Coffee Cake Overnight Oats – Perfect & Quick Breakfast Recipe

This Coffee Cake Overnight Oats recipe is basically dessert for breakfast, but with all the good stuff your body actually needs. It’s made with wholesome ingredients, filled with warm cinnamon flavor, and layered with a buttery crumb topping that gives every bite a cozy, coffee cake vibe.

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If you’ve been around my kitchen for a while, you already know oats are my go-to breakfast. I’ve made everything from baked versions to creamy stovetop ones, but this might be my favorite yet. 

With cooler mornings rolling in, I wanted something that felt indulgent but still simple enough for weekday mornings. These Coffee Cake Overnight Oats check all those boxes: creamy, spiced, and ready to grab straight from the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Coffee Cake Overnight Oats give you that bakery-style flavor without any effort in the morning.

All the comfort of coffee cake: You get the same soft, cinnamon sweetness in a creamy, spoonable form.

Time-saving breakfast: Prep once and enjoy for days — perfect for busy mornings.

Wholesome and filling: Rolled oats, milk, and Greek yogurt keep you full for hours.

Customizable flavor: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or toppings to your liking.

Great texture: The streusel-style topping adds crunch to the creamy oats.

Perfect pairing: Tastes amazing with your morning coffee or tea.

Here’s what I enjoy doing with mine. I sometimes stir in a bit of brewed espresso or even a pinch of instant coffee before refrigerating the oats. It adds that rich, roasted flavor that makes each bite taste like an actual slice of coffee cake. A small addition, but it makes the whole jar feel a little more special.

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Ingredients

For the Oats:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup milk (any kind works)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Coffee Cake Crumb Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Optional Add-ins:

• A splash of cold brew or espresso for stronger coffee flavor
• Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Extra cinnamon or nutmeg
• A dollop of cream cheese or whipped topping when serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Base

Combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir everything until well mixed. The texture should be creamy but not runny. If you like thicker oats, reduce the milk slightly.

2. Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until it forms a crumbly texture. You can use your fingers to pinch it together — it should resemble classic coffee cake crumble.

3. Assemble the Oats

Spoon the oat mixture evenly into jars or containers, leaving a little space at the top. Sprinkle a generous amount of the crumb topping over each serving. This layer adds that sweet, spiced crunch once chilled.

4. Chill Overnight

Seal the jars or cover the containers and place them in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. During this time, the oats absorb the liquid and become perfectly soft and creamy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

In the morning, remove the oats from the fridge and give them a quick stir. You can enjoy them cold or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, drizzle of honey, or dollop of yogurt on top if you like.

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Tips & Variations

• For richer flavor: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the mix before chilling. It enhances the “coffee cake” flavor beautifully.
• Healthier option: Use almond milk and a touch of coconut sugar for a lighter version.
• Make it vegan: Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and use plant-based milk.
• Add texture: Stir in chia seeds or flaxseed before refrigerating to make the oats thicker.
• Crumble upgrade: Add crushed graham crackers or oats to the topping for extra crunch.
• Storage tip: Keep in sealed jars in the fridge for up to 4 days — they’ll stay fresh and creamy.

One thing I enjoy is making a small batch of extra crumb topping and storing it separately. I sprinkle it on just before eating so it stays crunchy and adds that bakery-style bite every single time.

Serving Suggestions

Coffee Cake Overnight Oats are perfect for mornings when you want something cozy and quick. Pair them with a hot latte, cappuccino, or even a simple black coffee to bring out the sweet, cinnamon notes. You can also top them with sliced bananas, berries, or a spoonful of nut butter for a fuller meal.

When I make this for brunch guests, I love serving the oats in small glass jars with an extra layer of crumb topping and a swirl of whipped cream on top. It looks beautiful, tastes incredible, and feels like you’re serving dessert for breakfast, in the best way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but they’ll turn out softer and less chewy. For the best texture, rolled oats work perfectly.

Do I have to refrigerate overnight?

At least 6 hours is ideal. That gives the oats time to soak and thicken.

Can I make this without yogurt?

You can! Just replace it with more milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

How long do they last?

These oats stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. The crumb topping may soften over time, so keep extra topping separate if you like it crunchy.

Can I eat them warm?

Absolutely. Just heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds before serving.

What’s the best container to use?

Glass jars or airtight containers work best. They keep everything sealed and make it easy to grab and go.

Final Thoughts

Coffee Cake Overnight Oats are everything you want in a weekday breakfast: easy, creamy, and full of cozy flavor. The mix of sweet cinnamon, hearty oats, and that buttery crumble makes every spoonful comforting.

I love that this recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the nostalgia of coffee cake and the convenience of overnight oats. Whether you enjoy it cold or warm, it’s a simple way to make mornings feel special without any rush.