Coconut Overnight Oats

I’m a huge fan of coconut and love it in desserts like my easy coconut macaroons, and I add it to baked goods like my zucchini chocolate chip bread every chance I get.

I almost always incorporate it into my overnight oats as well. I honestly can’t think of a better way to start the day than with these Coconut Overnight Oats. They’re creamy, delicious and reminiscent of coconut cream pie!

It takes just a few quick minutes to prep the overnight oats the night before, which consists of combining old fashioned rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup and milk in a large bowl.

The oats soften overnight as they absorb the liquid, and the chia seeds help thicken the mixture and add protein as well.

In the morning, all you have to do is stir in the Greek yogurt and coconut and enjoy.

This is an easy breakfast recipe that’s perfect for meal prepping, and it tastes like a treat. 🙂

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Coconut chia overnight oats are incredibly rich and creamy with plain Greek yogurt, and they taste like coconut cream pie.
• This recipe calls for just six basic ingredients and comes together in less than five minutes.
• Overnight oats can be made up to five days in advance, making them perfect for breakfasts on-the-go.
• This recipe is high in protein and naturally gluten-free.

Recipe ingredients

You need very few ingredients to make overnight oats packed with creamy coconut flavor.

• Oats. Use old-fashioned oats, not quick oats or steel cut. Check that your oats are certified gluten-free, if needed. If you wish to use steel cut oats, see my recipe for banana overnight steel cut oats.
• Chia seeds. The chia seeds do two things — they help thicken the overnight oats like they do my chia seed jam, and they add extra protein. If you don’t have any on hand, reduce the amount of liquid by 1/2 cup, or a total of 2 cups.
• Milk. I love using refrigerated unsweetened coconut milk, not canned coconut milk as canned is very rich. You can certainly use your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk.
• Maple syrup. May be substituted with honey or another favorite sweetener.
• Greek yogurt. I used plain Greek yogurt, but you may use a non-dairy alternative if you need to keep this recipe dairy-free.
• Coconut. I used unsweetened shredded coconut in the oat mixture, and coconut flakes on top for added crunch. Use whatever type of coconut that you have in the pantry!

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

How to make coconut overnight oats

These overnight oats are made in one bowl and take just five minutes to prepare.

Pro tip: I don’t recommend skipping the chia seeds as they bloom in the coconut milk and create ultra creamy overnight oats. If you don’t have any chia seeds on hand, omit them and reduce the coconut milk to 2 cups total.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

1. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, coconut milk, chia seeds, and maple syrup.
2. Cover and chill for 3 hours or overnight.
3. In the morning, the oats will be nice and thick. Give them a stir, and add extra milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Stir in the Greek yogurt and shredded coconut and serve.

Recipe FAQs

Serving suggestions

Top your overnight oats with toasted coconut flakes, your favorite fruit, nuts — anything goes!

• Add a few spoonfuls of blueberries, raspberries or tropical fruit like pineapple or mango.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans, slivered almonds, or chopped macadamia nuts over top.
• Add some dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs if you love coconut and chocolate together.

Recipe notes

• Pro tip: I don’t recommend skipping the chia seeds as they bloom in the coconut milk and create ultra creamy overnight oats. If you don’t have any chia seeds on hand, omit them and reduce the coconut milk to 2 cups total.
• Do not sub the rolled oats with quick or instant oats as they will have a mushy texture.
• I used plain Greek yogurt in this recipe, but you can use coconut milk yogurt or another non-dairy yogurt to keep the oats dairy-free.
• Once you prepare the overnight oat mixture, you need to eat it within 3-5 days.

More overnight oat recipes you’ll love

• Blueberry overnight oats
• Chai overnight oats
• Peanut butter banana overnight oats
• Pumpkin overnight oats
• German chocolate overnight oats
• Cherry overnight oats