Cannoli Overnight Oats Recipe
If you love the creamy, dreamy texture of overnight oats but crave something with a hint of indulgence and a fresh twist, then these Cannoli Overnight Oats are about to become your new breakfast obsession. Imagine the rich, comforting feel of traditional cannoli flavors—tangy nondairy creaminess, a burst of vibrant orange zest, chocolate chips melting into soft oats, and a satisfying crunch from cinnamon-sugar tortilla crisps. This recipe turns your regular morning oats into a luscious, gourmet experience that feels like a treat while still being nutritious and fuss-free. Trust me, waking up to these Cannoli Overnight Oats is like starting your day with a little celebration in a jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cannoli Overnight Oats lies in how simple, whole ingredients come together to create complex layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role — from the wholesome oats providing hearty sustenance, to the nuts and chocolate adding crunch and sweetness, and citrus zest brightening every spoonful. Here’s what you’ll gather to get started:
- Old-fashioned oats: 1 1/4 cups for the perfect creamy yet chewy base.
- Chia seeds: 2 teaspoons — these help thicken the mixture and add Omega-3 goodness.
- Nondairy yogurt or cream: 3 tablespoons — adds tang and luscious creaminess.
- Vanilla extract or powder: 1/4 teaspoon for that warm, comforting aroma.
- Orange zest: 1/4 teaspoon to brighten up the dish with citrus notes.
- Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons — natural sweetness that harmonizes all flavors.
- Hot nondairy milk: 1 cup to soak the oats to tender perfection.
- Vegan mini chocolate chips: 2 tablespoons for little bursts of melty chocolate happiness.
- Chopped pistachios: 2 tablespoons — raw or roasted, for nutty crunch and vibrant green color.
- Chopped orange slices: as needed to add freshness and a little juiciness.
- Oil: 1 teaspoon — for crisping the tortilla bits.
- Large flour tortilla: 1, sliced into triangles or cubes — to create the crispy topping.
- Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon to caramelize the tortilla crisps.
- Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon for warm, spicy sweetness in the topping.
How to Make Cannoli Overnight Oats
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Oat Mixture
Start by combining your oats and chia seeds in a bowl, mixing them well to evenly distribute. Then add the nondairy yogurt, vanilla, orange zest, maple syrup, and hot nondairy milk. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and creamy-looking. Let this sit for about 15 minutes so the oats and chia seeds can soak up the moisture and thicken beautifully. This soaking step is crucial to achieving that luscious base with the perfect overnight oats texture.
Step 2: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Layer the Jars
Once your oat mixture is smooth and cool, gently fold in the vegan mini chocolate chips to create surprise pockets of melty chocolate, or simply sprinkle them on top. If you’re using jars, layer some oats at the bottom, add a sprinkle of chocolate chips in the middle or on top, then finish with chopped pistachios and orange slices for brightness and crunch. These jars can be refrigerated for up to three days, making this recipe an excellent make-ahead breakfast.
Step 3: Make the Crispy Cinnamon-Sugar Tortilla Topping
Just before serving, slice your flour tortilla into the shapes you prefer—triangles or little cubes work beautifully—and heat a skillet over medium. Add the teaspoon of oil and toss the tortilla pieces to coat them well. Let them crisp up, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mix over the tortilla chips and toss again to coat fully. Turn off the heat and give them a few minutes to get extra crunchy. These crispy pieces add the delightful textural contrast that elevates your Cannoli Overnight Oats from simple to spectacular.
How to Serve Cannoli Overnight Oats
Garnishes
Brighten your oats experience by topping with extra chopped pistachios and a few fresh orange slices. For an even more eye-catching presentation, sprinkle a little additional orange zest right before serving. These garnishes add an inviting freshness and a burst of color that make your breakfast feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Cannoli Overnight Oats pair wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a fresh herbal tea to balance the sweet richness. A side of roasted nuts or a piece of fruit can also round out the meal if you want a bit more to nibble on alongside your creamy, textured oats.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cannoli Overnight Oats in pretty glass jars to show off the layered effect of oats, chocolate chips, nuts, and fruit. Crumble the cinnamon-sugar tortilla crisps over the top just before serving to maintain their crunch. For a fun twist, try layering with a swirl of nondairy whipped cream or nut butter for an added touch of decadence and creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any unused Cannoli Overnight Oats sealed in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a perfect grab-and-go breakfast. Just remember to keep the crispy tortilla topping separate until when you’re ready to eat to maintain the crunch.
