Brown Sugar Coffee Overnight Oats has become my morning go-to when I need a quick, delicious breakfast that practically makes itself while I sleep. I love how the rich coffee flavor mingles with sweet brown sugar and aromatic cinnamon. It’s like enjoying your morning coffee and breakfast in one convenient jar – perfect for those busy weekdays when every minute counts!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS

You’ll fall in love with these overnight oats for so many reasons! First, the prep time is ridiculously short – just 5 minutes before bed, and breakfast is ready when you wake up. I find this particularly helpful on those mornings when I’m rushing out the door.

The combination of espresso powder and brown sugar creates that coffee shop flavor without the coffee shop price. Plus, the oat milk adds a creaminess that’s absolutely divine.

I also love that these oats are naturally nutritious – the old-fashioned oats provide fiber and staying power, while the chia seeds add healthy omega-3s. It’s basically a cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast all rolled into one!

Ingredients

1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon espresso powder
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup oat milk
⅓ cup old fashioned oats
½ teaspoon chia seeds

How To Make Brown Sugar Coffee Overnight Oats

Grab a jar with a tight-fitting lid and add the brown sugar, espresso powder, and cinnamon.
Pour in the oat milk, secure the lid tightly, and shake until everything is well mixed. I like to shake vigorously to make sure the espresso powder fully dissolves.
Open the jar and add the old-fashioned oats and chia seeds.
Replace the lid and give it another good shake until all ingredients are combined.
Place the jar in the refrigerator and let it work its magic overnight (or at least 4 hours).
In the morning, give it a quick stir and top with a sprinkle of extra brown sugar or cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy!

EXPERT TIPS

I’ve made these Brown Sugar Coffee Overnight Oats countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way:

For the richest coffee flavor, don’t skimp on the espresso powder. The real stuff works much better than instant coffee.
If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, adjust the brown sugar to your taste. I sometimes add an extra half teaspoon when I need a sweeter pick-me-up.
The texture gets creamier the longer it sits, so making these oats the day before works perfectly.
Give the jar one final shake before putting it in the fridge to ensure the chia seeds don’t clump together.
If you like your oats warmer, a quick 30-second trip to the microwave won’t hurt them a bit!

VARIATIONS

The beauty of Brown Sugar Coffee Overnight Oats is how customizable they are! Here are some of my favorite twists:

Mocha Madness: Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate-coffee combination that’s to die for.

Vanilla Latte Oats: A splash of vanilla extract gives these oats a warm, round flavor that complements the coffee beautifully.

Caramel Macchiato: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top before serving for a decadent treat.

Protein Power-Up: Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite protein powder or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra staying power.

Nutty Buddy: A handful of chopped walnuts or sliced almonds adds wonderful texture and healthy fats.

STORING AND FREEZING

These oats are perfect for meal prep! I often make 3-4 jars on Sunday evening to enjoy throughout the week.

Refrigerator: The prepared overnight oats will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as everything melds together.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing these particular overnight oats. The texture of the oats and chia seeds changes too much when thawed, resulting in a mushy consistency that’s just not as enjoyable.

Batch Prep: Feel free to mix the dry ingredients (oats, espresso powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chia seeds) ahead of time in small containers. Then just add the oat milk the night before you want to enjoy them!

FAQ

Can I use regular milk instead of oat milk?
Absolutely! I’ve made these with cow’s milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. Each brings its own flavor profile, but they all work wonderfully. Use whatever you have on hand!

I don’t have espresso powder. Can I use instant coffee?
Yes, you can substitute instant coffee, though you might want to use a bit more (about 1 teaspoon) since it’s typically not as strong as espresso powder. I’ve even used leftover cold brew coffee in place of some of the milk for an extra coffee punch!

Can I warm these oats up in the morning?
While traditionally eaten cold, I sometimes warm mine up for about 30-45 seconds in the microwave when the mornings are chilly. Just be careful not to overheat, as the oats can become gummy. Stirring halfway through warming helps distribute the heat evenly!