Mango Overnight Oats

Name: Mango Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ⅔ cup rolled oats; ⅔ cup milk; 1 tsp pure maple syrup; ¼ cup diced mango; 2 tsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla; dash of cinnamon; 2 pinches of salt

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Breakfast for kids doesn't get much easier than this! This mango overnight oats recipe takes five minutes to prepare and can be served hot or cold.

mango overnight oats in a jar with a spoon

It's almost too easy! In fact, your kids could even make this themselves! There is no cooking involved. The key is to let it sit for several hours before serving, which is why it's called 'overnight' oats.

If your kids love oats as much as mine, you've got to try my kid-approved Strawberry-Banana Baked Oatmeal, apple crumble, and Simple Granola recipes.

Oh, and if you're looking for another easy recipe that calls for chia seeds, try my Blue Chia Pudding!

About This Recipe

This refreshing and quick overnight oats recipe is sweet enough to win kids over, and hearty enough to have them feel full longer. Plus, it will save you time in the mornings!

Overnight oats are made using a process that involves soaking old-fashioned oats overnight. Allowing the oats to 'soak' overnight makes them easier to digest because soaking them reduces the amount of phytic acid.
The ingredients are mixed together the night before in order to allow the oats and chia seeds time to soften.
It is a very simple process that produces a delicious, healthy, ready-to-go breakfast.
Mango can be substituted with another fruit or left out altogether.

Ingredient Notes

Oats Old fashioned rolled oats work best. Oats are a whole grain. They are an excellent source of soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, and zinc. The American Heart Association recommends that at least half of the grains you eat are whole grains.
Milk Provides protein, calcium, and vitamin D. I use skim or 2% milk. Milk alternatives can be used in place of milk.
Chia Seeds According to Harvard, chia seeds are the richest plant source of omega-3's. They are also a complete protein, providing all of the essential amino acid's.
Maple Syrup Natural sweetener. Because, well, kids prefer oatmeal when it's sweet!
Cinnamon Added for flavor. I don't know about your kids, but mine love cinnamon.
Mango A stone fruit and is typically very sweet. Alphonso mangos are the sweetest I have found in the States. Mangos are high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

How To Make This Recipe

Prepared mango overnight oats in a glass jar with a glass lid.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps to make mango overnight oats. For the full list of ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.

Mix all ingredients except for the mango together in a quart-sized airtight container and stir well.
Top with mango pieces.
Let sit for a minimum of 8 hours.
Serve and enjoy!

Dietitian Tips

For kids with a dairy allergy, use a milk alternative instead of cow's milk in this recipe.

And keep in mind that it can be served hot or cold. At first, my daughter (who typically loves oatmeal) did not care for overnight oats. But once I warmed them up and asked her to try it again, she was sold!

Expert Tips

If you don't have a ripe mango, substitute it with a different fruit or leave the fruit out altogether. It will still taste great!
If your kids don't like cold oats, warm them in the microwave.

Recipe FAQs

Can these overnight oats be served warm?

Yes, absolutely. If your kids prefer this warm, simply heat it up in the microwave before serving. It really is delicious warm or cold.

Can I use Instant Oats instead of rolled oats?

I do not suggest using instant oats, as the texture will end up more like soup. Old fashioned rolled oats work best.

Can I used steel cut oats instead of rolled oats?

You can used steel cut oats instead, but they will need longer to soak. Old fashioned rolled oats work best.

How long can overnight oats be kept in the refrigerator?

As long as the ingredients (like milk) do not expire sooner, overnight oats can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days.

Other Great Kid-Friendly Breakfast Ideas

Did you try this Mango Overnight Oats recipe? Tell me how it went! Leave a comment below.

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