Freezing
These oats don’t freeze well due to the texture changes in dairy alternatives and fruit when thawed, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh within a few days. Preparing a fresh batch is quick and easy, so you won’t lose much time by skipping the freezer stage.
Reheating
If you prefer your Cannoli Overnight Oats warm, gently heat them in the microwave for short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out. Add any crunchy toppings afterward to preserve texture. Alternatively, enjoy them cold—they are just as delicious and refreshing that way!
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of nondairy yogurt?
Absolutely! While this recipe embraces vegan ingredients, regular yogurt works just as well if you’re not avoiding dairy. It will give the oats a similar tangy creaminess.
Can I substitute the flour tortilla for something else?
Yes! If you want a gluten-free or different topping, try using gluten-free tortilla chips or crushed nuts mixed with cinnamon and sugar for that crunch and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Definitely. You can leave out the pistachios or swap them for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch without nuts.
How sweet are Cannoli Overnight Oats? Can I adjust the sweetness?
The sweetness comes mainly from maple syrup and the brown sugar in the topping. Feel free to reduce or increase these to your taste, or add a touch of your favorite sweetener.
Can I prepare these oats without chia seeds?
If you don’t have chia seeds, you can skip them. The oats will still absorb the liquid and thicken, although the texture might be slightly different, but tasty nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to a jar of Cannoli Overnight Oats—a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting for your taste buds. This recipe blends the creamy, nutty, and citrusy flavors of classic cannoli into a convenient, wholesome breakfast that sets a joyful tone for your day. So I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making these vibrant Cannoli Overnight Oats at home. Your mornings will thank you!
PrintCannoli Overnight Oats Recipe
These Cannoli Overnight Oats offer a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional overnight oats by incorporating flavors inspired by the classic Italian cannoli dessert. Creamy nondairy yogurt and hot plant-based milk blend with oats, chia seeds, orange zest, and a touch of vanilla and maple syrup to create a smooth, flavorful base. Topped with vegan mini chocolate chips, crunchy chopped pistachios, fresh orange slices, and a crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla topping, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying vegan breakfast or snack that can be prepared ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (includes 15 minutes soaking time)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook soaking with stovetop toasting
- Cuisine: American-Italian fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Overnight Oats Mixture
- 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats (or quick cooking oats)
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons nondairy yogurt (or non-dairy cream or vegan cream cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup hot nondairy milk (such as oat, soy, or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons vegan mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (raw or roasted, unsalted)
- Chopped orange slices (as needed)
- Orange zest (optional, as needed)
Crispy Topping
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 large flour tortilla (sliced into triangles, cubes, or preferred shape)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the oat mixture: In a bowl, combine the oats and chia seeds. Add the nondairy yogurt, vanilla extract, orange zest, maple syrup, and hot nondairy milk. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients well. Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb the moisture and thicken into a creamy texture.
- Add toppings and assemble: Once the oat mixture has thickened and cooled, gently fold in some vegan mini chocolate chips or reserve them for layering. Transfer the oats to serving bowls or individual jars. Add additional chocolate chips to the top or in the middle of each jar. Garnish with chopped pistachios, fresh orange slices, and a sprinkle of orange zest for extra flavor and texture. Store jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prepare the crispy topping: Just before serving, slice the flour tortilla into desired shapes such as triangles or cubes. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil, tossing the tortilla pieces to coat thoroughly. Toast the tortillas in the skillet until they begin to crisp up, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add cinnamon sugar coating: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the toasting tortillas while stirring to coat all pieces well. Turn off the heat and let the tortilla crisps sit in the pan for a few minutes to become extra crunchy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla pieces on the side or crumble them on top of the prepared overnight oats for added texture and flavor at the time of serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh orange zest and fresh orange slices to maximize flavor.
- You can substitute any plant-based milk you prefer, such as cashew or coconut milk.
- The crispy tortilla topping is best made just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
- This recipe can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days but prepare the crispy topping fresh each time.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add-ins such as shredded coconut or dried fruit.
- The recipe is naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free tortilla.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. half of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: overnight oats, vegan breakfast, cannoli inspired oats, plant-based, healthy breakfast, make-ahead oats, chia seeds, cinnamon sugar tortilla
