This blended overnight oats recipe tastes just like sticky toffee pudding but with nutrients and fiber to keep you full. Great to prep ahead, they thicken in the fridge, becoming creamy and thick. Then, I can just grab a jar and go in the mornings. It’s been a lifesaver during the postpartum season and will definitely remain a staple in my breakfast rotation!
These overnight oats became a staple for me at the end of pregnancy and followed me right into postpartum, when I needed something quick but still really nutrient-dense.
I’d batch-prep and freeze my protein oats, then thaw a serving and blend it with dates and chia for a thick, creamy texture and sweet, sticky date flavor. It was an easy way to get in some much-needed protein, fiber, healthy fats, and carbs without having to think too hard about a meal.
And apparently I wasn’t the only one who needed them. My husband ended up loving them too, which was perfect because he was right there in the newborn trenches with me!
Why You’ll Love These Blended Overnight Oats
- Quick & Easy – Prep time is super quick, and the fridge does the rest. Just cook the oats, blend, and chill. You’ll have a filling breakfast ready to go the next morning.
- Nutritious – With complex carbs and healthy omega fats, these oats are super filling and leave me feeling energized all morning. I often like to add a scoop of protein, too, to make them even more satiating.
- Meal Prep-Friendly – I prepare several jars at once for quick options to enjoy throughout the week.
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Nut-Free – Created with a variety of dietary needs in mind, these date overnight oats are easy to customize for an option that’s great for the whole family.
- Flavor – The dates cook down and soften, infusing the oats with a sweet, caramel-like flavor for a nutritious breakfast that tastes like dessert.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Gluten-Free Rolled Oats – Do not substitute any other types of oats. Quick oats and steel-cut oats won’t soften and absorb the liquid the same. Look for certified gluten-free oats to prevent the risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
- Non-Dairy Milk – Feel free to use Greek yogurt for a boost of protein and probiotics. Look for dairy-free Greek yogurt alternatives if needed.
- Pitted Dates – These sweeten the oats, contributing to the sticky toffee pudding flavor. I prefer Medjool dates, but any kind of pitted dates will work. I always soak or chop them into small pieces for easier blending.
Ingredient Swap: Not a fan of dates? Substitute ½ to 1 banana instead, but keep in mind that the oats may not stay fresh as long.
- Sweetener – This is optional, but I like to add a bit of honey to enhance the natural sweetness of the dates and infuse the oats with a slightly floral taste, especially if using tart Greek yogurt or less sweet dates. Maple syrup works well, too.
- Chia Seeds – These help thicken the oats while adding fiber and healthy omega fats.
- Non-Dairy Milk – Any type of milk will work. For an even creamier consistency, I sometimes use dairy-free creamer instead.
- Creamy Nut Butter – Almond butter and cashew butter work especially well in this blended overnight oats recipe. Sunflower seed butter can be substituted if you need to keep the oats nut-free.
Note: Peanut butter and tahini can be overpowering and won’t give the same sticky date flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – This enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the oats.
Tip: Want to make your blended oats even more filling? Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder and a little extra milk to help it blend evenly. Or, add more warmth with a pinch of cinnamon.
How to Make Blended Overnight Oats
Because they’re made with dates and blended, these oats require a little extra prep time than my blueberry overnight oats or strawberry chia seed overnight oats, but it’s totally worth it.
- Cook the oats. I typically cook my oats in water with a pinch of salt on the stove. However, you can also follow the package instructions to cook them in the microwave.
- Blend. Transfer the cooked oats to a blender along with the non-dairy milk (or Greek yogurt) and dates. Pulse until mostly smooth. This helps create a pudding-like texture. I like to leave a few small pieces for a little chewiness.
- Combine. Transfer the mixture to a bowl or airtight container, and stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours. I recommend letting the oats chill overnight for the best taste and texture.
- Serve. Give the oats a quick stir, add a splash of milk as needed if they become too thick, finish with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Topping Ideas
I almost always serve my blended overnight oats topped with chopped nuts and extra chopped dates. However, they’re also delicious with coconut flakes, sliced bananas, maple buckwheat granola, chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or even coconut whip.
Can I Eat Blended Overnight Oats Hot?
Yes, if you prefer warm oats, just pop them in the microwave or warm them over medium heat on the stove before serving. Add a splash of milk as needed to loosen the mixture and achieve your desired consistency.
How to Store
Stored in an airtight container, these blended sticky date oats will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just give them a quick stir and add a splash of milk as needed before adding your toppings.
More of Our Favorite
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Recipes
Sticky Date Blended Overnight Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1–2 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
Make these sticky date blended overnight oats for a gluten-free, dairy-free, nutritious breakfast that tastes like sticky toffee pudding!
Ingredients
- ½ cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ¾ to 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup nondairy milk or Greek yogurt (see notes)
- 2 to 3 pitted dates, chopped or soaked for easier blending (about ¼ cup chopped)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, optional (see notes)
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 2 to 3 tablespoons nondairy milk or creamer, as needed
- 2 teaspoons creamy almond butter, cashew butter, or other nut or seed butter of choice (see notes)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Mix-In
- Protein powder
- Pinch of cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Chopped nuts
- Additional chopped dates
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add the water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the rolled oats, reduce the heat to low, and cook partially covered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and creamy. Add a splash of milk or water while cooking if the oats become too thick or dry.
- Alternatively, cook the oats in the microwave according to the package directions, adding more milk or water as needed.
- Transfer the cooked oats to a blender. Add the nondairy milk or Greek yogurt, dates, and honey or maple syrup, if using.
- Blend using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor until mostly smooth, leaving a little texture if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl or airtight container. Stir in the chia seeds, nondairy milk or creamer, nut butter, vanilla extract, an additional pinch of salt, and protein powder, if using.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Stir before serving, adding an extra splash of milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.Top with chopped nuts, additional dates, and a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
- Dates: Dates add natural sweetness and texture and help the oats keep well. You can substitute ½ to 1 banana, but the oats may not stay fresh as long.
- Honey or maple syrup: The dates naturally sweeten the oats, so additional sweetener is optional. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter, more caramel-like flavor, especially if using tart Greek yogurt or less-sweet dates.
- Greek yogurt: Use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture and extra protein. Nondairy yogurt may also be used in place of Greek yogurt or almond milk.
- Nut butter: Almond or cashew butter works best. Peanut butter and tahini can be overpowering and won’t give the same sticky date flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill time 4 hours or overnight:
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: blend, Boiling, Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cup or 1 generous portion
- Calories: 340-345
- Sugar: 15-16 grams using 3 Deglet Noor dates
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 9-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 -54 grams
- Fiber: 9-10 grams
- Protein: 9-10 grams
- Cholesterol: 0mg











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