Chai Spiced Overnight Oats

If you love the warm, cozy flavors of chai tea, you’re in for a treat with these chai spiced overnight oats. This recipe is a delicious and easy way to bring the aromatic spices of your favorite chai latte into a healthy breakfast that’s ready to go when you wake up. It’s perfect for busy mornings, but it feels indulgent and comforting—like a hug in a jar.

I first made these oats when I was experimenting with ways to switch up my usual overnight oats routine. Cinnamon and nutmeg were my go-tos, but once I added in cardamom, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of black pepper, everything changed. The result was rich, flavorful, and tasted like something you’d sip by the fire on a chilly morning. Even better? No need to brew a pot of tea—this recipe gets its chai flavor from a spice blend that’s stirred right in.

What makes this version of overnight oats special is the balance. You get sweetness from maple syrup, creaminess from your milk of choice, and a gently spiced warmth that lingers in the best way. The texture is thick and satisfying, and the oats soak up all the flavors overnight, becoming soft but not mushy. You can customize it easily too—add chia seeds, top it with nuts, drizzle with almond butter, or pile on fresh fruit.

This is the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’ve done something good for yourself without putting in much effort at all. It’s meal prep-friendly, budget-friendly, and most importantly—flavorful enough to keep you excited about breakfast all week long. Let’s get into how to make it!

Why You’ll Love It

• Bold, Cozy Chai Flavor: The warm mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg adds a comforting twist that’s both aromatic and satisfying—just like your favorite chai latte.
• Meal Prep Magic: Make a batch the night before and wake up to a ready-to-eat, grab-and-go breakfast. It saves time without sacrificing taste.
• Naturally Sweetened: This recipe uses maple syrup or honey for just the right amount of sweetness, so you get a delicious start to your day without any refined sugar.
• Creamy and Filling: Thanks to the oats and optional chia seeds, this breakfast is ultra-creamy and keeps you full for hours—no mid-morning snack needed.
• Easy to Customize: Add in extras like shredded coconut, almond butter, sliced bananas, or a splash of vanilla. You can make it exactly the way you like it.

Ingredient List

• Rolled oats – ½ cup
• Milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy) – ½ cup
• Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess) – 2 tablespoons
• Chia seeds – 1 tablespoon
• Maple syrup or honey – 1–2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
• Vanilla extract – ¼ teaspoon

Chai Spice Blend

• Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
• Ground cardamom – ¼ teaspoon
• Ground ginger – ¼ teaspoon
• Ground cloves – a pinch
• Ground nutmeg – a pinch
• Ground black pepper – a small pinch (optional, for a little kick)

Ingredient Notes

• Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture—quick oats tend to get too mushy.
• Milk: Almond, oat, or coconut milk works beautifully here. Use whatever you like or have on hand.
• Chia seeds: These help thicken the oats and add fiber—don’t skip them unless you prefer a looser texture.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness. You can also use honey or agave if you prefer.
• Spices: Ground cardamom and cloves are key to getting that true chai flavor. A little goes a long way!
• Black pepper: It might sound strange, but just a tiny pinch enhances the warmth of the spices—highly recommended.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mason jar or airtight container – For storing the oats overnight; I love using wide-mouth jars for easy mixing and scooping.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To get the right ratio of oats to milk and spices.
• Small mixing bowl – If you prefer to mix everything before transferring to a jar.
• Spoon or spatula – For stirring the ingredients together thoroughly.
• Lid or jar cover – Keeps everything sealed and fresh in the fridge. Silicone lids are my go-to—they’re reusable and don’t rust!

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a small bowl or directly in your mason jar, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and all the chai spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper.
• Stir well to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oats.

Pro Tip: Mixing the spices with the oats first helps prevent them from clumping when you add the liquids later.

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Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Pour in the milk of your choice and stir to combine.
• Add the Greek yogurt (if using), maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract.
• Mix everything together until smooth and well incorporated. Make sure there are no dry pockets of oats or spice.

Pro Tip: If using a jar, stir carefully near the bottom to avoid dry bits getting stuck.

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Step 3: Cover and Chill

• Seal the jar or container with a lid.
• Place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the oats to soak up the liquid and the flavors to meld.

Pro Tip: Overnight oats are usually best after 8–12 hours—creamier and more flavorful!

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Step 4: Stir and Serve

• In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If they’re too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to loosen them up.
• Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Pro Tip: Want extra creaminess? Stir in a spoonful of nut butter or a splash of coconut cream before serving.

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Step 5: Top and Enjoy!

• Top your chai spiced oats with anything you love—sliced bananas, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of almond butter.
• Enjoy cold, or warm it up in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if you prefer it cozy.

Pro Tip: Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of granola on top add the perfect crunch contrast to the creamy oats.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Mix spices thoroughly: To avoid pockets of overpowering flavor, make sure the chai spices are evenly mixed into the oats before adding liquids.
• Don’t skip the chia seeds: They help thicken the oats and give them that satisfying pudding-like texture.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Everyone’s preference is different—start with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and add more in the morning if needed.
• Let it sit overnight: While 4 hours works in a pinch, a full overnight soak (8+ hours) really deepens the flavor and improves the texture.
• Stir before eating: Always give your oats a good stir in the morning. This evens out the consistency and brings everything back together.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• No chia seeds? Use ground flaxseeds instead, or skip them—just reduce the milk slightly to avoid overly runny oats.
• Dairy-free version: Use plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and skip the Greek yogurt or sub with dairy-free yogurt.
• Spice blend shortcut: Use 1 teaspoon of a pre-mixed chai spice blend if you have it—just be sure it’s unsweetened.
• Sweetener swap: Replace maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, date syrup, or even a splash of vanilla-flavored coffee creamer for a twist.
• Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder—just increase the milk slightly to keep the texture creamy.
• Toppings twist: Try diced apples and walnuts for a chai-apple pie feel, or top with dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with fresh fruit – Sliced bananas, apples, or a handful of berries pair beautifully with the chai spices.
• Add a dollop of nut butter – Almond butter or cashew butter adds richness and a little extra protein.
• Crunchy toppings – Sprinkle on toasted pecans, granola, or pumpkin seeds for a bit of texture.
• Warm it up – Microwave for 30–60 seconds if you prefer your oats warm on chilly mornings.
• My favorite way – I love serving these oats with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of cinnamon, and a few thin apple slices—it tastes like a cozy fall dessert!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate – Store in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
• Meal prep tip – Make multiple jars at once for a ready-to-go breakfast all week.
• Thick consistency? – Just stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen it up.
• To reheat – Microwave in a microwave-safe jar or bowl for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
• Avoid freezing – Overnight oats don’t freeze well—the texture gets unpleasant once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can, but it changes the texture and requires more soaking time. If you do use steel-cut oats, soak them for at least 12 hours, and expect a chewier bite.

How long do these oats last in the fridge?

They stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container—perfect for making a big batch on Sunday and enjoying it all week long.

Can I make this without chia seeds?

Yes! Just reduce the milk slightly since chia seeds help absorb liquid. You can also use flaxseeds or simply leave them out if you prefer a looser consistency.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, absolutely! All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Definitely! Just scale up all the ingredients and store in individual jars for grab-and-go breakfasts—or one large container if you’re scooping out portions each day.

What milk works best?

Totally up to you! I love it with almond or oat milk for a plant-based option, but regular milk or coconut milk are great too. Just use what you enjoy.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub_ or use the hashtag #tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!