Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Up close image of overnight oats with dates on top.

Trader Joe's Vanilla Overnight Oats Copycat Recipe

Author: Mika Kinney
5 from 2 votes
Why buy overnight oats when you can make this super easy and delicious Trader Joe’s Overnight Oats Copycat Recipe? It’s packed with sweet vanilla flavor and sweet dates, totally vegan and gluten-free, and can be made in 5 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Protein: 5g
Serves: 1
Print Pin
Save Recipe Recipe Card

💌 Save to your inbox!

Send this recipe straight to your inbox by entering your email. As a bonus, you'll receive our top tips for getting more protein into your diet.

Equipment

  • 1 8 ounce mason jar 4oz or 6oz will also work but it will be very full

Ingredients

  • 1 date (finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter (creamy)
  • ½ cup water
  • cup rolled oats (or old-fashioned)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or paste)

Before you start!

If you make this recipe, please take a moment to leave us a review. We love to hear from you!

Instructions

  • If using a blender: Blend the dates, almond butter, and water until creamy. Transfer to jar.
    If not using a blender: Heat the almond butter in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften it. Whisk together the finely chopped dates, almond butter, and water until fully combined. This can be done directly in a jar or container.
    A bowl with the mixture in a bowl.
  • Add all the other ingredients to the jar and mix to combine. Cover and set in the fridge to thicken for at least 2 hours.
    Overnight oats in jars.
  • Enjoy plain or topped with bananas and cocoa nibs.

Video

Notes

HELPFUL TIPS
Use a blender: Chopping dates is a bit of a mess so if you have a blender, it's much easier to blend the dates with the water and almond butter.
If you don’t have a blender: Chop the dates very very small. Heat the almond butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften it. This makes it much easier to mix everything together.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What kind of dates should I use for these oats?
Any kind will work, but medjool dates work best. They are very sweet and easy to find in the grocery store.
Can I use other types of oats?
You can use rolled oats, old-fashioned oats, or quick oats. Steel-cut oats will not work because they won’t soften and instant oats won’t work because they turn to pudding.
What size jars are ideal for this overnight oats recipe?
A serving is 4 oz so 4 oz jars work great. But, if you are a bit messy (like me) and like toppings, I prefer to use a larger 6 or 8 oz jar. This makes it easier to mix and leaves more room for toppings.
How should overnight oats be served? Cold, warm, or room temperature?
This is up to personal preference, but I prefer them warmed up for about 1 minute in the microwave. But, I also love them cold, especially when running out the door quickly. If you want to heat them, you can also make a double or triple batch and heat them on the stove in the morning to feed a crowd.
STORAGE AND MEAL PREP TIPS
Fridge: These keep for 5 days in the fridge in sealed jars or an airtight container. The longer it sits, the more the flavor develops. You may need to give them a good stir before eating as the liquid tends to come to the top.
Reheating: You can heat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or on the stovetop till heated through. If making a large batch, I find it easier to reheat it on the stove in a saucepan.
Meal prepping: If making these oats for the entire week, I recommend making a big batch mixing everything in a large bowl, and then dividing it evenly into individual jars. 
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Note: Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.

Looking for more information?

Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Copycat, overnight oats, vanilla

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 627mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you try this? We'd love to hear how it went. Please leave a review below! For more protein recipes join our email list!