Life is pretty chaotic right now and my eating habits have totally gone down the tubes, so it’s time to start meal prepping. In addition to my new Sunday Meal Prep series, this week I decided to also meal prep my breakfasts. I really enjoyed my No Sugar Added Apple Pie Overnight Oats that I made last year, and I still had some blueberries in the freezer, so I decided to make a new flavor, Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats.
Applesauce Sweetens Naturally
Unsweetened applesauce proved to be the perfect sweetener once again and since apples have a fairly neutral flavor, it didn’t compete with the blueberry almond theme I was going for.
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk?
Any type of dairy or non-dairy milk will work fine for this recipe. Just keep an eye on the sugar content of non-dairy milks, if you’re concerned about added sugars.
Is Chia Required?
I also added chia seeds to my Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats this time, only because I had them on hand and wanted to try to use them up. While they do add a lot of texture and fiber, these overnight oats are quite a bit less expensive without the chia. To skip the chia seeds, simply increase the amount of oats in each jar from 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup.
What Type of Containers Should I Use for Overnight Oats?
You don’t have to make these Blueberry Almonds Overnight Oats in mason jars. I used mason jars just because I have them, they’re pretty, and it’s my job to make food look good. Any resealable container will work just fine. :)
No Sugar Added Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats ($0.17)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds, optional* ($0.62)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds ($0.87)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg ($0.02)
- 1 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce ($0.88)
- 1 cup blueberries, frozen or fresh ($1.20)
- 2 cups milk ($0.62)
- 1/2 tsp almond extract ($0.14)
Instructions
- To each of four containers add 1/4 cup oats, 1 Tbsp chia seeds, 2 Tbsp sliced almonds, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- On top of the dry ingredients add 1/3 cup applesauce and 1/4 cup blueberries to each container.
- Stir the almond extract into the milk, then add 1/2 cup milk to each container. Stir the containers well to prevent the chia seeds from clumping. Place a lid on the containers and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 4 days.
- When ready to eat, simply stir with a spoon and then enjoy!
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats – Step by Step Photos
To each of four containers add 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 Tbsp chia seeds, 2 Tbsp sliced almonds, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Add 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1/4 cup blueberries to each container.
Stir 1/2 tsp almond extract into 2 cups milk and then pour 1/2 cup of the milk into each container. Stir the contents of each container well to prevent the chia seeds from clumping. Close the containers and refrigerate overnight or up to four days.
You can eat the Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats straight out of the container in the morning for a super convenient breakfast, or pour it into a bowl to be a little more fancy. ;)
Such a great recipe! I made it twice this week. It never occurred to me that you could eat overnight oats . . . cold . . . ! I always reheated them the next morning, which was such a pain. I used your recipe but opted for sugar instead of the applesauce, and walnuts instead of almonds. Divine! And so refreshing when it’s only morning but already 102 degrees out.
Hmm interesting that you use apple sauce in these, I still have some from last fall to use up. I don’t know why but I really don’t like my finished breakfast to sit around too long before I eat it, so I either eat something similar relatively fresh (just let it sit while I shower) or make it before leaving in the morning and taking it with me as lunch.. great pictures!
I love that this uses almond extract-that I can adjust the amount of almond flavor as it were. I do have a question though-what’s the texture like on this? I’m used to using yogurt and milk as the wet ingredients, and I’m wondering what the applesauce does.ย
The applesauce adds natural sweetness and some more moisture. The texture doesn’t change much with the addition of applesauce, but using chia does make it a little more gloppy than regular milk soaked oats.
Perfect as is. However, the second time I was going to make it I realized I was out of frozen blueberries & I used frozen strawberries instead, also added a dash of cinnamon and a spoon of honey. Super awesome. Seems to be a recipe you can play around with and make some easy substitutions if necessary.
This was delicious and super satisfying on a hot summer’s day. Thanks!
Looks awesome, and exactly the inspiration I needed for breakfast. Thanks!
I have the option of using fresh OR frozen blueberries. I’d like to use up my frozen, but wonder if they’ll get mushy and watery? Thanks Beth! I’m excited to try this recipe.
I used frozen in mine. Frozen blueberries will always be softer and more watery than fresh because the ice crystals break down the cell walls. The blueberry juice that seeps from the blueberries as it refrigerates only helps flavor the mix. :)
I am wondering the same thing!
Just had this this morning. Followed recipe to a T, with the exception of using a weird combo almond/coconut milk I bought on mistake. Definitely easy to make and will be working into my regular menu.
I made this and just had it for breakfast this morning. Quite delicious! I couldn’t find chia seeds but when I do I’ll try it with those, too. Thanks Beth, this recipe is a keeper.
This looks so good! A couple of questions, what size jars do you use for these and if I use almond milk should I exclude the almond extract? Thanks!
I would still use the almond extract because IMHO almond milk doesn’t really taste very almond-y. :D These are the 12oz. mason jars.
Hi There! Question: will the recipe work with soy milk or other nondairy milk alternative?
I’ve made overnight oats several times with soymilk and it always works great.
Yep, you can use any type of dairy milk substitute.
This looks delicious! ย Thank you for sharing your recipe.
I love all of the ingredients and flavors in this, but cold oatmeal grosses me out. Could I make this and heat it up in the morning? If so, how long would you recommend heating it in the microwave? Thank you for the great recipe and idea, either way!
Yes, you can absolutely heat this and eat it hot instead. I would just do a minute in the microwave, stir, and add more time if needed.
I really need to jump on the overnight oat bandwagon. I’ve been saying that for awhile now… I really love how you don’t add any sugar to this recipe though! So many breakfasts are loaded with sugar its refreshing to see some recipes holding back!