Creamy Overnight Oats Jars

Featured in: Daily Cravings

These creamy oats soaked overnight create a smooth, comforting base that can be customized with a variety of fresh toppings like berries, nuts, and chocolate. Simply mix oats with milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla, then portion into jars. After chilling for at least 8 hours, the oats absorb the liquids, developing a luscious texture. Perfect for quick breakfasts, they store well and offer versatile options including vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Enjoy chilled or warmed, topped to your preference.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:55:00 GMT
Overnight Oats in Jars with fresh berries and granola, a quick and delicious breakfast. Save
Overnight Oats in Jars with fresh berries and granola, a quick and delicious breakfast. | cravebop.com

Creamy, customizable overnight oats layered in jars with delicious toppings ideal for meal prep and Instagram-worthy breakfasts.

I first started making overnight oats when I needed a quick, healthy breakfast that didn&t require any cooking. Preparing them in jars makes grab-and-go mornings so much easier.

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 base ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Divide into jars:
Portion the oat mixture evenly among 4 clean jars (about 3/4 cup per jar).
Add toppings:
Layer your chosen toppings into each jar. Try different combinations like berries and granola or banana, nut butter, and nuts.
Chill overnight:
Seal the jars and refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
Serve:
In the morning, stir, add extra milk if you&d like more creaminess, and enjoy straight from the jar or in a bowl.
Layered Overnight Oats in Jars, a creamy and healthy meal prep option, ready to enjoy. Save
Layered Overnight Oats in Jars, a creamy and healthy meal prep option, ready to enjoy. | cravebop.com

My kids love assembling their own jars and choosing toppings in the evening. It&s become one of our favorite breakfast prep rituals together.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy and nuts if used in toppings. For nut-free, select seed alternatives. Always check product labels for possible allergens.

Required Tools

You&ll need a mixing bowl, measuring cups, four glass jars or airtight containers, and a spoon for easy prep and serving.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of the base has about 250 calories, 6 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein. Toppings contribute additional nutrition.

Close-up of customizable Overnight Oats in Jars, topped with bananas and creamy peanut butter. Save
Close-up of customizable Overnight Oats in Jars, topped with bananas and creamy peanut butter. | cravebop.com

Overnight oats are the ultimate customizable breakfast and a guaranteed hit for meal prep. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings each week.

Recipe Guide

Can I use plant-based milk for soaking oats?

Yes, plant-based milks like almond, soy, or oat milk work well for soaking and create a creamy texture suitable for vegan preferences.

How long should the oats chill before eating?

Let the oats soak in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight to achieve the best creamy consistency and flavor integration.

What topping combinations work well?

Try mixed berries with granola, banana with nut butter and chopped nuts, or shredded coconut with dried fruit and chocolate chips for varied flavors and textures.

Are these oats suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, by choosing certified gluten-free oats, this dish can be adapted for gluten-free needs without compromising taste or texture.

Can I prepare this in advance for the week?

Definitely, the oats keep refrigerated up to 5 days, making them ideal for meal prep and busy mornings.

Creamy Overnight Oats Jars

Creamy oats soaked overnight in jars, layered with fresh toppings for a simple, flavorful start to your day.

Prep duration
10 min
0
Complete duration
10 min
Created by Lindsey Carter


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition labels Meat-free

What you'll need

Base

01 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for vegan option)
04 2 tablespoons chia seeds
05 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 Pinch of salt

Toppings

01 1/2 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
02 1 medium banana, sliced
03 1/4 cup granola
04 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
05 2 tablespoons nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower seed)
06 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
07 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
08 2 tablespoons dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)

Method

Phase 01

Combine base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated.

Phase 02

Distribute mixture: Evenly divide the oat mixture among 4 clean jars or containers, approximately 3/4 cup per jar.

Phase 03

Add toppings: Layer each jar with selected toppings, such as mixed berries with granola, sliced banana with peanut butter and nuts, shredded coconut with dried cranberries and chocolate chips, or fresh strawberries with almond butter.

Phase 04

Refrigerate overnight: Seal jars with lids and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and oats to soften.

Phase 05

Serve: Stir the contents in the morning, add extra milk if desired for creaminess, and enjoy directly from the jar or transfer to a bowl.

Tools needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 4 glass jars or airtight containers
  • Spoon

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and nuts depending on toppings.
  • Contains gluten unless gluten-free oats are used.
  • Nut-free alternatives recommended for those with nut allergies.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 250
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 10 g