I’ve turned the flavors of a classic coconut cream pie into a simple, make-ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels your morning. This Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats recipe balances creamy coconut milk, toasted coconut, and a hint of vanilla for a comforting, no-cook breakfast I make on busy evenings.

Why Make This Recipe

It tastes indulgent without the fuss — creamy, coconut-forward flavor with a pleasant chew from rolled oats.
It’s nutritious and filling: oats, chia or Greek yogurt, and optional protein powder make for steady energy through the morning.
It saves time: prepare jars in 5–10 minutes the night before and grab-and-go for up to four days. I love having these ready when mornings are hectic.
It’s versatile for diets and occasions — scale up for meal prep, or portion into pretty jars for brunch guests. For a seasonal twist, see this pumpkin overnight oats idea.

Recipe Overview

Prep time: 8–10 minutes
Cook time: none (chill time: 6–8 hours)
Total time: 6–8 hours (mostly chilling)
Servings: 2 (about 1 jar each)
Difficulty: Easy
Method: No-cook soak — combine rolled oats with coconut milk, Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt), chia seeds, flavorings, and refrigerate in an airtight jar overnight.

My Experience Making This Recipe

I tested this recipe across several milk ratios to get the best creaminess without being soupy. After tweaking the oat-to-liquid balance, I settled on a mix of coconut milk and dairy or non-dairy milk for consistent texture. I also found toasting the coconut adds depth that mimics the pie crust flavor.

How to Make Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats

Combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk, 1/2 cup unsweetened milk (dairy or plant), 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt), 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1–2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt in a bowl or two 16-oz mason jars. Stir until evenly mixed, press a piece of plastic wrap or a lid on, and refrigerate 6–8 hours (or overnight). Before serving, stir, top with toasted shredded coconut, a dollop of whipped coconut cream, and crushed graham crackers or toasted nuts for crunch.

Expert Tips for Success

Use old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant) for the best texture — they soak to creamy chewiness without turning mushy.
Balance liquids: start with a 1:1 oats-to-liquid ratio by volume (1 cup oats : 1 cup total liquid); adjust for thicker or thinner consistency.
Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until golden and fragrant — it transforms the flavor. For more variations, try this pistachio overnight oats technique.
Use a fine pinch of salt and a splash (1/4 tsp) of lemon juice to brighten the coconut and vanilla notes. Measure with standard measuring cups for consistency.

How to Serve Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats

Layer with toasted coconut, crushed graham crackers, and a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a pie-like presentation.
Pair with fresh fruit like sliced mango or banana for contrast and extra freshness.
Serve in clear jars for brunch — top the jars just before serving to keep the crunch.
Offer as part of a brunch board with boiled eggs, yogurt, and coffee for variety.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store overnight oats covered in airtight glass jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days at 40°F (4°C) or below. If you want to freeze, portion the dry oat mixture and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge and add milk, stirring to recombine. To warm, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium (50–70% power) 60–90 seconds, stirring halfway; or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen texture.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-free / vegan: use canned full-fat coconut milk + unsweetened almond or oat milk and coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
Gluten-free: use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Protein-rich: add 1 scoop (20–25 g) vanilla protein powder or stir in 1/4 cup ricotta/Greek yogurt for creaminess and extra protein.
Tropical twist: swap maple syrup for 1 tbsp brown sugar and fold in 2 tbsp crushed pineapple (drained) before serving.

Nutritional Highlights

Oats provide soluble fiber (beta-glucan) for heart health and steady glucose response.
Coconut milk adds rich medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and satisfying fat for fullness.
Allergen info: contains oats (may be cross-contaminated with gluten), dairy or dairy-free depending on your milk/yogurt choice, and optional nuts if you top with them. Serve portions of about 3/4–1 cup per person for a balanced breakfast.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too thin: add 1–2 tbsp more oats or 1 tbsp chia seeds, stir, and chill 1–2 hours to thicken.
Too thick or dry: stir in 1–2 tbsp milk at a time until you reach desired consistency; let sit 10–15 minutes to absorb.
Bland flavor: increase vanilla to 1 1/2 tsp, add a pinch of flaky salt, or swirl in 1–2 tsp maple syrup to brighten flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: You can, but quick oats will become softer and can turn mushy after overnight soaking. Rolled oats keep a creamier, chewier texture. If using quick oats, reduce soak time to 4–6 hours and expect a softer result.

Q: Is canned coconut milk necessary or can I use carton coconut milk?
A: Full-fat canned coconut milk gives the richest, creamiest result and mimics pie filling. Carton coconut milk is thinner; if you use it, increase chia seeds or yogurt slightly to achieve creaminess.

Q: How can I make this less sweet without losing flavor?
A: Reduce sweetener by half and amp up vanilla and a pinch of salt; add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of cinnamon to brighten flavor without extra sugar.

Q: Can I make these in bulk for the week?
A: Yes — prepare up to 4–5 jars at once and store refrigerated. Hold toppings like toasted coconut and graham crumbs separately and add just before serving to keep crunch.

Conclusion

If you want a tested, pie-inspired breakfast with clear instructions and tips, check this Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats recipe for step-by-step inspiration: Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats | Lemons & Zest | Oatmeal Recipe.

Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats