The Overnight Oats Formula: One Base, Three Festive Flavours

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Serves: 1 (or batch-prep for the week)
Time needed: 5 minutes + overnight rest
Effort level: Minimal
Good to know: High-protein, make-ahead, dairy-free adaptable

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The No-Fuss Overnight Oats Base
(High-Protein)

Overnight oats are one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for a calm, steady morning. They’re filling, customisable, gentle on busy brains, and perfect for making ahead - either portioned out for the week or scooped from one big container as needed.

Base Ingredients (1 serving)

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup Greek yoghurt or dairy-free yoghurt

• ½ cup milk of choice (almond, soy, oat, dairy)

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Optional protein boost (recommended):

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

  • Whey or collagen for dairy

  • Plant-based protein for dairy-free

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a jar or container.

2. Stir well until fully combined.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

4. In the morning, stir again and add a splash of milk if needed.

Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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Festive Flavour Combinations

All of these are designed to feel seasonal and comforting, without turning into dessert-for-breakfast.

Each flavour is intended for one serve of the base. You can keep it single-serve, or make a larger batch and portion it out as needed - whatever makes mornings feel easier.

1. Gingerbread Spice 🎄

Warm, cosy, quietly festive

Add to the base:

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg or cloves

• 1 teaspoon molasses or extra maple syrup

Toppings (optional):

• Crushed walnuts or pecans

• A dollop of yoghurt

• Extra cinnamon dusting

Why it works:
The spices add flavour without sugar overload, and the protein keeps it grounding rather than spiky.

2. Cherry Almond Christmas Trifle 🍒

Subtle dessert energy, still very sensible

Add to the base:

• ¼ cup chopped cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon almond butter or flaked almonds

• Maple syrup (to taste)

Toppings (optional):

• Shaved dark chocolate (just a little)

• Extra cherries

Why it works:
Almond + cherry feels festive and indulgent, but the yoghurt and protein balance it beautifully.

3. Orange Spice Vanilla ✨

Light, fresh, and surprisingly festive

Add to the base:

• Zest of ½ an orange

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Maple syrup (to taste)

Toppings (optional):

• Toasted coconut flakes

• A spoon of yoghurt or protein custard

Why it works:
That orange-vanilla combo feels very “December morning” without being heavy.

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Dairy & Dairy-Free Options

Dairy version

• Low-fat Greek yoghurt

• Whey or collagen protein

• Almond or dairy milk

Dairy-free version

• Coconut, almond or soy yoghurt (unsweetened if possible)

• Plant-based protein powder

• Almond or soy milk (soy adds extra protein)

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Make-Ahead Tip (Perfect for December)

• Make one large container using 3–4 servings of the base.

• Stir through your flavour of choice (matching the number of serves you used for the base).

• Scoop as needed - no decisions before coffee required.

Nourishment Notes (Approximate)

Based on one serve, made as written (without protein powder). Values will vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

• Energy: ~350–400 calories

• Protein: ~20–30g

• Fibre: ~8–10g

This recipe is designed to be protein-rich and satisfying, helping support steady energy through the morning.
Exact nutrition will vary depending on ingredients used.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do - Bec x