Pin it I discovered matcha overnight oats on a rainy Tuesday when my usual breakfast routine felt stale. Standing in front of my pantry, I spotted a tin of matcha powder I'd been meaning to use and thought, why not try it in oats? That first spoonful—cool, creamy, with that unmistakable earthy green tea flavor—changed how I think about breakfast prep. Now it's become my quiet ritual, something I can assemble in ten minutes and trust to be waiting for me the next morning, vibrant and ready.
I made this for my sister one weekend when she was stressed about deadlines, and watching her face light up when she tasted it—that subtle sweetness, the smooth texture—reminded me that sometimes the simplest meals carry the most comfort. She asked for the recipe immediately, which felt like the highest compliment possible.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: These are your foundation, absorbing all the creamy almond milk and matcha flavors overnight while staying tender but with a slight chew.
- Unsweetened almond milk: I use almond milk because it stays neutral and lets the matcha shine, but coconut or oat milk work beautifully too.
- Plain Greek yogurt: This is what transforms overnight oats from plain to luxurious, adding tanginess and protein without any sweetened flavor competing.
- Chia seeds: They thicken the mixture slightly and add omega-3s, plus they create little pockets of texture that feel intentional.
- Matcha powder: Buy culinary grade, not ceremonial—it whisks in easier and tastes less bitter, which matters when you're not whisking with ritual.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough to balance the matcha's earthiness; I go lighter than you'd think because the yogurt adds sweetness too.
- Vanilla extract: A small pour ties everything together, like it's been simmering even though you haven't turned on the stove.
- Toppings: Fresh berries, banana, coconut flakes, and nuts aren't required but they turn a simple bowl into something you actually want to wake up for.
Instructions
- Whisk your wet base:
- Pour the almond milk and Greek yogurt into your bowl or jar, then add the honey and vanilla. Sift in the matcha powder slowly while whisking—this is important because matcha clumps easily, and you want that smooth, evenly green color without any bitter pockets. Once it's smooth and the color is uniform, you're ready to move forward.
- Fold in the dry ingredients:
- Stir in your rolled oats and chia seeds until everything is coated and combined. The mixture should look creamy and thick, not watery; if it looks too dry, whisk in a splash more milk. This is your last chance to adjust before it sits overnight.
- Refrigerate and wait:
- Cover your bowl or jar and slide it into the fridge for at least eight hours—overnight is ideal. While you sleep, the oats absorb the liquid and soften, and all the flavors marry together into something greater than the sum of their parts.
- Stir and adjust in the morning:
- Pull it out of the fridge and give it a good stir; the oats may have absorbed more liquid than you expect. If it feels too thick, pour in a splash of milk and stir until it reaches the creaminess you want. This is when you taste it too, in case you want a tiny drizzle more honey.
- Top and serve:
- Divide between two bowls and add whatever toppings speak to you—berries for brightness, banana for sweetness, nuts for crunch, coconut for a whisper of tropical flavor. Serve it straight from the fridge, cold and refreshing.
Pin it There's something about opening the fridge in the morning and finding breakfast already waiting, perfectly chilled and ready, that shifts your entire mood before you've even sat down. It's one of those small rituals that feels luxurious even though it took ten minutes to prepare.
Customizing Your Bowl
This recipe is forgiving in the best way because matcha flavor is bold enough to hold up to changes. If you want it sweeter, add another drizzle of honey; if you want it earthier, bump up the matcha to a full teaspoon and a half. For extra creaminess, swap the almond milk for coconut milk or use full-fat yogurt instead of Greek yogurt—I've done both and both are delicious, just richer. You can also prepare three or four jars at once and have breakfast sorted for the entire week, which is when this recipe really shows its value.
Making It Your Own
Some mornings I add a teaspoon of vanilla yogurt instead of plain, which gives it a subtle sweetness without any extra honey. Other times I layer the berries and nuts between the oats so they stay crunchier and you get texture changes as you eat. Once I even mixed in a tablespoon of almond butter for protein and richness, and it was incredible—not traditional, but absolutely worth repeating.
Pairing and Storage
A hot matcha latte alongside these cold oats is pure morning magic; the warm and cold, bitter and creamy, create this perfect balance. These keep beautifully in the fridge for three to four days, so you can make them on Sunday and trust them through Wednesday. The only downside is that the longer they sit, the thicker they become, so always keep a little extra milk nearby to loosen them up.
- Brew a matcha latte while you're eating the oats for a full green tea experience.
- Store in glass jars with tight lids to keep them fresh and prevent the smell from lingering in your fridge.
- You can make the base and add oats the night before, but wait to add toppings until morning so they don't get soggy.
Pin it This breakfast became my answer to mornings that feel rushed or uninspired, a little green spoonful of calm before everything else starts. Try it once and I think you'll understand why it's become my quiet favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, plant-based milks like almond or coconut milk work well, enhancing creaminess and flavor.
- → How much matcha powder should I use?
Use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of culinary-grade matcha for a balanced earthy taste without bitterness.
- → Can I prepare this without yogurt?
Replacing yogurt with plant-based alternatives keeps it creamy and suitable for various dietary preferences.
- → What toppings complement these oats best?
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, toasted coconut flakes, and chopped nuts add texture and freshness.
- → Is overnight soaking necessary?
Yes, soaking allows oats and chia seeds to absorb liquids, resulting in a creamy, ready-to-eat texture.