If you love a cozy London Fog latte, you are going to be obsessed with these London Fog overnight oats. They bring together the dreamy flavors of Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and a hint of lavender in a creamy, no-cook breakfast that takes just 5 minutes to prep the night before.
This recipe makes 1 to 2 servings, so it is perfect for a solo breakfast or a quick meal prep for two. You get all the comfort of your favorite coffee shop drink in a filling, nutritious jar that is waiting for you when you wake up.
The best part? No standing at the stove, no blender, and no fancy equipment needed. Just stir everything together, pop it in the fridge, and wake up to something that tastes like a treat but is actually really good for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like a latte: Earl Grey tea gives these oats that bold, citrusy flavor you know and love from a London Fog drink.
- Super easy to make: You only need one jar and about 5 minutes of hands-on time the night before.
- Great for meal prep: Make a few jars on Sunday and have breakfast covered for most of the week.
- Packed with nutrients: Oats are loaded with fiber and protein, and Earl Grey tea adds antioxidants to the mix.
- Naturally customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your diet, whether you are dairy-free, vegan, or watching your sugar intake.
- No morning stress: Breakfast is done before you even go to bed, which makes busy mornings so much smoother.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled to room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon dried culinary lavender (optional but highly recommended)
- Pinch of salt
- Toppings: fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of lavender sugar
Substitutions
- Oats: Quick oats work in a pinch, but old-fashioned oats give the best creamy texture. Certified gluten-free oats are great if you need a gluten-free option.
- Earl Grey tea: You can use an Earl Grey tea bag steeped in hot water. Let it cool before adding it to your oats so you do not cook them.
- Milk: Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or regular whole milk all work well here.
- Greek yogurt: Swap it for coconut yogurt or skip it entirely for a lighter version. The oats will still be creamy thanks to the chia seeds.
- Sweetener: Agave, date syrup, or a few drops of stevia all make great swaps for honey or maple syrup.
- Lavender: If you cannot find culinary lavender, a tiny drop of food-grade lavender extract works too. Start small because it is very strong.
How to Make London Fog Overnight Oats
- Brew your Earl Grey tea. Steep one Earl Grey tea bag in about 3/4 cup of hot water for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and let the tea cool completely to room temperature. You need about 1/2 cup of cooled tea for this recipe.
- Gather your jar. Use a mason jar or any airtight container that holds at least 12 ounces. This gives the oats enough room to expand overnight.
- Add the dry ingredients. Pour the rolled oats, chia seeds, dried lavender, and a pinch of salt into your jar. Give them a quick stir to combine everything evenly.
- Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the cooled Earl Grey tea, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and your sweetener of choice. Stir everything together really well, making sure there are no clumps of oats or chia seeds stuck at the bottom.
- Taste and adjust. Give the mixture a quick taste before sealing the jar. Add a little more sweetener or vanilla if needed. This is your chance to get the flavor just right.
- Refrigerate overnight. Seal the jar and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight works best. The oats and chia seeds will absorb all that Earl Grey goodness and become thick and creamy.
- Stir and add toppings. In the morning, take the jar out of the fridge and give it a good stir. Add a splash of milk if it is too thick for your liking. Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a small dollop of whipped cream, then enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect London Fog Overnight Oats
- Let the tea cool completely: Adding hot tea to your oats will start cooking them and change the texture. Always let it cool before mixing.
- Do not skip the chia seeds: They are the secret to that thick, pudding-like texture. They also add a nice protein and fiber boost.
- Steep your tea strong: Since the flavor will be diluted by the other ingredients, brew your Earl Grey a little stronger than you normally would for drinking.
- Stir twice: Give the oats a quick stir after about 30 minutes in the fridge to break up any chia seed clumps. This helps everything thicken evenly.
- Adjust thickness in the morning: Overnight oats get thicker as they sit. If yours are too dense, just stir in a tablespoon or two of milk until they reach your perfect consistency.
Flavor Variations
- London Fog Latte Oats: Stir in 2 tablespoons of condensed milk instead of honey and use steamed oat milk for an extra latte-like vibe.
- Lavender Vanilla Dream: Double the lavender and add a tablespoon of vanilla bean paste for an even more floral, aromatic version.
- Citrus London Fog: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to brighten up the Earl Grey flavor. It really makes the bergamot in the tea pop.
- Honey Lavender Crunch: Top your oats with granola, a generous drizzle of honey, and a few sprigs of fresh lavender for a beautiful and satisfying crunch.
Storage Tips
These London Fog overnight oats will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. That makes them ideal for weekend meal prep. Just line up a few jars in the fridge on Sunday and you have breakfast ready to go from Monday through Friday.
For the best texture and flavor, store the oats and toppings separately. Add fresh fruit, whipped cream, or granola right before eating so nothing gets soggy or loses its texture.
Freezing overnight oats is possible, but the texture can get a little grainy after thawing. If you do freeze them, skip the yogurt and chia seeds, pour into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before eating. Fresh is always best for this recipe though.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 12g (naturally occurring and added)
Note: These numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients and will vary depending on the milk, yogurt, and sweetener you use. The oats provide a great source of beta-glucan fiber, which supports heart health and helps keep you full all morning. Greek yogurt adds a solid hit of protein and probiotics, and chia seeds bring in omega-3 fatty acids along with extra fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does London Fog overnight oats taste like?
London Fog overnight oats taste creamy and lightly sweet with a distinct Earl Grey flavor. You will notice floral, citrusy bergamot notes, a hint of vanilla, and a subtle lavender fragrance. It is cozy and sophisticated, almost like drinking your favorite latte while eating breakfast.
Can I make London Fog overnight oats without lavender?
Yes, absolutely. The lavender is optional and simply adds a floral layer to the flavor. The oats are still delicious with just the Earl Grey tea and vanilla. If you skip the lavender, you might want to add a tiny bit of extra vanilla to round out the flavor.
Do I need to cook overnight oats before eating them?
No, overnight oats do not need to be cooked. The oats soften and become perfectly creamy as they soak in the liquid overnight in the fridge. You can eat them cold straight from the jar, or warm them up in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer a hot breakfast.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
You can use instant oats, but the texture will be much softer and more mushy. Old-fashioned rolled oats hold their shape better and give you that satisfying chewy texture. Steel cut oats work too, but they need to soak for at least 8 hours to soften up properly.
How long should I steep the Earl Grey tea for overnight oats?
Steep your Earl Grey tea for 4 to 5 minutes for a strong, bold flavor. Since the tea gets mixed with other ingredients, a stronger brew works best. Avoid steeping longer than 6 minutes or the tea may turn bitter, which can affect the overall taste of your oats.
Give these London Fog overnight oats a try tonight and wake up to a breakfast that feels like a real treat. If you make this recipe, we would love to hear what you think, so drop a comment below and let us know how it turned out for you!