here’s what each component does:
- Rolled oats (old‑fashioned): chewy base full of fiber.
- Rice milk (or almond/oat milk): brings in that creamy horchata vibe.
- Yogurt (plain or vanilla, dairy or nondairy): for tang, protein, and silkiness.
- Maple syrup (honey or agave): natural sweetness to echo the drink.
- Vanilla extract: ties in with traditional horchata notes.
- Ground cinnamon & cloves (or allspice): warming spices that define the taste.
- Almond butter: adds richness, smooth texture, and extra protein.
- Chopped almonds: gives crunch and nutty flavor.
- Pinch of salt: highlights all the other flavors.
- Optional chia seeds/protein powder: extra nutrition.
- Optional banana or chopped dates: natural sweetness and creaminess.
Looking for another oat-based recipe with a cozy twist? Try our Easy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe that brings crunch and comfort.
Why These Ingredients Work
Each layer mimics the flavors of the original horchata drink.
Oats soak in rice milk and spices like a hug.
Yogurt and almond butter take the texture up a notch.
Nuts and seeds finish it off with crunch and extra staying power so you’re fueled mid‑morning.
Want to understand more about why spices like cinnamon and clove behave the way they do in recipes? Visit our Culinary Spices Guide.
Ingredient Alternatives
If rice milk is hard to find? Use almond or oat milk.
Want it sweeter? Swap maple syrup for honey or agave.
No yogurt? Try plain coconut yogurt or leave it out, but add extra almond butter.
Avoid nuts? Use seed butter like sunflower and toast pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Need a vegan-friendly dessert to go with your breakfast routine? This Vegan Matcha Ice Cream is refreshing, earthy, and easy to make.
How To Make Horchata Overnight Oats
- Mix oats, rice milk, yogurt, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, salt.
- Stir until creamy and smooth. Almond butter melts in, hugging every oat.
- Add chopped almonds and chia/protein if using.
- Cover and chill for 8–24 hours.
- In the morning, stir again. If it’s too thick, loosen with a splash of milk.
- Eat cold or warm for 30–45 seconds.
- Top with fresh fruit, nuts, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of nut butter.
If you’re new to following recipes step-by-step, our guide on How to Read a Recipe will build confidence with every dish.
How Overnight Oats Work
Oats soak and soften over time. The long chill lets them absorb all the spices and creaminess. No cooking needed – just stir and go, or heat if you like them warm.
Customization Tips
You can change things up:
- Add chia seeds for brain‑boosting omega‑3s.
- Stir in mashed banana for extra sweetness and texture.
- Mix in protein powder to support morning workouts.
- Sprinkle puffed rice or shredded coconut on top for extra fun.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Keep in glass jars or containers. They’re perfect for meal‑prepping breakfast once for the whole week. They stay good for about 3–4 days in the fridge. Warming is optional – a zap in the microwave or enjoy cold on a hot day.
Health Insights & Nutrition
Each serving is roughly 300–350 calories, depending on your add‑ins.
Calories mostly come from oats and almond butter.
It’s rich in fiber, plant protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals from nuts and spices.
The cinnamon and cloves have antioxidants that can help with inflammation.
Use gluten‑free oats to make this breakfast grain‑friendly.
What Makes This Version Stand Out
Here’s the twist: stirring almond butter into the base before chilling, instead of using it only as a topping.
That means every bite is richer, smoother, and more satisfying.
It deepens the horchata flavor in a way that many recipes don’t.
Plus, it offers a subtle protein and texture upgrade.
Nutrition Chart (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~325 kcal |
| Protein | ~10 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40 g |
| Fiber | ~8 g |
| Sugars | ~10 g |
| Fat | ~14 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~120 mg |
Values are estimates and can shift based on dairy vs non-dairy swaps and add-ins.
Tracking nutrients? Our Grams to Cups Conversion Guide can help you adjust for any portion size.
Horchata Overnight Oats Recipe
Print
Horchata Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, cinnamon-scented oats inspired by the flavors of traditional Mexican horchata. This easy make-ahead breakfast blends rice milk, vanilla, and warm spices with rolled oats and a touch of almond butter for richness. A swirl of almond butter in the mix adds an original twist and keeps the oats extra creamy while deepening the horchata flavor.
Equipment
- Medium bowl or 16 oz mason jar
- Spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup rice milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax
- Optional: sliced banana or chopped dates for added sweetness
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or mason jar, combine oats, rice milk, yogurt, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir thoroughly until the almond butter is fully blended and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and optional chia seeds or fruit if using.
- Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add a splash of milk if you’d like it looser.
- Serve chilled, or microwave for 30–45 seconds if you prefer warm oats.
- Top with more almonds, fresh fruit, or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Adding almond butter to the base—not as a topping—makes these oats stand out from the rest. It enriches the texture, softens the bite of the oats, and deepens the horchata flavor with a subtle nuttiness that traditional recipes miss. This trick also boosts protein and satiety, making it a better option for busy mornings.
*To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
*For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and ensure your almond butter has no added dairy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: ~325 kcal
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~120 mg
- Fat: ~14 g
- Saturated Fat: ~2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~40 g
- Fiber: ~8 g
- Protein: ~10 g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I skip yogurt?
Yes. Replace with the same amount of milk and add a bit more almond butter or a scoop of protein powder for creaminess.
2. Are these gluten‑free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten‑free oats. Always check packaging.
3. How long do they last?
Store in the fridge and eat within 3–4 days. You can redo the topping fresh each day.
4. Can I freeze them?
It’s not recommended. Oats tend to separate and get soggy after thawing.
5. Can I make a big batch?
Sure! Multiply ingredients and divide into individual jars for easy grab‑and‑go breakfasts.
6. Are there vegan alternatives?
Just use plant‑based milk and yogurt and ensure your almond butter is dairy‑free. That makes it vegan and delicious.
7. Can I take this to work?
Absolutely. Mason jars or sealed containers are perfect for travel and stay fresh for hours.
The Final Bite
Breakfast shouldn’t be a chore. These Horchata Overnight Oats turn a quick morning into something worth waking up for. If you’re craving more real-deal recipes that work hard and taste great, subscribe to the Simply Delicious Newsletter.
This recipe comes from Ryan Yates, a working executive chef with 20 years in the kitchen, so you know it’s been tested, tasted, and made to fit real life.
About the Author
Ryan Yates is a culinary expert with over 20 years of experience in commercial kitchens. As a working executive chef, he has a passion for creating delicious, accessible recipes that bring joy to home cooks everywhere. Ryan believes in the magic of simple ingredients and loves sharing his knowledge to help others find happiness in cooking.
