Save The first time I made matcha overnight oats, I was standing in my kitchen at 6 a.m., half asleep, when I spotted a tin of matcha powder a friend had gifted me months before. I'd been intimidated by it, unsure how to use it beyond the traditional whisked ceremonial way, but something about that morning made me curious. I whisked it into Greek yogurt with a little honey, watched the milk turn that gorgeous soft green, and suddenly breakfast felt like an act of self-care instead of just grabbing something on the way out the door. Now it's become my ritual on mornings when I need to feel grounded.
I made a big batch of this for a friend who'd mentioned she always skips breakfast because she's rushing to work. The next day she texted me saying she actually sat down and ate it slowly, and suddenly she had time to breathe before her day started. That's when I realized this recipe wasn't just about the matcha or the oats—it was about permission to slow down, even for just ten minutes. Now whenever I make it, I think about that small moment of peace it gave her.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant; they hold their texture better overnight and give you something to bite into rather than a mushy paste.
- Unsweetened almond milk: The blank canvas that lets the matcha shine, though oat milk or coconut milk work beautifully if you want more creaminess.
- Greek yogurt: This is your secret ingredient for creaminess without dairy cream; it also adds protein that keeps you full until lunch.
- Chia seeds: They absorb liquid and thicken everything while adding omega-3s, but honestly, if you don't have them, the recipe works fine without.
- Matcha powder: Culinary grade, not the ceremonial stuff, which is more forgiving and less grassy-tasting; I've learned this the hard way.
- Honey or maple syrup: Start with one tablespoon and taste as you go, because sweetness is so personal, and you can always add more in the morning.
- Vanilla extract: A quiet addition that rounds out the earthiness of the matcha and makes everything feel more cohesive.
Instructions
- Whisk the green base:
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together the almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey, matcha powder, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, evenly green, and free of any matcha lumps. This takes about a minute of whisking, and you'll feel the matcha dissolve under the whisk. If you see grainy bits, keep going—they'll make the final texture gritty.
- Fold in the oats and seeds:
- Stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds until everything is evenly coated and there are no dry pockets of oats floating on top. The mixture will look thick and almost stiff, but that's exactly what you want.
- Cover and chill overnight:
- Cover your jar or bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or overnight, while the oats absorb all that creamy matcha mixture and transform into something soft and pudding-like. There's something almost magical about checking on it in the morning.
- Stir and adjust in the morning:
- Give everything a good stir, breaking up any clumps, and taste for sweetness and matcha intensity. If it feels too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches the consistency you like—some mornings I want it spoonable, other times I want it to flow a little.
- Top and serve:
- Divide between two bowls or jars and scatter with whatever toppings call to you. Fresh berries add brightness, sliced banana adds comfort, toasted coconut flakes add crunch, and nuts add a grounding earthiness.
Save There's a quiet moment every time I open the fridge in the morning and see these jars sitting there, ready to eat. It's like having a gift waiting for you, and it reminds me that taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. That simple act of preparing something the night before feels like an act of kindness to my future self.
Why Matcha Works Here
Matcha isn't just trendy; it's genuinely perfect for overnight oats because it dissolves into the creamy base and infuses everything with a subtle, earthy flavor that gets better as it sits. Unlike coffee, which can taste sharp and acidic in oats, matcha brings this calm, grounding quality that feels nourishing. I've also noticed that the matcha caffeine hits differently than coffee caffeine—it's steadier, without the jitteriness, so you actually feel awake without feeling rushed.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of overnight oats is that they're forgiving and endlessly customizable. I've experimented with cardamom, a pinch of sea salt, even a drop of almond extract, and each time the matcha adapts beautifully. The ratio of matcha to milk is flexible too; if you're new to matcha, start with one teaspoon and work your way up. Some mornings I want a subtle green whisper in the background, and other mornings I want the matcha to announce itself boldly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Magic
I make a batch of these every Sunday and they keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, covered. The texture changes slightly each day as the oats continue to hydrate, which honestly keeps things interesting throughout the week. If you're meal-prepping for four days, I'd suggest making the base slightly looser on day one than you want it, because by day four it will be noticeably thicker.
- Store in glass jars with lids for easy grab-and-go mornings and because you can see when they need refilling.
- Keep toppings separate in small containers so they stay fresh and crispy instead of getting soggy overnight.
- If you find yourself with leftovers on day five, they're still edible but the texture becomes almost cake-like, which is perfect blended into a smoothie.
Save This recipe has become one of those dishes that feels both simple and special, a quiet ritual that makes mornings feel intentional. It's the kind of breakfast that reminds you that nourishing yourself is one of the easiest acts of self-love.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a milk alternative for this dish?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk can be used to maintain creaminess and adjust flavors.
- → How does matcha affect the flavor?
Matcha provides a subtle earthy note and vibrant green color, complementing the natural sweetness of honey and vanilla.
- → Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
Refrigeration allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb liquid and flavors fully, resulting in a creamy, ready-to-eat texture.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely; fresh berries, sliced banana, toasted coconut flakes, and chopped nuts add texture and variety.
- → What is the best way to adjust sweetness?
Use honey or maple syrup to taste before refrigerating, and adjust depending on your preference for a balanced flavor.