These Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats are a tasty way to start your day! With creamy yogurt, oats, and a sprinkle of brown sugar, they taste just like the classic dessert.
Who knew healthy breakfast could be so sweet? I love making these the night before so they’re ready to go in the morning—no cooking needed! Just grab a spoon and enjoy! 🥄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats provide a creamy texture when soaked overnight. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats work too but will be softer. Avoid instant oats; they can get mushy.
Milk: Any type of milk works well—dairy, almond, oat, or soy. For a creamier version, you might mix in a bit of cream or use whole milk. Your choice can change the flavor slightly, so pick what you like best.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and a boost of protein. If you prefer dairy-free, there are wonderful plant-based yogurts available. For a lighter version, try using regular yogurt instead.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both give a lovely sweetness. If you’re vegan, use maple syrup. Agave syrup is another option if you want a milder sweetness.
Brown Sugar: This is key for that crunchy topping. Turbinado sugar works well too—it’s coarser and gives a nice crunch. If you need a sugar substitute, coconut sugar can be a good alternative.
How Do You Properly Brûlée the Sugar Topping?
Brûléeing the sugar creates that signature crispy layer. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Make sure to sprinkle the sugar evenly to cover the surface, avoiding clumps.
- If using a kitchen torch, keep the flame moving to prevent burning. It should take a minute or so for the sugar to melt and caramelize.
- If broiling, place the ramekin on the middle rack and watch it closely, as sugar can burn quickly. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
- Let the sugar cool briefly to harden before digging in. Patience pays off!
Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar or turbinado sugar (for brûlée topping)
- Optional garnish: fresh berries (such as raspberries)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll need to refrigerate it overnight (or for at least 6 hours) to allow the oats to soften. The final touch of caramelizing the sugar will take just a few minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together really well until it’s all mixed in.
2. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight, or for at least 6 hours. This soaking time helps the oats absorb the liquid and get nice and soft.
3. Prepare for the Topping:
Once the oats have soaked, give them a good stir to mix everything up again. If you haven’t already, transfer the mixture into a small oven-safe ramekin or glass dish. You’ll want it to be able to handle some heat!
4. Brûlée It Up:
Sprinkle the brown sugar or turbinado sugar evenly over the surface of the oats. This is where the magic happens! If you have a kitchen torch, use it to carefully melt and caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in circular motions. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekin under a broiler on high for a minute or two—just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
5. Let It Cool:
Allow the sugar topping to cool for about a minute until it hardens into a crunchy layer. This contrast between the creamy oats and crispy sugar is what makes it feel special!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats right away, and feel free to add fresh berries on the side for an extra pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your creamy, dreamy Crème Brûlée Overnight Oats with that signature crispy, caramelized sugar topping!
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Steel-cut oats will not work well for this recipe since they require longer cooking times. If you’re looking for a softer texture, stick with rolled oats or quick oats for the best results.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Recipe?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey. Start with one tablespoon, and taste after mixing; you can always add a little more if you like it sweeter!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Just replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup as your sweetener. Choose a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk for a fully vegan option.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sugar topping won’t stay crunchy, so it’s best to brûlée it fresh when serving!
