Overnight Oats with Figs and Walnuts
Creamy, no-cook oats that soften overnight into a pudding-like breakfast. Sweet dried figs and crunchy walnuts weave through every spoonful, with a hint of cinnamon and maple. Grab a jar straight from the fridge on busy mornings.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Chop the figs and walnuts.
1.Remove any stems from dried figs and chop into small, raisin-sized pieces.2.Roughly chop the walnuts into small chunks, keeping some texture. - mix · ~2 min
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
1.Add rolled oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl.2.Add the pinch of salt.3.Add the chopped figs and walnuts, reserving a tablespoon of each for topping.4.Stir well until everything is evenly combined and no dry oats remain.TIPA pinch of salt wakes up the sweetness — don't skip it. - assemble · ~2 min
Divide into jars and seal.
Spoon the oat mixture evenly into four 8-ounce mason jars. Press down gently with the back of the spoon so the oats are submerged in liquid. Seal each jar tightly with its lid.
TIPMake sure the oats are fully submerged so they soften evenly overnight. - rest · ~480 min
Refrigerate overnight.
Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or up to overnight. The oats and chia seeds will absorb the liquid and soften into a creamy, pudding-like texture.
TIPDon't stir during the rest — the chia and oats need quiet time to set. - garnish
Top with reserved figs and walnuts, then serve.
Open a jar and give it a quick stir. Sprinkle the reserved chopped figs and walnuts on top. Enjoy cold straight from the jar, or transfer to a bowl.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant, for the best creamy texture without mushiness.
- 2Reserve a tablespoon each of figs and walnuts for topping to add contrasting crunch and chew.
- 3Press the oat mixture down gently in the jar so all oats are submerged for even softening.
- 4Let the oats rest undisturbed overnight—stirring prevents the chia from setting properly.
- 5These jars keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; batch-prep for grab-and-go breakfasts.
- 6If the mixture seems too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a plant-based yogurt (coconut or soy) to make the recipe entirely vegan while keeping it creamy.
high proteinHigh-protein
Replace half the milk with unsweetened protein milk or add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost the protein content for a more substantial breakfast.
low sugarLow-sugar
Omit the maple syrup and rely on the natural sweetness of the dried figs; you can also add a mashed ripe banana for sweetness without refined sugar.
spicedSpiced
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom, a pinch of nutmeg, or a dash of ginger to complement the figs and cinnamon for a warmer, more aromatic profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Rolled oats, chia seeds, and dried figs provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting healthy digestion and keeping you full longer.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which are known to support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Good Source of Calcium
Milk and yogurt contribute calcium for strong bones, and dried figs also offer a plant-based calcium boost.
Antioxidant-Rich
Figs and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support overall wellness.
Natural Energy
The complex carbohydrates from oats and natural sugars from figs and maple syrup provide steady, sustained energy for your morning.
Frequently asked questions
Quick oats will work but become mushier. For the best creamy-yet-chewy texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.
