These Spiced Orange Clove Overnight Oats are like cozy fall mornings in a bowl.
They’re creamy, lightly sweet, and packed with warm spice.
I love how simple they are — you mix everything the night before, and breakfast is done when you wake up.
The combo of orange zest, clove, and maple syrup feels like something out of a bakery, but it takes just 5 minutes to throw together.
I’ve made these on chilly mornings, during busy weeks, and even brought them on road trips. They’re a total go-to.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
- Orange slices (for serving, optional)
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s become a staple in my fridge. Here’s why:
- Quick and no-cook: Throw it together in 5 minutes.
- Flavor bomb: Orange zest + clove = magic.
- Meal-prep dream: Grab and go in the morning.
- Cozy + refreshing: Light but still warm in flavor.
It reminds me of winter holidays — like warm cider, but make it breakfast. I came up with it when I had leftover oranges from making marmalade and didn’t want them to go to waste.
Makes
2 servings
Time
Prep: 5 minutes
Chill: 6 hours or overnight
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Oats soak up the almond milk and yogurt overnight, softening into a perfect creamy texture without cooking. The chia seeds swell up and add a pudding-like body. Orange zest gives you bold citrus flavor without adding liquid. Ground clove is powerful and a little goes a long way — it warms up the whole mix. Greek yogurt adds protein and tang to balance the sweet maple syrup.
Common Mistakes
- Using quick oats: They get mushy. Stick with rolled oats.
- Too much clove: It’s strong. 1/2 tsp is enough.
- Not mixing well: Make sure all the chia seeds and spices are fully stirred in.
- Forgetting the salt: Just a pinch makes the flavors pop.
- Not chilling long enough: Give it at least 6 hours to set properly.
What to Serve With
- Hot coffee with a splash of cinnamon creamer
- A boiled egg or two for extra protein
- Toast with almond butter
- A small green smoothie for a fresh touch
FAQ
Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, they don’t soften the same way overnight. Stick to rolled oats.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut yogurt or any non-dairy alternative.
Can I double it?
Absolutely. Just use a bigger container and double everything.
Do I need to zest the orange fresh?
Yes, for best flavor. Pre-packaged zest won’t be as bright or flavorful.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap clove: Try nutmeg or allspice.
- Add fruit: Stir in chopped apple or pear before chilling.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based yogurt.
Make Ahead Tips
- Make up to 3 days in advance and store in a sealed jar.
- Store individual servings in mason jars for grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Add fresh fruit right before eating for best texture.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Add Oats and Milk
In a mixing bowl or jar, add 1 cup rolled oats and 1 cup unsweetened almond milk. Stir together to begin softening the oats.
Step 2: Mix in Yogurt and Maple Syrup
Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and 2 tbsp maple syrup to the jar. Stir until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Spices
Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Chia Seeds and Orange Zest
Stir in 1 tbsp chia seeds and the zest of 1 orange using a microplane. Mix well so everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Chill Overnight
Seal the jar and place in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until thickened.
Step 6: Serve
The next morning, give the oats a quick stir and top with orange slices and an extra drizzle of maple syrup, if desired. Serve cold.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Stir before eating — the chia may settle.
- Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Wrap Up
That’s it — a creamy, spiced, and citrusy breakfast that feels way fancier than it is. Hope you love it as much as I do. If you try it, let me know in the comments how it went or if you added your own twist!
