Save Creamy, customizable overnight oats layered in jars with delicious toppings: ideal for meal prep and Instagram-worthy breakfasts.
Ever since I started prepping overnight oats in jars, my mornings have become much smoother and more delicious. It is such a simple trick that makes breakfast feel special with almost no effort.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 2 cups
- Milk (dairy or plant-based): 2 cups
- Plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for vegan): 1 cup
- Chia seeds: 2 tbsp
- Maple syrup or honey: 2 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries): 1/2 cup
- Banana, sliced: 1 medium
- Granola: 1/4 cup
- Shredded coconut: 2 tbsp
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower seed): 2 tbsp
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans): 2 tbsp
- Dark chocolate chips: 2 tbsp
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots): 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Mix Base:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Divide Into Jars:
- Divide the oat mixture evenly among 4 clean jars or containers (about 3/4 cup per jar).
- Add Toppings:
- Add your choice of toppings to each jar. For example: Jar 1: berries + granola; Jar 2: banana, peanut butter, nuts; Jar 3: coconut, cranberries, chocolate chips; Jar 4: strawberries, almond butter.
- Chill:
- Seal jars with lids and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
- Serve:
- In the morning, stir, add extra milk for creaminess if desired, and enjoy directly from the jar or transfer to a bowl.
Save On weekends, my kids love picking their favorite jar for breakfast: everyone gets creative with toppings and no two are ever the same!
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, 4 glass jars or containers, spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (yogurt, milk) and nuts if used in toppings. For nut-free, avoid nut butter and nuts and use seed alternatives. Contains gluten if regular oats are used; always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (base only): Calories: 250, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 10 g
Save Enjoy experimenting with these jars; breakfast is now easy, tasty, and ready when you are!
Kitchen Guide
- → How long should oats soak in jars?
Soak oats for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow them to absorb liquids and soften fully.
- → Can I use dairy-free milk and yogurt?
Yes, plant-based milk and yogurt can be used for vegan or dairy-free options without changing texture.
- → What toppings work best for layering?
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, granola, shredded coconut, nut butters, chopped nuts, and dark chocolate chips all add texture and flavor.
- → How long do the oat jars keep refrigerated?
Prepared jars last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when sealed properly.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free oats to avoid gluten contamination for sensitive diets.
- → Should I stir the oats before eating?
Stirring adds creaminess; add a splash of milk if desired before serving directly from the jar or transferring to a bowl.