Save There's something almost meditative about standing in your kitchen at night, whisking matcha powder into creamy yogurt and watching it transform into this gorgeous jade-green swirl. I discovered overnight oats by accident—I was rushing out the door one morning and grabbed a mason jar I'd prepared the night before, half expecting it to be a mushy disappointment. Instead, it was cool, creamy, and somehow tasted better than anything I'd made fresh. Now matcha overnight oats are my secret weapon for mornings when I need both calm and energy.
I made this for my friend who swore she wasn't a breakfast person, and watching her eyes light up when she tasted how smooth and subtly sweet it was—without tasting like dessert—was genuinely rewarding. She's now making a batch every Sunday, and I love that something I stumbled into has become part of her routine too.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats (1 cup, 100 g): Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant—they hold their texture better overnight and don't turn to mush by morning.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1 cup, 240 ml): The liquid base that becomes creamy as the oats hydrate; any milk works, but almond keeps the matcha's earthy note clear.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup, 120 g): This is the secret to richness without cream—it adds protein, tanginess, and a velvety texture that makes the whole bowl feel indulgent.
- Chia seeds (1 tablespoon): They absorb liquid and plump up overnight, adding a pleasant texture and boosting omega-3s.
- Matcha powder, culinary grade (1–1 1/2 teaspoons): Culinary matcha is worth seeking out because ceremonial-grade matcha tastes expensive and precious in a breakfast bowl, but if that's what you have, use less.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Just enough sweetness to let the matcha shine through; you can always stir in more if it's not sweet enough for you.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A quiet ingredient that rounds out the flavor and prevents the breakfast from tasting too green or austere.
- Toppings—berries, banana, coconut, nuts: Choose what delights you, but toast the coconut flakes for five minutes to bring out their sweetness and aroma.
Instructions
- Whisk the wet base into green silk:
- Pour the almond milk and Greek yogurt into a bowl or jar, add the honey and vanilla, then sprinkle the matcha in slowly while whisking—this prevents clumping and ensures the matcha dissolves into a smooth, evenly colored cream. You'll feel the slight resistance as the powder hydrates, and it takes about thirty seconds of whisking before it's perfect.
- Fold in the oats and seeds:
- Stir the rolled oats and chia seeds through the creamy mixture until everything is coated and there are no dry pockets of oats hiding in the bottom. The batter will look loose—that's exactly right.
- Cover and let time do the work:
- Seal your jar or bowl and slide it into the fridge for at least eight hours, preferably overnight. The oats will drink up the liquid and soften while the flavors meld together, becoming something more cohesive and delicious than the sum of its parts.
- Stir and adjust in the morning:
- Give it a good stir; the oats might look thick now, and that's beautiful. If you prefer it looser and spoonable, add a splash of milk and stir again until it reaches your ideal texture.
- Top generously and serve cold:
- Divide between two bowls or jars and crown each one with whatever toppings call to you—the contrast of cold, creamy oats against fresh berries and toasted coconut is part of the joy.
Save One quiet morning, I sat outside with this bowl and realized how rare it is to eat something that feels both nourishing and luxurious without any effort in the moment. That's when I understood why overnight oats have become such a ritual for me—they're a small act of self-kindness that happened the night before.
Flavor Customizations That Work
If you want to experiment, matcha pairs beautifully with coconut milk instead of almond, or with a drizzle of almond butter stirred in for earthiness. I've also added a tiny pinch of cardamom before refrigerating, which sounds odd but creates this subtle, warm undercurrent that makes the breakfast taste almost dessert-like. The honey-matcha base is forgiving, so taste as you go and adjust sweetness or matcha intensity to match your mood that morning.
Why Overnight Oats Are the Best Breakfast Hack
There's no cooking, no standing over a stovetop, and no rush. You make the decision to eat well at night when you're calm, and your morning self gets to reap the reward. On mornings when I wake up scattered or behind schedule, reaching for a jar of matcha overnight oats feels like a gift from my former self. It changes the whole tone of the day.
Storing and Meal Prepping
These keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days, so you can make multiple jars on Sunday and know breakfast is handled all week. The flavor actually deepens over a couple of days as the matcha melds with the yogurt and oats, so day three might taste even better than day one. I recommend adding toppings fresh in the morning rather than stirring them in, so they stay crunchy and don't absorb excess moisture.
- Store in jars with tight-fitting lids to keep them fresh and prevent the fridge air from drying them out.
- If the texture becomes too thick after a few days, just stir in a splash of milk until it's back to your preferred consistency.
- Toppings stay crispest when added just before serving, but you can prep berries and nuts in small containers for grab-and-go mornings.
Save This breakfast has become my answer to those mornings when I need something that feels both grounding and energizing. I hope it becomes part of your routine too, in whatever way brings you joy.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How does matcha affect the flavor?
Matcha provides an earthy, slightly grassy taste that complements the creamy oats and sweeteners, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- → Can I use other milk types?
Yes, almond milk is suggested, but any milk or plant-based alternative works well to achieve desired creaminess.
- → What toppings work best?
Fresh berries, sliced banana, toasted coconut flakes, and chopped nuts add great texture and natural sweetness.
- → How long should it chill?
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow oats to soak and flavors to meld perfectly.
- → Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Vegetarians can enjoy it as is; vegans should substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives and opt for maple syrup.