Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats bring a fancy twist to your morning routine! With creamy yogurt, oats, and a touch of vanilla, you get a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare.
These oats are like dessert for breakfast! Just mix, chill overnight, and you’re ready to enjoy a sweet start to your day. Trust me, they disappear quickly at my house! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for a creamy texture. If you need a quicker option, you can use quick oats, but they will be softer. Steel-cut oats are not suitable here since they require longer cooking times.
Milk: You can use any milk you like—dairy milk for creaminess or almond, oat, or soy milk for a plant-based version. I often go for unsweetened almond milk to keep flavors balanced.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt. Some people prefer a vanilla-flavored yogurt for extra sweetness!
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work great, but for vegan oats, go with maple syrup. Agave nectar is another good substitute if you want a different flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This is for creating the crispy topping. Brown sugar can also work well, giving a deeper flavor. No sugar? Try using a non-caloric sweetener if you still want that caramelized effect.
How Do You Create the Perfect Caramelized Topping?
Caramelizing the sugar is what makes these oats feel like a true treat! You want to get that perfect, glassy crust without burning it. Here’s how to do it right:
- Once your oats are ready, transfer them to a heatproof dish.
- Sprinkle sugar evenly on top; no needs to be thick—a light layer works best.
- If using a kitchen torch, keep it moving and don’t hold it too close—about 2 inches is perfect.
- For broiling, place the dish on a baking tray and watch it closely the entire time. It can go from golden to burnt quickly!
Let it cool for a minute before serving. This will ensure the sugar hardens into a lovely crust. Enjoy with fresh berries on top for color and tang!
Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 tsp granulated sugar (for caramelizing topping)
- Fresh berries (such as raspberries and blueberries), for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes just about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to leave it in the fridge overnight, or for at least 6 hours, to let the flavors meld and the oats soften. The next morning, you’ll spend a few extra minutes caramelizing the sugar on top. It’s super easy and makes breakfast feel special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oats:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined. The creamy yogurt and sweet syrup will make it delicious!
2. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill overnight or for at least 6 hours. This allows the oats to soak up the liquid and become fluffy.
3. The Next Morning:
When you’re ready to enjoy your overnight oats, give them a gentle stir to mix everything up. Carefully transfer the oat mixture into a small, heatproof ramekin or glass dish that you can use for broiling or torching.
4. Caramelizing the Sugar:
Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the oats. For the fun part: using a kitchen torch, hold the flame just above the surface of the sugar until it melts and turns into a beautiful golden brown crust. If you don’t have a torch, place the ramekin under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning the sugar.
5. Finishing Touch:
Let the caramelized sugar harden for a minute once you’re done. The contrast between the creamy oats and the crispy top is what makes it like the classic crème brûlée.
6. Serve with Berries:
Garnish your oats with fresh berries on the side or sprinkle them on top for a colorful and tasty touch. And there you have it, a delightful breakfast treat that feels gourmet!
Enjoy this creamy, sweet breakfast that mimics the classic dessert, crème brûlée, and have a wonderful start to your day!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but keep in mind they will create a softer texture since they absorb liquid more quickly. Just be sure to adjust the soaking time to a minimum of 3-4 hours instead of overnight, if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They can last for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the caramelized sugar will lose its crispness, but you can always reheat and add a fresh sprinkle for a new layer of crunch!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, use maple syrup instead of honey, and opt for any dairy-free milk of your choice. This way, you’ll have a creamy and delicious vegan version!
What Can I Use Instead of Granulated Sugar for the Top?
If you prefer not to use granulated sugar, brown sugar works wonderfully for caramelizing—a great option for a richer flavor. You could also try coconut sugar, just be mindful that it may require slightly longer to caramelize.