These Date and Tahini Overnight Oats are a tasty and healthy way to start your day! With sweet dates and creamy tahini, every bite is simply delicious.
Preparing them is a breeze—just mix the oats with milk, stir in tahini and chopped dates, and chill overnight. Mornings just got easier and tastier!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Essential for texture, rolled oats absorb liquid well overnight. If you’re out of rolled oats, quick oats can work too, but they’ll be softer. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended for this recipe since they need longer cooking time.
Tahini: This ingredient adds rich creaminess and a unique nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, try almond butter or peanut butter, although they will change the taste slightly. Sunflower seed butter is a good nut-free option.
Medjool Dates: Dates sweeten the oats naturally and add a chewy texture. If you can’t find them, try using maple syrup or honey, but use less, as they are much sweeter. Dried figs or apricots can also work for a different flavor.
Milk: Any type will do! Dairy milk gives a creamier texture, while plant-based options like almond, soy, or oat milk are great for vegan diets. Choose unsweetened versions to keep control over sweetness.
How Do You Get the Perfect Consistency for Overnight Oats?
The consistency is important for enjoying overnight oats. If it’s too thin, you won’t get that hearty feel; if it’s too thick, it’s hard to eat. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix the oats and liquid (milk and yogurt) in a 1:1 ratio, adjusting based on how you like your oats. More liquid for creaminess, less for a thicker texture.
- Include chia seeds; they help thicken the mixture. Their gel-like consistency adds bulk and nutrients.
- Refrigerate overnight. This allows oats and chia seeds to absorb the moisture and soften.
- In the morning, check the texture. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk can adjust the consistency easily—stir until smooth.
How to Make Date And Tahini Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 2-3 medjool dates, pitted and chopped (reserve 1 date for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh fruits for topping (e.g., blueberries, chopped apples or peaches)
- Additional tahini for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is wonderfully quick! You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and mixing everything together. Then, let it chill in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 6 hours. In the morning, you’ll just need a couple of minutes to add the toppings and enjoy your delicious breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, yogurt (if using), chia seeds, tahini, chopped dates (excluding one reserved for topping), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This mix forms the base of your overnight oats.
2. Mix Everything Together:
Stir all the ingredients well to make sure everything is evenly mixed. You want the dates to be distributed throughout the mixture for a sweet surprise in every bite!
3. Chill Overnight:
Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and the chia seeds to swell, creating a creamy texture.
4. Stir and Adjust Consistency:
In the morning, pull your oats out of the fridge and give them a gentle stir. If you find the mixture is too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the overnight oats to a serving bowl or jar if it’s not already in one. Top your oats with the reserved date halves, fresh fruits, and a drizzle of extra tahini for added creaminess and flavor.
6. Dig In!
Enjoy your nutritious, creamy, and naturally sweet Date and Tahini Overnight Oats. Perfect for a busy morning or a leisurely breakfast at home!
Can I Use Different Types of Oats?
Absolutely! While rolled oats work best for this recipe, you can use quick oats for a shorter soaking time. However, avoid steel-cut oats as they require longer cooking time and won’t soften enough overnight.
Can I Make These Oats Vegan?
Yes! Simply use plant-based milk and skip the yogurt or substitute it with a non-dairy yogurt alternative. This will keep the overnight oats vegan-friendly!
How Long Do Leftover Overnight Oats Last?
Leftover overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to maintain freshness!
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add any fruits, nuts, or seeds you like as toppings. Some great options are bananas, walnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
