Gingerbread is the ultimate cozy, comforting flavor of the holiday season, and now you can enjoy it any time of the year with this delightful Gingerbread Overnight Oats recipe. Packed with the warm spices and molasses-rich sweetness of classic gingerbread, this make-ahead breakfast is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays or craving a special morning treat, this recipe will have you feeling festive and satisfied.

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Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Overnight Oats

This Gingerbread Overnight Oats recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, blending the irresistible flavors of holiday gingerbread with the heartiness and convenience of overnight oats. The combination of oats, molasses, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness creates a lush, creamy texture that’s both indulgent and wholesome. Plus, the make-ahead nature of this dish means you can enjoy a homemade, nourishing breakfast with minimal effort on busy mornings. Get ready to savor the cozy, comforting flavors of the season in a delightfully portable and satisfying way.

Ingredients

To make this Gingerbread Overnight Oats recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Rolled oats form the base, while molasses, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg lend the classic gingerbread flavor. Milk or your favorite non-dairy milk adds creaminess, and a touch of vanilla extract enhances the warm, comforting aroma.

1 cup (90g) – Rolled oats
2 tablespoons (30ml) – Molasses
2 tablespoons (25g) – Brown sugar
1 teaspoon – Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon – Ground nutmeg
1 cup (240ml) – Milk or non-dairy milk
1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Ingredient Substitutions

Milk: Use your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar: Swap in maple syrup or honey for a different sweetener and flavor profile.

How to Make Gingerbread Overnight Oats

Making this delectable Gingerbread Overnight Oats recipe is as simple as mixing a few ingredients together and letting them chill in the fridge overnight. It’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that requires minimal hands-on time but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Step 1: Prep Work

To begin, gather all your ingredients and prepare a large mixing bowl. In the bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well-mixed.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Next, pour in the milk and molasses, and stir until everything is evenly combined. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 5 days.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

When you’re ready to enjoy your Gingerbread Overnight Oats, simply remove the bowl from the fridge and give the mixture a good stir. The oats will have softened and the flavors will have melded together beautifully. Spoon the oats into serving bowls or jars, and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted nuts, a drizzle of extra molasses, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

How to make Gingerbread Overnight Oats — key cooking step — Step image showing preparation of Gingerbread Overnight Oats

Recipe Variations & Tips

Dairy-Free Twist: Swap out the milk for a creamy non-dairy option, like almond or coconut milk.
Extra Gingery Goodness: Add a sprinkling of crushed gingersnap cookies or chopped crystallized ginger for even more gingery flavor.
Hearty Additions: Stir in some chia seeds or chopped nuts for extra heartiness and nutrition.
Fruit Toppings: Top the oats with fresh fruit like sliced pears or diced apples for a seasonal twist.

Serving & Storage

Serve with: Whipped cream, extra molasses, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of crystallized ginger.

Storage: Leftover Gingerbread Overnight Oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheat: If desired, you can gently reheat the oats in the microwave before serving.

Make-Ahead: This recipe is the perfect make-ahead breakfast option, as it can be prepared up to 5 days in advance.

For more cozy breakfast ideas and holiday-inspired meal prep recipes, follow me on Pinterest.

Nutrition Information

This Gingerbread Overnight Oats recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritious way to start your day. Each serving provides a hearty helping of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein from the oats, while the molasses and spices contribute important vitamins and minerals. Plus, the make-ahead nature of this dish makes it a convenient and wholesome choice for busy mornings.

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbs: 60 g
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 170 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without molasses?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of molasses or simply don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey for a similar, but slightly different, flavor profile.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

While steel-cut oats will work in this recipe, the texture will be quite a bit chewier and more dense. Rolled oats are the best choice for achieving the creamy, smooth texture of traditional overnight oats.

How long do the oats need to chill in the fridge?

For best results, the oats should chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or up to 5 days. This allows the oats to soften and the flavors to fully develop.

Can I reheat the overnight oats?

Yes, you can definitely reheat the Gingerbread Overnight Oats if you prefer a warm breakfast. Simply transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

There are so many delicious ways to top these Gingerbread Overnight Oats! Some of our favorites include a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of toasted nuts or granola, a drizzle of extra molasses, or a sprinkling of crystallized ginger.

Gingerbread Overnight Oats: A Cozy Breakfast Delight