Overnight Steel Cut Oats with Coconut

Learn how to make the best overnight steel cut oats. This easy, healthy breakfast is made with almond milk, peanut butter and shredded coconut, vegan and gluten free, and can be stored in a mason jar in the refrigerator all week.

What Makes Overnight Steel Cut Oats Different from Regular Overnight Oats?

Traditional overnight oats require no preparation - all you need to do is combine the ingredients in a lidded container or jar and put it in the fridge overnight for the "slow cooking" process to begin.

But because steel cut oats are a lot chewier than rolled oats (see image below) they require some extra cooking to soften them up. After this the process is the same. Once they’re at room temperature, you can store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.

Steel Cut Oats vs Rolled Oats vs Quick Oats

There’s a lot of confusion around all the different kinds of oats and what you can do with them. For me, this guide on types of oats was a life-saver. Here’s a quick recap:

• Rolled oats, also known as regular or old-fashioned oats, are made when oat groats are steamed and then rolled into flakes. They are what you will most often find in oatmeal and overnight oatmeal recipes, cookies and other baked goods.

• Quick oats, also known as instant oats, are a step further from rolled oats. They’re steamed longer and rolled into thinner flakes, which results in a fluffier texture. These only require 30 minutes of soaking, and can be cooked in the microwave in just one to two minutes.

• Steel cut oats, sometimes also called  Irish oatmeal, act and look a bit differently. They are not rolled, but cut into small pieces, which makes them a lot coarser and harder to cook.

How To Make Overnight Steel Cut Oats

Unlike regular overnight oats (usually made with rolled oats) steel cut oats require a bit of cooking even if you leave them soaking overnight.

Step One

Bring oats, almond milk and shredded coconut to a boil. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step Two

Add peanut butter, honey or agave syrup, and coconut cream (if using). Stir well and cook for a minute more for the peanut butter to melt. The oatmeal should thicken considerably.

Step Three

Remove from the heat, cover with a lid and leave it at room temperature for at least 6 hours. Eat as is, or transfer oats into two lidded containers or mason jars, seal tight and keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips for Making Overnight Steel Cut Oats with Coconut

• You can eat coconut steel cut oats right away, while still warm, but they will be a bit more chewy, with maybe a bit of excess liquid.
• The recipe makes 2 servings, and the oats can easily be stored in the fridge for up to a week. As they require a bit more prep time, it’s a good idea to make a bigger batch and let them wait for you in the fridge.

Variations of Coconut Overnight Steel Cut Oats

• Replace almond milk with any kind of milk you like.
• Omit peanut butter for a peanut allergy-friendly version, or replace it with almond butter.
• Add coconut cream for an extra boost of coconut flavour and creaminess.

Steel Cut Oats Q&A

Are steel cut oats good for you?

Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They're a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. And steel cut oats are even a bit healthier than old-fashioned oats. They are thicker and less processed, thus slowing digestion, which also means a lower glycemic index value. In terms of protein, carb and fat content, all types of oats are the same.

Are steel cut oats gluten free?

Yes, oats are naturally gluten-free. But they are often made in the same factory with other grain products (such as wheat flour), which can lead to cross-contamination, so if you’re suffering from gluten allergies, make sure to buy certified gluten-free oats.

Are they keto?

No, steel cut oats are still oats, which is grain, built of mostly carbs. This makes them unsuitable for a strict keto diet.

Paleo?

While oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option, it is still grain, and Paleo doesn't allow grains.

Are steel cut oats the same as rolled oats?

While steel cut oats come from the same grain as rolled oats, they are processed differently, which changes their texture and cooking time. See above for more info on that.

Can steel cut oats go bad?

Yes, just like all grains, oats can go rancid. But, as long as you store them in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, most oats should last one to two years.

Can they be used to make overnight oats?

Yes, absolutely. You can find the recipe below.

Can I make steel cut oats completely without cooking?

Yes, but they will take a lot longer to soak, approximately 48 hours in my experience. They also require a much lower oats to liquid ratio, and won’t be as creamy.

Steel cut oats to water ratio?

It depends on cooking time, but my general rule would be 1:4. The longer you cook them, the more liquid will evaporate. If you leave oats in the fridge overnight, they will soak up even more liquid.

More Vegan Overnight Oats

• Chocolate Overnight Oats
• Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Raspberry Overnight Oats
• Basic Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Traditional Bircher Muesli