Save Creamy, customizable overnight oats layered in jars with delicious toppings are ideal for meal prep and Instagram-worthy breakfasts. With only a few minutes of prep, you can have nutritious and satisfying jars ready to grab each morning.
I first made these overnight oats when I wanted a breakfast that felt both effortless and wholesome during hectic weekdays. Experimenting with various toppings soon became a fun ritual, and now everyone in my family looks forward to seeing which combo will appear next!
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
- Combine the base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Divide mixture:
- Spoon the prepared oat mixture evenly into 4 clean jars or containers.
- Add toppings:
- Layer your choice of toppings on each jar. For example: Jar 1: Mixed berries and granola. Jar 2: Sliced banana, peanut butter, chopped nuts. Jar 3: Shredded coconut, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips. Jar 4: Fresh strawberries, almond butter.
- Seal and chill:
- Seal jars with lids and refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
- Serve:
- Stir contents in the morning, add extra milk if desired for creaminess, and enjoy directly from the jar or transfer to a bowl.
Save My kids love helping pick and layer the toppings the night before. Opening the fridge to bright, ready-to-eat jars always makes mornings feel special and easy.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, 4 glass jars or airtight containers, and a spoon are all you need to make these oats.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and nuts if included. For nut-free, use seed alternatives and plant-based yogurt or milk for vegan. Always check labels to avoid allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (base only): 250 calories, 6 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein. Toppings may add additional nutrients.
Save Enjoy customizing your jars, and savor each creamy spoonful. Let your creativity shine, and breakfast will never be boring!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based milk and yogurt?
Yes, plant-based milk and yogurt work well to create a vegan-friendly creamy base.
- → How long should the oats soak?
Soak the oats overnight or for at least 8 hours to achieve a creamy, soft texture.
- → What toppings work best?
Fresh berries, bananas, nuts, seeds, granola, shredded coconut, and dried fruit all add flavor and texture.
- → Can these be prepared ahead for the week?
Yes, store prepared jars in the fridge up to 5 days for convenient breakfasts throughout the week.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the base suits gluten-free dietary needs.
- → How can sweetness be adjusted?
Maple syrup or honey can be adjusted or omitted according to taste preferences and dietary needs.