Save Creamy, customizable overnight oats layered in jars with delicious toppings are ideal for meal prep and Instagram-worthy breakfasts. Easily adaptable to suit your favorite flavors, these oats are both wholesome and satisfying for busy mornings.
I first started making overnight oats in jars when I needed fuss-free breakfasts for my busy workdays. Layering them with colorful toppings quickly turned them into my go-to for wholesome, filling mornings.
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: Mixed berries + granola. Jar 2: Sliced banana + peanut butter + chopped nuts. Jar 3: Shredded coconut + dried cranberries + dark chocolate chips. Jar 4: Fresh strawberries + almond butter.
- Chill:
- Seal the jars with lids and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
- Serve:
- In the morning, stir the contents, add extra milk if desired for creaminess, and enjoy directly from the jar or transfer to a bowl.
Save My kids love designing their own oat jars with their favorite toppings. It has become a fun, healthy breakfast tradition in our home each week.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains dairy and nuts if used. Swap with plant-based yogurt, milk, and seed butters for vegan and nut-free options. Each serving of base oats offers approximately 250 calories, 6 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Required Tools
You'll need a mixing bowl, measuring cups, 4 jars or airtight containers, and a spoon.
Flavor Variations
Try apple-cinnamon, pumpkin puree, or any seasonal fruit to keep breakfasts exciting and tasty all week long.
Save Enjoy these easy overnight oats straight from your jar for a grab-and-go nutritious breakfast every morning.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should oats soak in the jars?
Oats need at least 8 hours in the refrigerator to fully absorb the liquids and soften, making them creamy and easy to enjoy.
- → Can I use plant-based milk and yogurt?
Yes, using plant-based milk and yogurt works well, especially for vegan variations, while maintaining creaminess and flavor.
- → What toppings work best for these oats?
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, granola, nuts, shredded coconut, nut butters, dark chocolate chips, and dried fruits all complement the creamy base beautifully.
- → Is it possible to prepare these oats gluten-free?
Absolutely. Using certified gluten-free rolled oats ensures this dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → How long can these oats be stored refrigerated?
Keeping the jars sealed in the fridge, the oats stay fresh and ready for up to five days, making meal prep simple.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Yes, the sweetness from maple syrup or honey can be modified or omitted based on personal preference.