Dreamy Ube Overnight Oats

This creamy ube overnight oats recipe brings a burst of Filipino flavor to your morning routine with very little effort. The signature creamy purple base combines the earthy vanilla-like sweetness of ube with the comforting heartiness of oats. All you need is five minutes to mix everything up before bed and you wake to a vibrant breakfast that is as stunning as it is satisfying.

I first made this overnight oats when exploring Filipino flavors for simple weekday breakfasts. It was such a winner for both taste and ease that it is now a favorite for make-ahead mornings.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: form the hearty base and hold their texture overnight always choose quality oats for the best bite
• Ube halaya or ube extract: brings the vibrant purple color and a distinct floral vanilla flavor look for ube jam with a simple ingredient list or high quality Filipino extract
• Coconut milk: adds creamy richness and a touch of tropical depth shake the can well for even texture and choose unsweetened for more control
• Plant milk or any milk you enjoy: makes the oats creamy and lets you adjust for dairy free or classic tastes
• Evaporated milk: is optional but enhances creaminess use only if you want that extra decadent touch
• Chia seeds: add a little boost of omega three and help thicken the oats choose whole black or white seeds for best results
• Sweetener: is up to you try honey maple syrup date syrup or agave so you can control the balance
• Vanilla extract: lifts the vanilla notes in the ube and rounds out the flavor use real extract when possible
• Coconut shreds and other toppings: deliver texture and contrast choose fine or wide shreds toasted or plain

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix The Base Ingredients:

Combine ube halaya or extract with all your milks chia seeds sweetener and vanilla in your mixing jar Stir thoroughly so the ube is fully dissolved creating a smooth purple mixture and breaking down any thick bits for even flavor

Incorporate The Oats:

Add the rolled oats to the mixture and stir carefully until every bit of oat is covered The oats should look purple and glossy with no dry clumps which sets you up for fluffy results

Refrigerate Overnight:

Seal your container well before placing it in the fridge for a minimum of six hours Overnight gives the oats and chia seeds time to soften and soak up all the flavors resulting in creamy spoonable oats

Finish And Serve:

In the morning stir the oats well to redistribute any settled ingredients It should be thick and creamy If too thick add a splash more milk before topping with your favorite add-ons like extra ube fresh fruit or toasted coconut shreds

Pin

The ube halaya is what truly makes this dish special I will never forget the vanilla-scented aroma that filled my kitchen the first time I made these oats It is an easy way to bring a taste of Filipino dessert tradition into a week of breakfasts

The Magic of Ube

Ube is a purple yam loved in Filipino cuisine for its nutty vanilla flavor and eye catching color Unlike purple sweet potato or taro ube has a unique sweetness that makes it an ideal partner for desserts Halaya or ube jam is the most common way to use it in Filipino treats Making overnight oats with ube gives your breakfast both international flair and a dose of nostalgia if you grew up enjoying classic Filipino sweets

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Make several jars at once and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days for quick grab-and-go breakfasts The color and flavor get richer with time Always chill in glass containers if you can as ube can stain some plastics If you are prepping for a few days keep toppings in a separate container and add them just before serving for peak texture If your oats thicken too much after a day or two simply stir in a little extra milk

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find ube halaya use ube extract with a little yogurt or mashed banana to mimic the creamy consistency Coconut milk is easily swapped for any milk but the tropical notes pair perfectly with ube Omit evaporated milk or swap for more coconut cream to keep things non dairy Sweetness is flexible so adjust to taste and based on how sweet your ube base is A scoop of protein powder can add extra staying power for busy mornings

Serving Suggestions

These oats are gorgeous when served in clear jars to show off the color Layer your toppings for a show stopping effect Top with mango dragon fruit or passion fruit for a tropical twist and a drizzle of condensed milk for an indulgent treat Pile on extra coconut shreds or pair with Filipino pandesal for a heartier breakfast If you are making this as a dessert try serving it with a scoop of coconut ice cream on top for a playful nod to halo halo

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes ube overnight oats unique?

It's the ube! Not just for the awesome purple color but also for that mild, nutty sweetness that makes these oats totally different from the usual.

→ Can I use fresh ube instead of extract or halaya?

Sure thing—fresh ube works if you cook and mash it up. But using extract or jam is way less work and gets you there faster.

→ Are there dairy-free options for creamy oats?

You bet! Grab your favorite non-dairy milk, like oat or almond, and leave out anything with dairy. Easy switch.

→ Can I prepare this without added sweeteners?

Of course! If you go with ube jam or extract, it might be sweet enough. Or just use a natural sweetener if you want it sweeter.

→ What toppings pair well with ube oats?

Get creative—try yogurt, fresh fruit bits, coconut flakes, a handful of nuts, some granola, or even a swirl of sweet milk on top.