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High Protein Coffee Overnight Oats bring all the flavor of a creamy vanilla latte to an easy make-ahead breakfast. Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and espresso powder create rich, creamy oats that are perfect for busy mornings. It’s everything you love about your morning coffee in a breakfast that will actually keep you full.
There are plenty of mornings when breakfast and coffee happen at the exact same time. Instead of rushing through a bowl of oatmeal while my coffee gets cold, I combine the two into a breakfast that’s actually worth looking forward to.
These espresso overnight oats have the robust coffee flavor of a vanilla latte, 32 grams of protein to keep you full, and the convenience of a breakfast that’s already waiting in the fridge.
The Creamiest Coffee Overnight Oats
A few simple ingredients make all the difference for overnight oats. Greek yogurt adds richness, chia seeds create the thick, creamy texture overnight oats are known for, and vanilla protein powder blends in without making the oats taste like a protein shake. Dissolving the espresso into the milk before mixing everything together helps the coffee flavor spread evenly through every bite.
Here’s why these oats have become one of my favorites:
- Deep coffee flavor in every bite. Instant espresso gives these overnight oats a bold coffee flavor without adding extra liquid. If you prefer a milder coffee flavor, simply use a little less espresso or substitute instant coffee.
- Thick, creamy texture. Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and letting the oats rest overnight create oats that are creamy and spoonable rather than runny or gummy.
- Plenty of protein to keep you full. Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder make these overnight oats more filling, while the rich coffee flavor stays front and center.
- Breakfast is already waiting for you. Spend five minutes mixing everything together the night before, and breakfast is waiting in the fridge the next morning.
- Easy to make your own. Top with chocolate chips, cacao nibs, chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of peanut butter for your own coffee shop-inspired combination.
Ingredient Notes
For full recipe instructions and complete list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Old-fashioned oats give these overnights oats the best texture. They soften overnight while still keeping a little bite. I don’t recommend steel-cut oats because they won’t soften enough, and quick oats will create a much softer, mushier texture.
- Instant Espresso Powder: Instant espresso gives these overnight oats a bold coffee flavor without thinning the mixture. If you don’t have espresso powder, you can substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee, but the coffee flavor will be a little milder.
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is one of the keys to making these overnight oats extra creamy. I recommend plain Greek yogurt with at least 2% milk fat for the best texture, though nonfat will also work if that’s what you have.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder blends right into the oats and pairs really well with the coffee flavor. If you prefer a mocha-inspired breakfast, chocolate protein powder is a delicious alternative.
- Chia Seeds: The chia seeds help thicken the oats as they chill, creating a creamy, spoonable texture. If you leave them out, the overnight oats will be noticeably thinner.
- Maple Syrup: A little maple syrup balances the espresso without making the oats overly sweet. Depending on your protein powder and how strong you like the coffee, you can always add a little more after the oats have chilled.
Coffee Shop-Inspired Topping Ideas
Think of the toppings like you would your favorite coffee order. Make a few additions to completely customize the oats.
- Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs. If you love a mocha, a handful of mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs adds just the right amount of chocolate.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon. Cinnamon and coffee are a classic pairing. It adds warmth without overpowering the espresso flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans. Toasted nuts add a buttery crunch that pairs really well with the creamy oats and coffee.
- A drizzle of peanut or almond butter. Swirl a little on top for an even richer breakfast with a nutty flavor that complements the coffee.
- Fresh banana slices. Banana adds natural sweetness and makes these overnight oats feel even more like a complete breakfast.
- Whipped cream. For a more dessert-inspired breakfast, add a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings. It tastes a little like your favorite coffeehouse treat.
How to Make Coffee Overnight Oats
Making these overnight oats with coffee couldn’t be easier. Stir everything together, refrigerate overnight, and breakfast is ready when you wake up.
- Add the milk and instant espresso to a jar.
- Mix until the espresso powder is dissolved.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the jar and mix until completely combined.
- Place the overnight oats container in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours or overnight.
jamie’s tips
Simple Tips for the Best Coffee Overnight Oats
- Adjust the coffee to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a little less espresso powder. If you like bolder coffee taste, add an extra ½ teaspoon espresso powder.
- Give the oats a good stir before serving. As the oats chill, the chia seeds naturally settle and thicken the mixture. A quick stir before eating brings everything back together and creates the creamiest texture.
- Let them chill overnight if you can. The oats are ready after about 4 hours, but I think the texture is even better after sitting overnight.
- Taste before serving. Give the oats a taste and add another drizzle of maple syrup if you’d like them a little sweeter.
Storage and Make Ahead
These high protein coffee overnight oats are one of my favorite meal prep breakfasts because they get better after a night in the refrigerator. I usually make a few jars at the beginning of the week so breakfast is already waiting for me on busy mornings.
- Refrigerate: Store the overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Meal prep for the week: Double the recipe so breakfast is ready to grab each morning. I like adding toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- My favorite containers: I use these 16-ounce containers because they’re the perfect size for one serving and leave enough room to stir in toppings like banana slices, chocolate chips, or peanut butter before eating. They also travel well if you’re taking breakfast to work.
- Too thick? If the oats have thickened more than you like after a few days, simply stir in a splash of milk until they reach your preferred consistency.
More Overnight Oats Recipes
If you’ve made and loved this Coffee Overnight Oats recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
High Protein Coffee Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso, (1 ½ teaspoons if using instant coffee)
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add milk and instant espresso to a jar and mix until espresso powder is dissolved.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the jar and mix until completely combined.
- Place your overnight oats container in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
- Instant espresso gives the boldest coffee flavor. If using instant coffee instead, use 1½ teaspoons for a similar strength.
- Let the oats chill for at least 4 hours. The texture is even better after sitting overnight.
- Thick oats? If the oats become too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
Food photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé.
