Sticky toffee overnight oats- my no.1 breakfast!
Your favourite pud just got a delicious overnight oats makeover with this tasty plant-based breakfast. Inspired by classic dessert flavours but made with nourishing ingredients, it’s the perfect way to enjoy something sweet while still starting your day with a balanced and satisfying meal. Creamy, naturally sweet and full of flavour, these overnight oats feel like a treat but are packed with goodness to keep you energised throughout the morning.
They’re also ideal for meal prepping during busy weeks. Simply prepare them the night before, place them in the fridge, and let the oats soak and soften overnight. There’s no cooking required-the mixture simply needs time to set while you sleep. By morning, the oats will have absorbed the liquid and turned into a thick, creamy breakfast that’s ready to eat straight away. Just grab a spoon and enjoy, whether you’re eating at home or heading out the door.
Because they’re easy to portion into jars or containers, these overnight oats also make a perfect packed lunch or on-the-go breakfast. You can take them to work, school, or enjoy them later in the day when you need a quick, filling meal that’s already prepared.
For this recipe you will need a blender to combine the ingredients smoothly and create the creamy base for the oats.
Each serving provides 595 kcal, 16g protein, 64.4g carbohydrate (of which 30g sugars), 27.3g fat (of which 2.9g saturates), 13.7g fibre and 0.03g salt, making it a satisfying and flavour-packed option that helps you start the day on a high.
Sticky toffee overnight oats- ingredient list!
Ingredient list for the oats-
200g/7oz of any kind of oats
Four tablespoons of ground flaxseed
Two teaspoons of ground cinnamon
One teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Four tablespoons of maple or agave syrup
500 ml/18 fl oz plant-based milk without added sugar
80g/3oz pecans to serve with sea salt
Ingredients for the 'sticky toffee date' sauce-
100ml of eight pitted dates3½fl oz plant-based milk without added sugar
¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
Add a sprinkle of salt
Sticky toffee overnight oats- step by step instruction guide!
Step 1
Add the oats, flaxseed, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and milk to a large bowl and mix well until everything is fully combined. Make sure the oats are evenly coated and the spices are well distributed throughout the mixture for plenty of flavour in every bite. Divide the mixture into four equal pots or jars, spreading it out evenly so each portion will set properly overnight. Once divided, place the jars in the fridge and set aside to chill and thicken, allowing the oats to soak up the liquid and soften ready for the next day.
Step 2
To make the ‘sticky toffee’ sauce, start by placing the dates in a bowl and covering them with warm water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes until they soften and become sticky. This soaking process not only makes the dates easier to blend but also helps release their natural sugars, creating a rich, smooth, and naturally sweet base for the sauce. Once the dates have softened, drain them thoroughly and set them aside, ready to be blended into a luscious, caramel-like sauce that will perfectly top your overnight oats.
Step 3
Add the soaked dates to a blender along with the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth, creating a rich, creamy, caramel-like sauce with a glossy, velvety texture. The natural sweetness of the dates combines with the milk and vanilla to give a luscious, indulgent flavour that perfectly mimics sticky toffee. This sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon yet pourable, making it ideal for drizzling generously over your overnight oats. The best part? There’s no cooking required, so you get all the decadent taste of sticky toffee in a simple, fuss-free, plant-based topping that turns your breakfast into a truly indulgent treat.
Step 4
Divide the sticky toffee sauce evenly between the four pots of oats, spreading it gently into an even layer on top of each portion. Make sure each pot gets a good coating so every bite has that rich, caramel flavour. Once layered, place the pots in the fridge to thicken overnight, or for a minimum of 2 hours if you’re short on time. By morning, the oats will have absorbed the liquid and the sauce will have set slightly, ready to enjoy straight from the jar or taken on the go.
Step 5
When ready to serve, sprinkle the oats with crunchy pecans and a light pinch of sea salt. The pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavour, while the sea salt enhances the sweetness of the sticky toffee sauce, balancing the flavours perfectly. Enjoy straight from the jar for a quick breakfast, or take it with you as a delicious, portable meal.
Recipe tips in order to make these the best overnight oats you have ever tasted-
These overnight oats aren’t just delicious cold-they’re equally delightful served warm. To enjoy them hot, simply transfer a jar or portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat until piping hot, stirring halfway if you like to ensure it warms evenly. Once warmed, top with the crunchy pecans and a pinch of sea salt just as you would when serving cold. The contrast of the nutty pecans, the lightly salted topping, and the rich, caramel-like date sauce makes each bite wonderfully indulgent. Just be mindful when heating-the sticky toffee sauce made from dates can become very hot, so handle with care to avoid burns.
For those who aren’t strictly following a vegan diet, feel free to swap the plant-based milk for dairy milk, which adds a creamier texture and a slightly richer flavour to the oats. Either way, whether served cold from the fridge for a quick breakfast on busy mornings or warmed up for a comforting treat, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and perfect for any time of day. It’s an easy, nourishing option that feels indulgent without any of the fuss, making it ideal for meal prep, packed lunches, or a cosy start to the morning.