What is the difference between espresso powder and instant coffee?

Espresso powder is darker and more concentrated, so a small amount gives strong flavour. Instant coffee is milder and you may need a bit more of it.

Can I add espresso powder directly to overnight oats?

Yes. Stir it into the base before the jar goes in the fridge. It dissolves in the milk overnight.

Will the granola go soggy?

If you add it the night before, yes. Add it just before eating to keep it crunchy.

Overnight OatsContinental

Espresso Crunch

For serious coffee lovers. The espresso powder provides intense coffee flavor while granola adds satisfying crunch. Perfect for mornings when you need maximum alertness, before important meetings, or when regular coffee just isn't enough. The dark chocolate adds richness.

Time: 365 min
Method: Mix
Serves: 1
Energy: 570 kcal
Protein: 18 g

Go to the method

Glass jar of espresso crunch overnight oats topped with espresso powder, granola and dark chocolate

Method

Step 1: Mix espresso powder into your DIY Oats base - start with less than you think you need as espresso is intense.
Step 2: Add crunchy granola and dark chocolate chunks.
Step 3: The espresso will infuse into the oats overnight, creating deep coffee flavor.
Step 4: Add the granola just before eating to maintain crunchiness.
Step 5: This is strong and sophisticated.

Notes from the Department

Add espresso to base

Nutrition

1 serving

570 cal | 18g protein | 13g fiber

2 servings

1140 cal | 36g protein | 26g fiber

Estimates. Not medical advice.

Why it works

Espresso powder dissolves into the base and spreads a deep coffee flavour through every oat, with no liquid coffee to thin it out. Dark chocolate leans into the bitterness, and granola gives the crunch. It is a serious jar for people who take coffee seriously.

Start small

Espresso powder is strong. Use less than you think, taste the base, and add more if needed. Too much tips the jar from rich to harsh, and there is no taking it back once it has soaked overnight.

Keep the crunch

Add the granola just before eating. Left overnight, it goes soft and the point of the recipe goes with it. The dark chocolate can go in either at night or in the morning.

Swaps

Instant coffee works in place of espresso powder, though it is milder, so you may need more. Chopped almonds or toasted oats can stand in for granola. Milk chocolate makes it softer and sweeter. If you do not have a DIY Oats jar, soak rolled oats in milk with chia and a few almonds overnight, then stir in the espresso.

Storage

Keeps covered in the fridge for a day. The coffee flavour gets a bit stronger by morning. Per serving: around 570 calories, 18g protein and 13g fibre.

Questions people ask

What is the difference between espresso powder and instant coffee?: Espresso powder is darker and more concentrated, so a small amount gives strong flavour. Instant coffee is milder and you may need a bit more of it.
Can I add espresso powder directly to overnight oats?: Yes. Stir it into the base before the jar goes in the fridge. It dissolves in the milk overnight.
Will the granola go soggy?: If you add it the night before, yes. Add it just before eating to keep it crunchy.