Kefir Overnight Oats With Fruit

These kefir overnight oats with fruit make a nutritious and convenient breakfast option that can be customized to your taste preferences. They are easy to prepare and are a healthy and wholesome make-ahead breakfast.

Have you ever wondered if you can make overnight oats with kefir? Well, the answer is yes! And trust me, it’s definitely worth giving a try. Not only is it a healthy breakfast option, but it’s also incredibly delicious.

The oats soak up the kefir and become perfectly creamy, and once you’ve got the base recipe down, the customization possibilities are endless. It’s the perfect filling breakfast or snack to take on the go.

Jump to:

• What is kefir
• What is kefir overnight oats
• Ingredients you’ll need
• How to make kefir overnight oats
• Recipe video
• Tips & recipe notes
• Variations, additions & swaps
• Serving suggestions
• Storage tips
• FAQs
• Recipe

What is kefir

If you’re not already familiar with kefir, it’s basically a fermented milk beverage. To make it, kefir grains (which are a combo of yeast and bacteria cultures that form small, gelatinous grains) are added to milk, usually cow’s milk or goat’s milk, but it can also be made with non-dairy milk options, such as coconut milk.

Kefir has a tangy, slightly sour taste with a subtle effervescence that is similar to yogurt but more acidic. It is an excellent source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health and boost the immune system.

Kefir is a versatile ingredient that can be consumed on its own or used in a variety of recipes, such as smoothies and salad dressings.

What is kefir overnight oats

Overnight oats are uncooked oats left to soften in a liquid (milk, usually) overnight. They’re customizable, super easy to make, and will help keep you full and energized.

There are countless flavor options for overnight oats, making it easy to switch things up and enjoy a different taste sensation every day. From fruity variations like apple cinnamon to indulgent flavors like chunky monkey and almond joy, the possibilities are endless.

For this kefir overnight oats recipe, we’re going to be soaking oats overnight in kefir and adding a few more ingredients to make it fun and delicious.

Ingredients you’ll need

• Kefir: You can use any kind of milk kefir in this recipe. I personally love using dairy-free plain coconut milk kefir and highly suggest giving it a try. It’s delicious! You can use store-bought kefir or make your own homemade batch.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Rolled oats the best oats for overnight oats because they have a flat, oval shape that helps them soak up liquid easily. When you soak or cook rolled oats, they become pleasantly chewy. Quick-cooking oats are also an option, but they tend to become too mushy and lose their texture when soaked overnight. Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
• Chia Seeds: I always make overnight oats with chia seeds as they add a nutritional boost (omega-3 fatty acids and protein). They also help absorb some of the liquid, which gives the oats a thicker consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds extra sweetness to the recipe and enhances the overall flavor.
• Fruit: Diced fresh or frozen fruits also add a natural sweetness and provide a pleasing texture that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the oats. You can use any kind of fruit you enjoy eating. Mango is my absolute favorite! Other great options include strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and blueberries.

Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. This section covers notes on ingredients and possible substitutions.

How to make kefir overnight oats

Making overnight oats is as simple as stirring together the ingredients. I prefer to do it in two steps to avoid clumps:

1. Start by adding oats, chia seeds, coconut kefir, and vanilla extract to a bowl or container and stir everything together until well combined.
2. Then, fold in the mango chunks for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

After that, cover and refrigerate oats overnight (or for at least 4 hours). The oatmeal softens and thickens into a pudding-like consistency.

When ready to consume, uncover the container, stir the mixture again before serving, add toppings if you like, and enjoy!

Recipe video

Watch how to make this recipe:

Tips & recipe notes

• I find it easier to mix the ingredients in a big container or bowl. However, you can also make this recipe directly in an individual jar, such as mason jars or weck jars. For the amount of ingredients listed for this recipe, you might need 3 to 4 jars.
• You can adjust the ratio of liquid to oats according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker and creamier texture, use less liquid. If you prefer a thinner consistency, use more liquid. It’s always best to start with a smaller amount of liquid and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency. This way, you can even adjust the consistency after oats are soaked.
• Avoid using steel-cut oats for this recipe. They have a longer cooking time compared to rolled or quick oats, and they require more liquid to cook. Soaking steel cut oats overnight may not be enough to soften them to the desired texture, which can result in a chewy and unpleasant texture.
• Personally, I opt for frozen fruits in this recipe because they’re cheaper and super convenient. Plus, you don’t even need to thaw them beforehand because they’ll naturally defrost while soaking in the mixture.

Variations, additions & swaps

• Like I mentioned before, feel free to switch up the mango with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. The options are endless, and it’s always exciting to experiment with different flavors!
• If you prefer, you can also skip adding fruits to these kefir overnight oats. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will be different.
• You can use flavored kefir, such as vanilla or strawberry, to add more sweetness and flavor. Coconut milk kefir also has different flavor options available. Just keep in mind that flavored varieties from the store often contain added sugars, much like flavored yogurts.
• While I personally enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits, you can certainly add extra sweetness to the mixture if you prefer. Some options for additional sweeteners include maple syrup or honey.
• Easily add more protein to overnight oats by adding 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder.
• You can also add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to your overnight oats for some added crunch

Note: The amount of liquid needed for your overnight oats may vary depending on the other ingredients you use. My advice is to let the oats soak overnight, then adjust the liquid when you’re ready to eat them. That way, you can get the perfect consistency every time.

Serving suggestions

This kefir overnight oats recipe can be enjoyed as is or served with a variety of add-ins to enhance its deliciousness. Here are some ideas:

• Sprinkle with shredded coconut to add texture and flavor. It’s specially good if you’re using mango as the fruit in this recipe.
• Add a dollop of greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Drizzle some maple syrup or honey on top if you want a touch of extra sweetness.
• Top with chopped nuts or seeds such as almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Or add some granola on top for extra crunch. We love our easy vegan granola and peanut butter granola!

Storage tips

After preparing your kefir overnight oats, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re the perfect make-ahead breakfast!

I don’t recommend freezing these overnight oats as thawing may affect the texture and the flavor of it.

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