These Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats give your breakfast a sweet twist! With creamy oats and a hint of vanilla, they taste like dessert in the morning. Yum!
I love how easy these are to make—just mix and chill overnight. Plus, who wouldn’t want a breakfast that feels a bit fancy? I might even top it with a sprinkle of sugar for that classic brûlée crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are perfect for overnight oats as they absorb liquid well while still retaining a chewy texture. Quick oats can be used, but they’ll be softer. Steel-cut oats won’t work as well because they need more cooking time.
Milk: You can use any milk you like! Dairy milk, almond milk, or oat milk are great choices. Each type will give a slightly different flavor and creaminess, so pick what you enjoy most.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt. Regular yogurt works too, but it’s thinner.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work nicely here, but if you prefer less sugar, try using a sugar-free syrup or yogurt that’s naturally sweetened.
Granulated Sugar: This is for the brûlée topping. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or coconut sugar if you’re looking for a less refined option.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Caramelized Sugar Topping?
The caramelized sugar on top is what makes these oats feel special! Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- After chilling the oats, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on the top.
- If using a kitchen torch, hold it about 2 inches away and move it around the surface until the sugar melts and bubbles, then turns golden brown.
- If you don’t have a torch, place the jar under a broiler set to high. Keep a close eye on it for 1-2 minutes so it doesn’t burn.
- Let the crème brûlée topping cool for a minute to harden, then enjoy the satisfying crunch!
Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for caramelized topping)
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then it needs to chill in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just a few minutes are needed to caramelize the sugar on top. So, in total, you’re looking at a delightful breakfast that requires minimal active time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a bowl or jar—whichever you prefer. In it, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well blended. You want all those flavors to come together nicely!
2. Chill Overnight:
Once your mixture is ready, cover the jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill overnight, or at least for 4 hours. This waiting period allows the oats to soften and soak up all the delicious flavors.
3. Prepare the Topping:
When it’s time to eat, take your chilled oats out of the fridge. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top. This will create that lovely, crunchy layer once we caramelize it!
4. Caramelize the Sugar:
Now, for the fun part! If you have a kitchen torch, use it to gently caramelize the sugar until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Hold the torch about 2 inches away from the sugar and move it around to get an even burn.
If you don’t have a torch, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the jar under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it. You don’t want to end up with burnt sugar!
5. Enjoy Your Creation:
After caramelizing, let your oats sit for a minute to cool down and allow the sugar crust to harden. Then, dig in! You can also add some fresh berries on top or on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your decadent Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats, perfect for a special breakfast treat any day!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind they will result in a softer texture. Rolled oats are recommended for a bit more chewiness, making them perfect for overnight oats.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey. Choose a non-dairy milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk as well.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to add the sugar topping right before you’re ready to caramelize and enjoy!
How Can I Customize the Flavor?
Feel free to mix in flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even almond extract. You can also add chia seeds or nuts for an extra crunch! Fresh fruits can be added either in the base mixture or as a topping when serving.
