Overnight Oats Dessert Jars are the ultimate make-ahead treat for busy home bakers who crave a cozy, comforting dessert without the fuss. These simple yet satisfying jars are perfect for meal prepping, gifting, or enjoying as a sweet breakfast or snack. With their luscious layers of creamy oats, fresh fruit, and a touch of indulgence, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face and a spoonful of joy to your day.
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Why You’ll Love This Overnight Oats Dessert Jars
These dreamy overnight oats dessert jars are the perfect solution for home bakers who want to enjoy a delicious, homemade treat without the stress of complicated recipes or fancy equipment. They’re easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly customizable to suit your tastes. Plus, the make-ahead convenience means you can have a cozy, comforting dessert on hand whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, these overnight oats jars are sure to delight.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create these irresistible overnight oats dessert jars. The base is made with rolled oats, milk (dairy or non-dairy), and a touch of sweetener, which you’ll layer with fresh fruit, a creamy topping, and any other mix-ins you desire. The possibilities are endless, making these jars the perfect canvas for your baking creativity.
- 1 cup (90g) – Rolled oats
- 1 cup (240ml) – Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) – Maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) – Vanilla extract
- Assorted fresh fruit, nuts, nut butters, or other toppings
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk: Feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Sweetener: Swap the maple syrup or honey for your preferred sweetener, like agave, date syrup, or even a touch of brown sugar.
How to Make Overnight Oats Dessert Jars
Making these delightful overnight oats dessert jars is a breeze, even for the most novice home bakers. The key is to assemble the jars the night before, allowing the oats to soak up all the flavors and textures while you sleep. Then, simply add your favorite toppings and dig in for a cozy, satisfying treat.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by gathering your ingredients and choosing your favorite jars or glasses to assemble the overnight oats. Mason jars or small ramekins work perfectly for this recipe. Next, measure out the oats, milk, and any sweeteners or spices you plan to use, and have them ready to go.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, and any sweetener or vanilla extract you’re using. Stir until well combined, then divide the mixture evenly between your prepared jars or glasses. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In the morning, remove the jars from the fridge and top with your desired fresh fruit, nuts, nut butters, or other toppings. Get creative and have fun layering the flavors and textures to make each jar unique.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
If you’d like, you can add a final drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream to really make these overnight oats dessert jars shine. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fruit combinations, nut butters, granolas, or even a dollop of lemon curd or chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Leftovers: Any leftover toppings make a delicious breakfast parfait the next day.
- Dietary Needs: Use non-dairy milk and vegan-friendly toppings to make these jars suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these jars your own. The more you play with the ingredients, the more you’ll discover your own signature overnight oats dessert.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh fruit, granola, a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage: These overnight oats dessert jars will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can make a batch at the beginning of the week and have dessert ready to go.
Reheat: Enjoy the jars chilled or at room temperature. You can also give them a gentle warm-up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before serving.
Make-Ahead: The beauty of these overnight oats jars is their make-ahead convenience. Assemble the jars the night before, and you’ll have a cozy, homemade treat waiting for you in the morning.
For more serving ideas, layering inspiration, and dessert jar styling, visit our Pinterest.
Nutrition Information
These overnight oats dessert jars are a wholesome and satisfying treat, packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats from the oats, fruit, and nut toppings. Each jar contains approximately 300 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fiber, making them a nourishing and delicious option for any time of day.
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Overnight Oats Dessert Jars
Enjoy a delicious and nutritious dessert with these Overnight Oats Dessert Jars. Perfect for meal prep or a quick breakfast!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 480 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Meal Prep Sweets & Convenience
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
– Fresh fruits (berries, bananas, etc.) for topping
– Nuts or seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. If using Greek yogurt, fold it into the mixture until smooth.
4. Divide the mixture evenly into jars or containers.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
6. In the morning, top with fresh fruits and nuts before serving.
Notes
– You can customize the toppings based on your preference.
– This recipe can be made in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
– For a creamier texture, add more yogurt or reduce the amount of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: overnight oats, meal prep, healthy dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use steel-cut oats, the texture will be chewier and the soaking time may need to be a bit longer, around 8-12 hours. Rolled oats have a creamier, softer texture that’s perfect for these overnight oats dessert jars.
How long do the overnight oats last in the fridge?
These overnight oats dessert jars will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them a great meal prep option. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers or jars to maintain freshness.
Can I make these jars with non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, coconut, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer will work perfectly in these overnight oats jars. Just be sure to choose a milk that you enjoy the flavor of, as it will come through in the final dish.
What are some other tasty topping ideas?
The toppings possibilities are endless! Some other delicious options include toasted nuts or coconut, chocolate chips or cacao nibs, a swirl of nut butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or a dollop of mascarpone or ricotta cheese.
Can I make these jars in advance for the week?
Yes, these overnight oats dessert jars are perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble the jars the night before, and they’ll be ready to grab and go in the morning. Just be sure to wait to add any fresh fruit or delicate toppings until right before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.