As we get into the rhythm of spring semester, it can become difficult to go to sleep at night and even harder to wake up in the morning. In our rush to get out of our pajamas, we often forget the most important meal of the day: breakfast. We at the Clog know that breakfast doesn’t need to be complicated. So, here are four delicious oatmeal recipes that are quick, easy and fulfilling.

Overnight oats

Overnight oats make the easiest breakfast — all you need to do is stir, add your toppings and dig in! Typically the only ingredients need are oats, any type of milk and yogurt, but we’ve provided some variations that will surely jazz up the traditional overnight oat recipe. In all of the recipes, the milk and yogurt can be substituted with a plant based version.

Peanut butter berry overnight oats

Ingredients 

• ½ cup steel cut oats 
• ½ cup milk of choice
• ⅓ cup yogurt of choice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• ¼ cup berries (I usually use raspberries, but strawberries and blueberries work too)
• 1 banana 
• Granola to taste
• Honey to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl or cup, mix the oats, milk, vanilla, yogurt and chia seeds together.
2. Add the peanut butter and berries on top of the mixture.
3. Refrigerate overnight or until ready to be eaten.
4. Top with honey, banana and granola.
5. Enjoy!

Pumpkin chia overnight oats

Ingredients

• ¾ cup steel cut oats
• ½ cup milk of choice
• ¼ cup yogurt of choice
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon honey, or sweetener of choice
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice seasoning (½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon clove and nutmeg)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Granola to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl or cup, mix the oats, milk, spices, yogurt, pumpkin puree and chia seeds together.
2. Refrigerate overnight or until ready to be eaten.
3. Top with honey and granola.
4. Enjoy!

Instant oats

Personally, whenever I forget to put my overnight oats in the fridge, instant oats act as a quick and delicious substitute that take just as little time. So, here are two recipes that are especially delicious for instant oats. 

Chocolate Banana Instant Oats

Ingredients

• 1 packet instant oat mix
• ½ cup of milk of choice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice
• 1 banana
• 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips

Directions

1. Add the milk and the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and mix gently.
2. Microwave for one minute.
3. Remove from microwave and add vanilla, cinnamon and sweetener.
4. Top with banana and chocolate chips while still hot.
5. Enjoy!

Vanilla Berry Instant Oats

Ingredients

• 1 packet instant oat mix
• ½ cup milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon vanilla coffee creamer
• ¼ cup raspberries
• ¼ cup strawberries
• Granola to taste

Directions

1. Add the milk and the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and mix gently.
2. Microwave for one minute.
3. Remove from microwave and add vanilla creamer.
4. Top with berries and granola.
5. Enjoy!

Hopefully, these oatmeal recipes can bring some peace into a hectic morning. A healthy and tasty breakfast is your first step towards a great day.