The first time I made these matcha overnight oats I thought I’d accidentally brewed breakfast—bright green, silky, and somehow calming before coffee.

This recipe is a real winner because it balances the earthy, slightly bitter matcha with creamy oats and a touch of sweet. It’s fast to prep, travel-friendly, and actually feels like a 5-star cafe bowl.

Make a batch on Sunday and you’ll have an elevated breakfast ready all week. No stove, no morning thinking—just stir, top, and go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in minutes the night before so mornings are easy.
Packed with slow-release carbs and matcha L-theanine for steady energy.
Flexible: easily vegan, nut-free, or keto-adaptable.
Portable and Instagram-friendly for meal prep or a quick desk lunch.
Bright, subtle green color that makes a simple bowl feel special.

The texture is creamy and slightly toothy from the rolled oats, with the matcha suspended throughout so every spoonful tastes balanced. The matcha adds a vegetal, slightly grassy note that plays beautifully against vanilla and a sweetener; the oats bring body, and milk smooths everything into a spoonable custard-like finish.

"Five stars — I prepped three jars and they stayed perfect in the fridge for four days. That matcha flavor is dreamy, not bitter. Will make each week!" — Sarah, reader

Key Ingredients

Rolled oats
Rolled oats are the backbone here. Use old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant) for the best texture—steel-cut will be too firm and quick oats too mushy. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or Quaker are reliable and soak up liquid evenly.

Matcha green tea powder
Matcha provides the color and that mellow vegetal flavor. Choose a culinary-grade matcha for baking and mixing—ceremonial is lovely but pricier. Store matcha in an airtight tin away from light to keep it bright and fresh.

Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Milk controls creaminess and thickness. Whole milk yields a richer result; oat milk or almond milk gives a lighter, vegan-friendly texture. Barista-style oat milks are slightly thicker and make the oats silkier.

Honey or maple syrup
The sweetener tames matcha’s edge and rounds the bowl. Honey lends floral warmth while maple brings depth. Taste as you go—start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like it sweeter.

Full ingredient list:

1 cup rolled oats
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Toppings (e.g., sliced bananas, berries, nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, matcha powder, and a pinch of salt until the matcha is evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: Tap the matcha through a small sieve if you see clumps; this prevents green streaks and ensures smooth color.

Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the sweetener dissolves into the milk.
Pro Tip: If using honey, warm the milk slightly (not hot) to help it dissolve faster and blend more evenly.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry

Pour the wet mixture into the oats and matcha mixture. Stir thoroughly until every oat is coated and the matcha is fully mixed in. The oats should look uniformly green.
Pro Tip: Scrape the bottom of the bowl with a spatula to catch any undissolved matcha.

Step 4: Portion into jars

Divide the mixture into jars or airtight containers for easy storage and portion control. Use 8–12 ounce jars for single servings.
Pro Tip: Leave a little headspace so you can add fresh toppings in the morning without overflow.

Step 5: Chill overnight

Cover the jars and place them in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, to let the oats soften and the flavors meld.
Pro Tip: Six hours is the minimum, but 8–12 hours yields the creamiest texture.

Step 6: Stir and adjust

In the morning, give each jar a good stir. If the oats are too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen to your preferred consistency.
Pro Tip: A tablespoon or two of milk warms the oats up visually and makes them creamier without watering them down.

Step 7: Add toppings and serve

Top with sliced bananas, fresh berries, chopped nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes as desired. Enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl.
Pro Tip: Add crunchy toppings right before eating to keep texture contrast—nuts or granola lose crunch if added too early.

By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to fuel your day!

Expert Tips for Success

Measure precisely for consistent texture. Use a kitchen scale if you prep often; 1 cup of rolled oats to 2 cups milk gives a spoonable, not soupy, result. Slight variations change mouthfeel significantly.
Matcha-to-oats ratio matters. One tablespoon of matcha gives vibrant color and flavor without bitterness. If you prefer a milder taste, drop to 1 teaspoon, but don’t exceed 1.5 tablespoons unless you like a pronounced green tea intensity.
Choose the right oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats rehydrate into a creamy but slightly chewy texture; quick oats become very soft and can get gluey. Avoid instant oats for overnight recipes.
Use thicker plant milks for richness. If you’re vegan, pick barista oat milk or a full-fat coconut milk for a luscious mouthfeel. Thin almond milk works but may need a shorter fridge time to avoid a watery top layer.
Sweeten to taste and layer flavors. Start with 1 tablespoon sweetener, then taste after the oats have soaked. Vanilla extract amplifies sweetness and rounds out the matcha. For deeper flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract.
Prevent clumping by pre-mixing matcha with a tablespoon of milk. If you’re nervous about lumps, whisk matcha into a small amount of milk to form a paste before adding to the oats.
Jar choice affects freshness. Use glass jars with tight lids for best refrigeration and to avoid off-flavors. Mason jars are perfect for stacking in the fridge and travel-friendly.
Make-ahead timing: 2–3 days is ideal for texture and freshness. While these oats are safe for up to 5 days, the texture can soften and toppings may lose brightness.
For a creamier result, stir after 6 hours and then leave for another hour. This short refresh gives more uniform texture.
Taste test before serving. Matcha has green bitterness and the sweetness level that felt right at night may need a small morning adjustment; add sweetener then if needed.
Avoid heating matcha directly. If you reheat jars, do it gently; high heat can dull matcha’s flavor. Add a splash of hot milk and microwave briefly, stirring halfway.
Layer for texture. If you like fruit integrated, add berries to the bottom before pouring oats so they macerate slightly overnight. Add crunchy toppings in the morning.

Storage & Freezing

Fridge: Store prepared jars in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. Keep lids airtight. The first two days offer peak texture and flavor. After day three the oats can become softer; add chopped nuts to refresh texture when serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portioned oats in freezer-safe containers up to 1 month. Expect some texture change—frozen oats thaw softer. Defrost overnight in the fridge before eating.

Reheating: To serve warm, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk, then microwave for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway. Alternatively, pour into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring constantly until just heated through.

Transporting: For lunches, keep toppings separate in a small container until you’re ready to eat to maintain crunch. Use an insulated lunch bag if you plan to eat them warm.

Safety: If using fresh fruit, especially bananas, eat within 48 hours for best freshness. Always check for off smells or texture changes after long storage; discard if anything seems off.

Variations & Substitutions

Matcha coconut: Swap 1 cup of regular milk for full-fat coconut milk for a tropical twist. Top with toasted coconut flakes and diced pineapple for a creamy island bowl.

Vegan protein boost: Stir in 1 scoop of vegan protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) before chilling. Use a plant-based milk and maple syrup to keep it fully vegan.

Nut butter swirl: Add 1 tablespoon of almond or peanut butter to each jar in the morning for extra protein and richness. Heat slightly to make the nut butter swirlable.

Lower-sugar / keto-friendly: Use unsweetened almond milk and a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. Replace oats with a chia pudding base (chia seeds + matcha + milk) if you’re avoiding grains.

Berry matcha: Fold in a handful of mashed berries the night before for natural sweetness and a pretty color ribbon. Berries soften overnight and meld into the oats.

Crunch top: Add a tablespoon of granola or toasted seeds right before eating to maintain a pleasant contrast to the creamy oats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
A: You can, but instant oats will become much softer and can turn mushy. Rolled oats retain a nice chew and creaminess; they’re the best choice for overnight soaking.

Q: Will matcha make the oats bitter?
A: Not if you use the right ratio. One tablespoon of culinary-grade matcha balanced with 2 tablespoons sweetener and vanilla gives a pleasant vegetal note without harsh bitterness. If you’re sensitive, start with 1 teaspoon.

Q: How long do matcha overnight oats keep in the fridge?
A: Best eaten within 3 days for optimal texture and freshness. They’re safe up to 5 days but may become overly soft and lose topping crunch.

Q: Can I prep a large batch for the whole week?
A: Yes. Portion into individual jars and store in the fridge. For best flavor and texture, consume within 3 days. Freeze extra jars for longer storage and thaw overnight when needed.

Q: Is there caffeine in matcha overnight oats?
A: Yes. Matcha contains caffeine, though less than a typical cup of brewed coffee. Expect a gentle, sustained energy boost thanks to L-theanine, which promotes calm alertness.

Final Thoughts

These matcha overnight oats are my easy, reliable go-to when I want a breakfast that feels special but requires zero morning effort. They’re endlessly adaptable and travel well.

If you tried this recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin this bowl to Pinterest so others can find it.

Conclusion

Want more inspiration and variations? Try this Vanilla Matcha Overnight Oats for a softer-sweet twist. For a vegan take with detailed measurements, see Matcha Overnight Oats (vegan & healthy!) – Earthly Provisions. If you’re feeling festive, check out the colorful St. Patrick’s Day Recipe Matcha Rainbow Overnight Oats. And for a completely different overnight oats flavor profile, try this decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats for a chocolatey breakfast swap.

Matcha Overnight Oats

Delicious, creamy matcha overnight oats that are easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and ensure a nutritious start to your day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 12

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine Healthy, Japanese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture.
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy) Whole milk yields a richer result; oat or almond milk is lighter.
1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder Culinary-grade matcha is best for mixing.
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Adjust sweetness to taste.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor.
1 pinch salt Balances the flavors.

Toppings

sliced bananas, berries, nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes Add as desired for extra flavor and texture.

Instructions

Preparation

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, matcha powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly distributed.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the sweetener dissolves.
Pour the wet mixture into the oats and matcha mixture. Stir thoroughly until every oat is coated and the matcha is fully mixed in.
Divide the mixture into jars or airtight containers.
Cover the jars and place them in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.

Serving

In the morning, stir the oats. If too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen.
Top with your choice of sliced bananas, fresh berries, chopped nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes.

Notes

Store prepared jars in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. Adjust sweetness and serve with crunchy toppings right before eating.

Keyword Healthy Breakfast, Matcha Overnight Oats, meal prep, Overnight Oats, vegan

Matcha Overnight Oats: The Amazing Ultimate Recipe for 5-Star Breakfasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Ingredients