Mango Overnight Oats | Kara Lydon

Prepped in just five minutes, these mango overnight oats are the perfect make ahead breakfast for when you’re craving a refreshing bowl of creamy, tropical oats!

If you love easy, make ahead breakfasts that are prepped in just five minutes with only six ingredients, you’ve got to try my mango overnight oats!

If you’re not familiar with overnight oats, you throw all your ingredients together, store them in the fridge, and then overnight, the magic happens. The oats absorb all the liquid, softening them, and resulting in a creamy bowl of oatmeal!

I’m a big fan of overnight oats the summer months because they require no oven or stove time and are served cold! There’s nothing better on a hot summer morning than a big bowl of creamy, chilled oats.

This version is serving up all the tropical vibes with fresh mango! Mango is in-season and especially delicious through the summer months from May – September, which is another reason I love this recipe for summer breakfasts.

But this recipe is delicious and accessible all year round thanks to frozen mango! I just defrost it before using.

The mango blends together with honey, ginger, cinnamon, agave, and coconut milk to make a tropical, spiced base for the rolled oats. There’s so many ways to customize this recipe too based on your taste preferences (see FAQs).

I like to top mine with extra fresh mango, shredded coconut and chia seeds, and then close my eyes and imagine I’m on a tropical beach somewhere :).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

Rolled oats: Make sure to buy old fashioned rolled oats, not steel cut or quick oats. Rolled oats are the best to absorb liquid and create a creamy consistency.

Mangos: I used Honey variety (originally known as Ataulfo) but any variety would work just fine! I love making this with fresh mango during the summer months when it’s available but frozen would work well for year-round.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm spiced element.

Ginger: I use ground ginger which gives the flavor a little kick of spice.

Agave nectar: For sweetness but you can leave it out or use another sweetener of choice.

Milk: I use coconut milk beverage because it enhances to the tropical flavors  but you can use cow’s milk or any other non-dairy milk alternative! I’ve used almond milk too when it’s all I’ve had on hand!

EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED

Mixing bowl

Blender

How to Make Mango Overnight Oats

Step 1: Slice mango in half, down one side of the pit and then the other. Taking one half, use a knife to make lengthwise and crosswise cuts without cutting through the peel. Press mango cut segments up, so they stick out. Then, cut or peel away each cut segment. 

Step 2: In a high-speed blender, blend mango, ginger, cinnamon, agave nectar, salt, and coconut milk beverage until pureed.

Step 3: Pour mixture into large mixing bowl. Add oats and stir until combined.

Step 4: Cover bowl and store in refrigerator overnight, or for at least 6 hours. Portion into individual servings (I like to use mason jars). 

Step 5: When ready to eat, give oats a quick stir and add desired toppings. I added fresh mango, shredded coconut, and chia seeds

Expert Tips

Store oats in mason jars or small Tupperware containers for easy storage and travel.
Overnight oats can be enjoyed cold, warm, or hot. In the cooler months, I like to pop mine in the microwave for about a minute. In the summer, I enjoy them cold, straight out of the fridge!

Recipe Additions/Substitutions

For even creamier oats, add 1/2 cup Greek yogurt.
If you don’t have agave nectar, you can use honey or maple syrup to sweeten.
For an extra punch of spice, antioxidants, and vibrant color, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.

Mango Overnight Oats FAQs

Can I use other oats like steel cut or quick oats to make overnight oats?

You technically can use any type of oats to make overnight oats but the results will vary significantly. Quick/instant oats are so small that they will end up getting soggy and steel cut oats will produce a very chewy and dense texture. Rolled oats are your best bet for a creamy consistency!

What are the nutrition benefits of mango?

Mangos are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for vision and helps maintain healthy skin, and vitamin C, which is important for wound healing and immune function. Plus, research has linked the polyphenolic compounds, gallotannin and gallic acid, found in mangos, to gastrointestinal health benefits.

Are these overnight oats vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! These mango overnight oats are vegan and gluten-free. Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free but they may be processed in a facility that manufactures gluten-containing products and may contain traces of gluten. If you have celiac disease (gluten allergy), make sure to look for a certified gluten-free brand of rolled oats.

Do I have to store overnight oats overnight? 

Overnight oats are best stored, you guessed it, over night. Storing them for at least 8-12 hours produces the creamiest result. That being said, they are soft enough, IMO, after just 4-6 hours, if you’re in a pinch!

Can I use frozen mango for this overnight oats?

Yes! It’s best to let the frozen mango defrost first before pureeing. 

Storage and Preparation

Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. The longer the oats soak, the softer they will become. I like storing overnight oats in a glass jar (like a mason jar) with a tight seal. This storage makes it easy for a grab-n-go breakfast. Make sure to add any crunchy or fresh toppings (like fruit) in the morning to avoid those elements getting soggy.

Recipes That Pair Well

For more oatmeal inspiration, check out my other oats recipes below!

This recipe was retested, reshot and revamped to bring you the most delicious (and most beautiful) dish! The original post was published June 2016. 

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