Save to Pinterest I started making these oats on Sunday nights when I realized Monday mornings were too chaotic for anything that required actual thought. The first batch looked like a science experiment gone wrong, layers bleeding into each other, but it tasted incredible. Now I make two jars at once and feel like I've won the morning before my alarm even goes off. There's something quietly satisfying about pulling a pretty jar from the fridge while everyone else is still deciding what to eat. It's become my small act of self-care that actually fits into real life.
My neighbor saw me eating this on my porch one morning and asked if I'd ordered it from some fancy cafe. I laughed and told her it cost me maybe two dollars and ten minutes the night before. She didn't believe me until I brought her a jar the following week. Now we both prep them together on Sundays, gossiping over chia seeds and almond milk. It's funny how a simple breakfast turned into a weekly ritual neither of us wants to skip.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They soak up the liquid perfectly overnight without turning to mush, and they give you that hearty, chewy texture that keeps you satisfied.
- Unsweetened almond milk: I like almond milk because it's light and doesn't overpower the peanut butter, but honestly any milk works if that's what you have.
- Plain Greek yogurt: This is what makes the oats creamy and thick, plus it adds a serious protein boost without any weird powder aftertaste.
- Vanilla protein powder: I use a scoop of vanilla because it blends in smoothly and doesn't make the oats taste chalky, just make sure it's one you actually like the flavor of.
- Chia seeds: They thicken everything as they sit and add a little nutrition bonus, plus they help the jam set up beautifully.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries without making it taste like candy.
- Vanilla extract: A splash makes everything smell like a cozy kitchen, even at 6 a.m.
- Natural peanut butter: The kind that's just peanuts and salt, it swirls in perfectly and doesn't get too oily or stiff.
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: Frozen works just as well as fresh and is way cheaper, plus you can make this any time of year.
- Lemon juice: Just a teaspoon brightens up the jam and keeps it from tasting flat or too sweet.
Instructions
- Mix the oat base:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined and smooth. It should look creamy and a little thick, almost like a milkshake.
- Make the strawberry jam:
- Heat the strawberries and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the berries break down and get jammy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Mash them lightly with a fork, then take the pan off the heat and stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice, letting it cool and thicken up.
- Layer the jars:
- Spoon half of the oat mixture into two jars or containers, then add about a tablespoon and a half of peanut butter to each jar. Top with the rest of the oat mixture, smoothing it out gently.
- Add the jam swirl:
- Spoon a few tablespoons of the cooled strawberry jam on top of each jar and swirl it lightly with a spoon or knife for that pretty marbled look. Don't overthink it, messy swirls taste just as good.
- Chill overnight:
- Cover the jars tightly and pop them in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight. The oats will soak up all the liquid and get perfectly creamy while you sleep.
- Serve and enjoy:
- In the morning, give it a light stir if you want everything mixed, or eat it in layers. Top with extra strawberries, a sprinkle of peanuts, or whatever makes you happy.
Save to Pinterest One morning my daughter saw the swirled jam through the glass jar and said it looked like a sunset. I hadn't thought of it that way, but now every time I make these, I think about her little observation. It's just oats, but it's also the kind of breakfast that makes mornings feel less rushed and a little more intentional. Food has a way of doing that when you let it.
Make It Your Own
I've swapped the peanut butter for almond butter when I'm feeling fancy, and sunflower seed butter when I'm packing these for my niece who can't have nuts at school. The strawberry jam is easy to change up too: I've used blueberries, raspberries, and even a mix of whatever was about to go bad in the fridge. If you want it vegan, just use a plant-based yogurt and make sure your protein powder is dairy-free. The base is forgiving, so don't be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand.
Texture and Toppings
I love these oats cold and creamy straight from the fridge, but my husband prefers them slightly warm, so he microwaves his jar for about 30 seconds. If you want more crunch, throw on some chopped peanuts, a handful of granola, or even a few dark chocolate chips right before eating. I've also added a spoonful of extra Greek yogurt on top for even more creaminess. The beauty of overnight oats is that they're a blank canvas, you can dress them up or keep them simple depending on your mood.
Storage and Meal Prep
These jars keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, which means you can prep a whole week's worth if you double the recipe. I like to make a few on Sunday night and grab one each morning without thinking. The oats get even creamier as they sit, and the flavors meld together in the best way. Just keep the lids on tight so they don't dry out or pick up any fridge smells.
- Use mason jars or any container with a good seal to keep them fresh.
- If you're making several, label them with the date so you eat the oldest ones first.
- You can freeze the strawberry jam in small portions and thaw it as needed for quick assembly.
Save to Pinterest There's something deeply comforting about knowing breakfast is already waiting for you, pretty and nourishing and ready to go. I hope these oats become a part of your morning rhythm the way they have mine.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these oats ahead for the whole week?
Yes, these overnight oats stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Prepare multiple jars at once for easy meal prep throughout the week.
- → What type of protein powder works best?
Vanilla protein powder complements the peanut butter and jelly flavors perfectly. Use whey, casein, or plant-based protein depending on your dietary preferences.
- → Can I use store-bought jam instead of making my own?
Absolutely. Use 4-6 tablespoons of your favorite strawberry jam or preserves to save time. The homemade chia version just offers more control over sweetness and added nutrition.
- → How can I make this vegan?
Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt, use plant-based protein powder, and replace honey with maple syrup. Choose dairy-free milk alternatives as well.
- → Do I need to eat these cold?
While traditionally served chilled, you can warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer hot oats. The texture will be creamier when warmed.
- → What can I use instead of peanut butter for nut allergies?
Sunflower seed butter or tahini make excellent nut-free alternatives that maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.