Making overnight oats for toddlers is one of the easiest things you’ll do with huge pay offs during the week. Because my toddler still has to greatly limit her egg consumption due to her allergy, the number recipe I depend on for breakfast during the week is overnight oats.
They’re the perfect, healthy, well-rounded breakfast to help toddler’s start the day off with energy and brain power. They’re full of fiber, nutrients, protein, and healthy fats – well, my version is! 🙂 And, best of all, you can meal prep them in under 15 minutes for the week or even batch prep them and freeze for up to a month.
Benefits of Overnight Oats for Toddlers
If you’re on the search for healthy toddler recipes, go ahead and add overnight oats to the list. Here’s why I make them almost every single week.
- Nutritious. Once you master the basic overnight oats recipe, you can play around with all types of variations. There really is no limit. And, because you’re in control of it, you can add all the nutrient dense foods you want. I like adding hemp seeds, chia seeds, nut butters, fruit, yogurt, etc. If you’re looking for more high fiber meals for toddlers, this is it!
- Balanced Meal. The oats provide healthy carbs, fiber, and beneficial vitamins (i.e. Vitamin B1) while the addition of chia seeds and nut butters provide healthy fats and protein. Overnight oats are the perfect balance of carbs, fats, and proteins keeping your toddler satisfied and energized for hours.
- Easy to Make. You can literally whip overnight oats up in minutes – usually about 15 minutes!
- Meal Prep Friendly. I like to pre-portion out individual servings in these mini glass jars. I’ll store them in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Overnight Oats Ingredients
Today, we’re making a fiber rich, naturally sweetened overnight oats recipe for toddlers. Keep in mind, you can add or take away whatever you’d like (except the oats, of course).
- Rolled Oats. The oats are the star ingredient. They pack in healthy carbs and fiber plus beneficial nutrients, such as Vitamin B1, Magnesium, Phosphorous, and Manganese.
- Milk of Choice. The milk allows the overnight oats to soften up and “marinate” overnight. Any type of milk is fine.
- Yogurt. To thicken the texture and add creaminess (which my toddler loves), I like to add plain whole milk yogurt. You can also use flavored yogurt, but be aware of the sugar content.
- Chia Seeds. These add healthy fats and fiber!
- Nut Butter. Another ways to get more healthy fats, protein, and fiber into your toddler’s diet while add lots of flavor.
- Banana. A natural way to sweeten the overnight oats.
- Maple Syrup. If you find it needs to be a little sweeter, add maple syrup or raw honey.
- Vanilla and Cinnamon. Adds loads of flavor!
How To Make Overnight Oats for Toddlers
This recipe is so easy to make and prep for the week, you’ll be flabbergasted! It only takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Step 1 – Mash Banana. In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana with a fork. Make sure it’s ripe with some spots for the best flavor.
- Step 2 – Mix. Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix until fully combined.
- Step 3 – Add to Jars. I like to pre-portion it out into individual mini glass jars for a true grab-and-go breakfast (or snack!).
Storage Tips + Meal Prepping
- Refrigerator. These overnight oats for toddlers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer. You can store them in an airtight containers in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Meal Prepping. Pre-portion it out into individual containers for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack option.
FAQs
- Can I substitute the banana? You can leave it out completely or substitute it with applesauce.
- Can I use steel cut oats? For overnight oats, I suggest using rolled oats for the softer texture. Steel cut oats are best cooked the traditional way.
- What type of milk should I use? Any type of milk works great with this recipe.
- Do I serve these to my toddler warm or cold? Overnight oats are meant to be eaten right out of the fridge or at room temperature. Otherwise, just make them traditional oatmeal if you want to give them something warm.
More Toddler Friendly Recipes
If you’re on the search for more toddler friendly recipes, here are a few of my favorites.
Overnight Oats for Toddlers (high fiber!)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Large Ripe Banana
- 1 C. Rolled Oats
- 1 C. Milk of Choice
- 3/4 C. Plain Whole Milk Yogurt (or greek yogurt for more protein)
- 3 Tbsp Chia Seeds
- 3 Tbsp Peanut Butter
- 3 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract or Powder
- 1/2 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana up with a fork.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl with the banana. Mix until fully combined.
- Pre-portion it out into individual glass jars for meal prepping. Enjoy!
- Optional: When ready to serve, top with fresh fruit, shredded coconut, etc.
Notes
- Jars: I like using these mini glass jars to pre-portion out individual servings.
- Storage: These overnight oats for toddlers will last in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
