Save to Pinterest The first time I meal-prepped breakfast, I grabbed whatever was in the pantry and threw oats, yogurt, and peanut butter into a jar without much thought. The next morning, I opened the fridge to find this thick, creamy mixture that tasted like dessert but kept me full until lunch. I started tweaking it every week, and when I swirled in homemade strawberry chia jam one Sunday night, it looked so good I almost didn't want to eat it. Almost.
I started making these oats for my early gym mornings when I needed fuel but had zero appetite at 5 a.m. The creamy texture and familiar PB and J flavor made it easy to eat, even half-asleep. My roommate saw the jars in the fridge one week and asked if I was selling them because they looked that pretty. Now we both make a batch every Sunday and argue over who gets the jar with more jam.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned oats, not instant, because they hold their texture overnight and don't turn to mush.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Any milk works here, but unsweetened keeps the sugar in check and lets the jam shine.
- Plain Greek yogurt: This is what makes the oats thick and creamy, plus it adds a ton of protein without any weird powdery taste.
- Chia seeds: They absorb liquid and create that pudding-like consistency, plus they help the jam set up beautifully.
- Vanilla protein powder: I use a neutral vanilla whey or plant-based powder, and it blends in so well you forget its even there.
- Natural peanut butter: The kind with just peanuts and salt works best because it mixes smoothly and doesn't add extra sugar.
- Honey or maple syrup: Totally optional, but a little sweetness balances the tanginess of the yogurt and berries.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the flavor and makes the whole jar smell amazing when you open it.
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: Frozen berries are cheaper and work just as well, they break down even faster when you cook them.
- Lemon juice: A tiny bit brightens the jam and keeps it from tasting flat or too sweet.
Instructions
- Make the strawberry jam:
- Toss the strawberries and maple syrup into a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring and mashing them as they soften and release their juices. After about five to seven minutes, when the berries have broken down and the mixture looks jammy, pull it off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and chia seeds, then let it cool on the counter while you prep the oats.
- Mix the oat base:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, protein powder, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, stirring until everything is smooth and well blended. The peanut butter might clump at first, but keep mixing and it will melt into the yogurt.
- Layer the jars:
- Divide half of the oat mixture between two jars, then spoon a generous layer of the cooled strawberry jam over the oats in each jar. Top with the remaining oat mixture and finish with another swirl of jam, making it as messy or pretty as you like.
- Chill overnight:
- Cover the jars with lids and refrigerate for at least six hours, or overnight, so the oats absorb the liquid and the flavors meld together. The texture will go from soupy to thick and spoonable.
- Serve and enjoy:
- In the morning, give the jar a stir if you want, or eat it layered, and top with sliced strawberries, a drizzle of peanut butter, or crushed peanuts for crunch. Eat it cold straight from the fridge or let it sit out for a few minutes if you prefer it less chilled.
Save to Pinterest One morning I was running late and grabbed my jar to eat in the car, and when I got to work my coworker asked what smelled so good. I opened the jar and she stared at the swirled layers like I had brought restaurant takeout. Since then, Ive made these for potluck brunches and people always ask for the recipe, surprised that something this good takes less effort than making toast.
How to Customize Your Oats
Swap the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries if you want a different jam flavor. You can also use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, and each one gives the oats a totally different vibe. If youre not into protein powder, just leave it out and add an extra spoonful of Greek yogurt for creaminess. I sometimes throw in a handful of dark chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon when Im craving something a little different.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
These oats keep in the fridge for up to three days, so I usually make a double batch on Sunday and have breakfast sorted through Wednesday. Keep the toppings separate until youre ready to eat so the strawberries stay fresh and the peanuts stay crunchy. If you want to freeze them, skip the fresh fruit toppings and freeze the base oats in individual jars for up to a month, then thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture changes slightly after freezing, but its still creamy and totally worth it for the convenience.
Making It Your Own
For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and protein powder, and stick with maple syrup instead of honey. If you want more fiber, toss in a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or hemp hearts. You can also make the jam in a microwave if you dont want to use the stove, just cook the berries and syrup in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one, until they break down.
- Use a clear jar or glass so you can see the pretty layers when you open the fridge.
- Double the jam recipe and keep extra in the fridge for toast or yogurt bowls.
- If you like things sweeter, drizzle a little extra honey or maple syrup on top before serving.
Save to Pinterest This recipe turned my chaotic mornings into something I actually look forward to, and I hope it does the same for you. Make a jar tonight and wake up to breakfast thats ready when you are.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these overnight oats ahead for meal prep?
Yes, these oats keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Prepare multiple servings at once and store them in individual jars for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
- → How do I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Use plant-based yogurt and protein powder, choose almond or oat milk, and substitute maple syrup for honey. The texture and taste remain delicious with these simple swaps.
- → Can I use store-bought jam instead of making my own?
While homemade strawberry chia jam is fresher and less processed, you can use your favorite store-bought jam. Just swirl it between the oat layers as directed.
- → What other nut butters work well in this dish?
Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives. Each provides a unique flavor while maintaining the creamy texture and protein content.
- → Do I need to heat these oats before eating?
No, overnight oats are meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator. However, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness level?
The honey or maple syrup is optional in the oat base. Start without it and add sweetener to taste, or rely on the natural sweetness from the strawberry jam swirl.