Overnight No-Cook Oatmeal Yogurt Cups

By Ann Fulton

This classic recipe for overnight oats offers meal prep convenience and is loaded with fruit and staying power.
Jump to Recipe

This classic recipe for no-cook overnight oats offers meal prep convenience and is loaded with fruit, fiber, and protein-packed staying power!

 

Overnight oats have a lot going for them.

The no-cook, prep-ahead recipe makes the morning routine a breeze with its winning combination of protein, calcium, fiber, and Omega-3s. And it tastes great!

In fact, I enjoy this easy breakfast-in-a jar so much that I’ve created many seasonal versions. The following recipe is my original, however, and I find myself returning to it every fall.

Fresh berries and juicy peaches are a mainstay of our summer breakfasts, and I’m always a little sad when their season comes to an end. But frozen fruit can ease the transition, and it works surprisingly well in these grab-and-go cups.

Because they maintain their plump sweetness, frozen blueberries are my favorite. Unlike their perishable counterparts, the quality of frozen blueberries is consistently good, as they’re frozen at the peak of ripeness. You can keep a stash of them on hand and transfer the berries directly to the oat cups. No thawing, washing, or chopping is needed.

Now, I know what some of you may be thinking. Uncooked oats? Eat them cold? And you’re right. It sounds strange–until you try.

Think of this as a cold, fruity porridge–refreshing and filling at the same time.  After an overnight soak, the oats become creamy. I like the texture to be fairly thick with the slightest bit of soupiness.  The first time around, I suggest following the recipe. Then, if you prefer your oatmeal cup a bit thicker or thinner, simply add or subtract a tablespoon of milk or a teaspoon or two of oats until you have the perfect consistency for you.

The recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to experiment further. For example, almond extract is a nice option to the vanilla. It delivers a bigger flavor punch, so when using, you may wish to start with just 1/4 teaspoon. With regard to sweetness, I like two teaspoons of pure maple syrup, but feel free to adjust to your taste buds.  If you like a little crunch, toss in some toasted nuts or granola before digging in. Chopped banana is another welcome addition. Reheating is an option but not necessary (I never do).

However you mix your personal-size oatmeal cup, I am willing to bet that if you eat one for a few days in a row and find the combination that suits you best, you will find yourself looking forward to these–maybe even craving them.  I’m always happy to quickly mix a few jars in the evening and have breakfast ready and waiting!

This classic recipe for no-cook overnight oats offers meal prep convenience and is loaded with fruit, fiber, and protein-packed staying power!

When fresh berries or peaches aren’t in season, frozen blueberries work especially well.

Add the dry ingredients to as many jars as you wish. That way, the quick, night-before prep is even quicker!

Add the dry ingredients to as many jars as you wish and store in a cupboard or pantry. That way, the quick, night-before prep is even quicker!

This classic recipe for no-cook overnight oats offers meal prep convenience and is loaded with fruit, fiber, and protein-packed staying power!

I made this variation in 2013 as a part of a strawberry feature in the June issue of Susquehanna Style. A big appeal of these healthy cups (beyond the convenience and great taste, of course!), is their versatility.

If you try this recipe, let us know. Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @fountainavenuekitchen on Instagram and Facebook!

Overnight No-Cook Oatmeal Yogurt Cups
Prep Time: 5 min
Total Time: 8 hours
A 12- to 16-ounce jelly or Mason jar is an ideal size for this healthy, make-ahead meal. Put the lid on and store in your refrigerator for up to three days for a speedy, satisfying breakfast. Frozen fruit is a surprisingly delicious option and allows you to whip up these single-serve cups any time of year.

Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • ⅓ cup (32g) old-fashioned oats (the kind that cook in 5 minutes, gluten-free if necessary) plus an extra teaspoonful for topping
  • ⅓ cup (80g) Greek yogurt (nonfat, 2%, or whole; plain or vanilla, as desired)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) milk (I use almond milk but, again, use what you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoon (4g) chia seeds (may omit if you don’t have them)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or ¼ teaspoon almond extract)
  • 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (optional/to taste; may sub sweetener of choice)
  • ½ cup fruit, frozen or fresh (see notes)
Instructions

Add the oats, yogurt, milk, chia seeds, vanilla or almond extract, and maple syrup to a 12- to 16-ounce jar. (You may use a cereal bowl or large mug if preferred.) Stir to thoroughly combine.

Fold in the fruit. Sprinkle an extra teaspoon of oats (I like a slightly rounded teaspoon) over the top and do not stir. In the morning, stir and enjoy straight from the jar.

Storage: The jars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For serving: In the morning, feel free to stir in other traditional oatmeal toppings. Lately, I’ve been adding a tablespoon of toasted, slivered almonds (which I toast in bulk, cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for several months) and a rounded tablespoon of homemade granola.

Notes

While I do vary the fruit, my personal favorite when using frozen fruit is blueberries, and I sometimes add half of a chopped banana in the morning. Strawberries, peaches, mango, raspberries, and cherries are also delicious. I keep bags of frozen fruit on hand and add while still frozen. For the larger pieces of fruit, chop before adding. Frozen fruit can be cut fairly easily without thawing.

More On YouTube More on Instagram
Tried this recipe?Post a picture on instagram and we will repost it! Mention @fountainavenuekitchen or tag #fountainavenuekitchen!
The Fountain Avenue Kitchen https://fountainavenuekitchen.com/

Leave a Reply

Make it? Rate the recipe:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Jess
    (5/5)

    I’m a lazy college student, so I was looking for something fast to put together for lunch. I used instant oatmeal, yogurt, and milk. Wasn’t expecting much since it lacked so many ingredients, but it tasted really good! The instant oats also dissolve much faster so it was perfect texture after just 30 minutes.

    Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Hi Jess, I’m so glad you like these and appreciate your comment…and I say you aren’t that lazy if you’re making meals for yourself! ❤️

      Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Hi Becky, The refrigerator – and the instructions mention that the oatmeal will keep in the fridge for five days. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
        1. Ann Post author

          Hi Kelli, Any sweetener may be used – or you could skip it depending on your preference. My next choice would be honey or brown sugar, although agave or even a few drops of liquid stevia would work well too.

          Reply