If you have ever wanted a breakfast that looks as magical as it tastes, these ube coconut overnight oats are exactly what you need. The gorgeous purple color from ube (Filipino purple yam) pairs perfectly with creamy coconut milk for a breakfast that feels like a tropical vacation in a jar. You will want to make this every single week once you try it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Stunning purple color that makes breakfast actually exciting
• No cooking required just mix, refrigerate, and wake up to breakfast ready to go
• Naturally sweet and creamy thanks to ube and coconut milk
• Meal prep friendly make a batch on Sunday and eat all week
• Packed with fiber and nutrients to keep you full until lunch
• Dairy-free option that does not sacrifice any creaminess
• Kid approved because purple food is always a hit with little ones

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make two servings of this beautiful breakfast. Most of these items are easy to find at your local grocery store or an Asian market.

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use instant oats, they get too mushy)
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can for the richest result, or carton coconut milk for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (oat milk, almond milk, or regular dairy milk all work great)
• 2 tablespoons ube halaya (ube jam) (find this at Filipino grocery stores or Asian markets, or online)
• 1 teaspoon ube extract (this deepens the purple color and intensifies the flavor)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (adds thickness and a boost of omega-3s)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (this really brings all the flavors together)

Topping ideas: toasted coconut flakes, fresh mango chunks, sliced bananas, ube halaya drizzle, or a sprinkle of crushed macadamia nuts.

Substitution tip: If you cannot find ube halaya, you can use taro paste as a substitute. The color will be slightly different but the flavor is similar and delicious. You can also use purple sweet potato puree in a pinch.

How to Make ube coconut overnight oats Overnight Oats

1. Gather your jars or containers. Use two mason jars or any airtight container with a lid. Wide-mouth pint jars work perfectly for overnight oats because they are easy to stir and eat from.
2. Mix the wet ingredients first. In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, additional milk, ube halaya, ube extract, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the ube halaya is fully dissolved and the mixture turns a beautiful purple color.
3. Add the dry ingredients. Pour in the rolled oats, chia seeds, and salt. Stir everything together well so the oats and chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the purple coconut mixture.
4. Taste and adjust. Give the mixture a quick taste right now. If you want it sweeter, add a little more maple syrup. If you want a stronger ube flavor, add a tiny bit more ube extract, just a drop or two at a time since it is quite potent.
5. Divide into jars. Pour the mixture evenly into your two prepared jars or containers. Give each one a quick stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
6. Seal and refrigerate. Put the lids on your jars and place them in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 6 hours, but overnight (8 to 10 hours) gives the best texture.
7. Morning prep and toppings. In the morning, take the jars out of the fridge. Give each one a good stir. The oats will have thickened up nicely. If the mixture seems too thick, just splash in a little more milk and stir. Add your favorite toppings like toasted coconut flakes and fresh mango right before eating.

Pro Tips for Perfect ube coconut overnight oats Overnight Oats

• Use canned coconut milk for the creamiest texture. Shake the can well before opening so the cream and liquid are fully combined.
• Do not skip the chia seeds. They are what helps thicken the oats to that perfect pudding-like consistency. If you leave them out, your oats will be runnier.
• Old-fashioned oats are key. Quick oats get mushy and steel-cut oats stay too chewy. Old-fashioned rolled oats hit the sweet spot every single time.
• Add toppings right before eating. Coconut flakes and fresh fruit will get soggy if you add them the night before. Wait until morning for the best texture contrast.
• Let them sit the full 8 hours if possible. The longer the oats soak, the creamier and more flavorful they become.
• Stir well in the morning. Sometimes the coconut milk fat separates overnight. A good stir brings everything back together beautifully.
• Double or triple the recipe for easy meal prep. These keep well in the fridge for up to four days so making a big batch on Sunday saves time all week.

Flavor Variations

Once you love the base recipe, try these fun twists to keep breakfast interesting all week long.

Ube Coconut Mango Overnight Oats: Add 1/4 cup of diced fresh mango into the oat mixture before refrigerating. The sweet tropical mango pairs absolutely perfectly with ube and coconut. Top with more fresh mango and a squeeze of lime juice in the morning.

Ube Coconut Chocolate Overnight Oats: Stir 1 tablespoon of cacao powder into the mixture along with the ube. The deep chocolate flavor adds richness and creates a flavor combination that tastes almost like a fancy dessert. Top with cacao nibs for extra crunch.

Ube Coconut Pineapple Overnight Oats: Stir in 2 tablespoons of crushed pineapple (drained well) for a pina colada inspired breakfast. Add some toasted macadamia nuts on top for crunch. This one is truly like a tropical vacation in a jar.

Ube Coconut Matcha Overnight Oats: Whisk 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into the wet ingredients. The earthy green tea flavor balances the sweet ube in a really beautiful way. This combination is popular in Filipino and Japanese fusion desserts for a reason.

Storage Tips

These overnight oats are perfect for meal prepping ahead of time. Here is everything you need to know about storing them properly.

Store your ube coconut overnight oats in sealed airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture actually improves over the first couple of days as the oats continue to absorb the coconut milk.

Do not freeze overnight oats. The texture of oats changes significantly after freezing and thawing, and they can become gummy or grainy. Stick to refrigerator storage for best results.

Always add fresh toppings like fruit, coconut flakes, and nuts right before you eat. Storing them on top of the oats overnight will make them soft and unpleasant.

If your oats get too thick after a day or two in the fridge, just stir in a splash of coconut milk or your milk of choice to loosen them back up to your preferred consistency.

Nutrition Information

Here is the estimated nutrition per serving based on the base recipe without toppings. Values may vary depending on specific brands and any substitutions you make.

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 85mg

Note: Using light coconut milk will reduce the fat and calorie content significantly. Adding fresh fruit toppings will increase the carbohydrate and sugar content slightly but also adds additional vitamins and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find ube halaya?

Ube halaya (ube jam) is most commonly found at Filipino grocery stores and Asian supermarkets. Many larger Asian grocery chains carry it in the jam or international food aisle. You can also order it easily online. Some specialty grocery stores are starting to carry it too as ube has become more popular in the US.

Can I use ube powder instead of ube extract and ube halaya?

Yes, you can use ube powder as a substitute. Use about 2 tablespoons of ube powder mixed into the wet ingredients. The flavor will be slightly less intense than using both ube halaya and extract, but it will still taste delicious. You may want to add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup since ube halaya is quite sweet on its own.

Are ube coconut overnight oats gluten-free?

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat. If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, look for oats that are specifically labeled certified gluten-free. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I eat these overnight oats warm?

Absolutely. If you prefer a warm breakfast, just scoop the oats into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. You can also heat them gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of extra milk. The flavor is just as wonderful warm as it is cold.

What does ube taste like?

Ube has a mildly sweet, slightly nutty flavor that is often described as a combination of vanilla and pistachio with a subtle earthy sweetness. It is not as starchy tasting as regular sweet potato. The flavor is quite gentle and works beautifully with coconut, making it a perfect match for these overnight oats.

Conclusion

These ube coconut overnight oats are proof that healthy breakfasts do not have to be boring. The vibrant purple color makes them feel special, and the creamy coconut and sweet ube flavor combination is genuinely irresistible. You will find yourself looking forward to waking up every morning when you know this is waiting for you in the fridge.

Whether you are new to ube or already a big fan of this Filipino ingredient, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy it. It is simple, meal-prep friendly, and absolutely beautiful to look at and eat. Try it this weekend and let breakfast become the best part of your day.