Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Dates is a simple and cozy breakfast that's naturally sweetened, pleasantly creamy, and rich in flavors of caramel and spice.
Overnight oats are one of the easiest ways to prepare a decent breakfast in advance. It doesn't get any more straightforward than throwing a few ingredients in a jar and giving it a shake.
This version of overnight oats combines oats with chopped Medjool dates, cinnamon, chia seeds, and honey for a filling and effortless way to start your day.
Native to the Middle East, though now grown in locations around the world, dates grow in clusters on large date palm trees. They look like big raisins and have a deep, caramel-like sweetness to them. Medjools are larger and softer than other varieties, and technically, they're not dried even though they may appear so. They're softer than you'd expect, making it easy to slice open, pop out the tiny pit, and chop up for oatmeal or several other uses ranging from sweet to savory.
Yeah, dates have sugar, and they're sweet. But they're not all that bad. Dates are a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. And I find that they help my jar of oats feel more substantial and filling.
Dates are also a feature ingredient in my date carrot cake. But I could also see them working well chopped up and added to this arugula and spinach salad, or pureed and used in place of some of the sugar in these fig bars.
📋Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make these cinnamon overnight oats with dates.
- Medjool dates are soft and chewy with a caramel-like flavor. They break down into the oatmeal as the oats sit overnight, creating a natural sweetener that's also a good source of fiber.
- Rolled oats result in a good balance of texture and chewiness for sitting overnight.
- Honey complements the dates and adds just a touch of a lighter note of sweetness.
- Cinnamon adds a little spice and pairs well with the caramel-like flavor of the dates.
- Chia seeds help thicken the oatmeal as it sits overnight while adding more nutritional value and substance to keep you feeling full.
- Milk serves as the liquid the oats will soak in overnight.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
🍯Substitutions
- Honey - Maple syrup would work instead of honey, or you can leave it out.
- Chia seeds - Feel free to leave these out if you're not into chia. You may not need as much milk as a result.
- Cinnamon - Try spices like ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice in place or in addition to the cinnamon.
A note on what not to substitute. Although dates may look like any other dried fruit, and you may want to try using something else instead of the dates, don't. Dates are essential to this recipe. Other fruits won't contribute the same flavor, texture, or sweetness.
🔪Instructions
Slice open the dates, remove the pits, and roughly chop into pieces.
Pour the oats into two jars.
Add chia seeds to each jar.
Add the chopped dates to each jar.
Sprinkle cinnamon into the jars.
Top the oats with milk.
Drizzle honey over the oats.
Shake the jars, pop them in the fridge, and let them sit overnight before enjoying in the morning.
🥣Top tips
- I find that overnight oats can often use a good stirring on the morning you plan to eat them to help distribute the ingredients.
- If you want to add fresh fruit to the mix, wait until you're ready to eat the oats. Fruit can turn mushy while sitting in liquid overnight.
🌾Storage
These overnight oats are best within a couple of days. I find the texture can get too soft after that, so I recommend making no more than two days' worth at a time. Of course, they should remain covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
💭FAQ
Yes. After opening a package, or if you're buying them loose in the grocery store's produce department, you should keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent them from drying out.
The great thing about overnight oats is that they're so versatile. and nearly anything you can dream up can be added. However, there are two things you may want to avoid adding and wait to top your oats before serving. First, most fresh fruits are best added upon serving to prevent them from going mushy. Second, any ingredients you want to keep crunchy, such as coconut flakes or nuts, are better served as a topping so they stay crunchy. However, these are personal preferences and just suggestions.
Overnight oats are fine made a night or two in advance. After that, they may become too soft. However, this is also personal preference, and if you like your oats particularly soft, feel free to leave them overnight for more than two nights.
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📖 Recipe
Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Dates
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Dates is a simple and cozy breakfast that's naturally sweetened, pleasantly creamy, and rich in flavors of caramel and spice.
Ingredients
- 4 Medjool dates
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoon honey
- Optional toppings: sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or additional honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep the dates. Slice them open, remove the pits, and roughly chop.
- Assemble the jars of oats. Divide the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, milk, and honey into two jars. Put the lids of the jars, give them each a good shake, then place them in the fridge to rest overnight.
- Enjoy your overnight oats. In the morning, stir the jars, add fresh fruit or nuts if desired, another splash of milk if needed, and enjoy.
Notes
You can prepare your overnight oats up to two nights in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
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