Perfect for a cold, snowy, day. Pear Maple Cinnamon overnight oatmeal soaks all night long then heats up in about 90 seconds. It will keep you satisfied all morning long.
Between the sweets and treats of the holidays, the new year’s resolutions for 2016, and my own wedding to prepare for in September, it’s time to get back into the habit of a healthy breakfast. When I take the time for it, I like to start my day with a balanced combination of carbs, fat, protein, and a little bit of sweetness. Life, however, has a habit of getting in the way and fitting in a healthy breakfast isn’t always easy. I’m sure it doesn’t help that I’m not a morning person and for me I want every extra minute of morning sleep I can manage. Which is exactly why I love overnight oatmeal.
Overnight oatmeal is a year round breakfast staple in my kitchen that comes in for a few weeks then gets forgotten about for a few weeks. The main part of the recipe stays the same, but the flavors and stir in change with the season, so it never gets old. It’s great to take with you on the go and tastes delicious hot or cold.
Being that I’m the only oatmeal eater in my home, I like to make it in single serve portions with different flavor combinations which last in the fridge for up to a week. It’s so easy to make with three main ingredients and 2 or three flavor add-ins. The recipe for pear apple cinnamon is my current favorite, but feel free to sub in other fruits as you like! I’ll share some of my other combinations at the bottom of the post.
This recipe for overnight oatmeal can be made with old fashioned oats or steel cut oats. I have always trusted Quaker Oats and prefer the chewier texture of the steel cut oats, but I find that old fashioned oats are easier to find at the grocery store. If you are making oatmeal for a crowd, it’s easier to use a large bowl and increase the ingredients than work with single serve containers. I’ve made as many as 6 servings at once and the ratio on the ingredients stays the same. On the flip side, the single serving containers are great to tuck in your bag and then heat up at the office (or eat cold if you like!)
In addition to the oats, we have 5 other ingredients: milk, greek yogurt, fruit, a sweet, and a spice. Yep, it’s really that basic.
The possibilities with this “recipe” are endless. Don’t like greek yogurt? Sub in regular yogurt and use a bit less milk. Like your oatmeal runnier? Add more milk. Have a bunch of strawberries, blueberries, or peaches? Use those instead (and eat the oatmeal cold, trust me, it’s delicious.) Don’t like cinnamon? Try using ground fennel, ground ginger, or nutmeg with fruits like apples, pears, or bananas. For those strawberries, blueberries, and peaches, try a bit of cilantro or basil. Get creative and let me know what combinations you like!
When assembling this oatmeal in single servings, I like to use a half-pint sized canning jar. Alternatively, any reusable container that holds 1 cup, seals airtight ,and is microwave approved (if you want it hot) will work for this recipe. Start with the solids on the bottom and work up in layers. Give the milk a moment to work it’s way down. Admire the layers while you have them, they won’t be there long.
After it’s assembled, put the lid on securely! You don’t want to learn the hard way what it’s like to start shaking one of these and have the lid pop off. Once that mess gets made, the quick and easy no longer counts. There should be just enough room at the top of your 1 cup container to get everything blended together. Once it’s shaken, stick it in the fridge and let it do it’s thing.
Overnight, the milk will be soften the oats, the spice will mingle with the fruit, the yogurt will add a creamy tanginess, and the result is pure deliciousness. I like this flavor to be warmed up, as it reminds me of a pear tart fresh from the oven. It takes about 60 to 90 seconds in the microwave. Remove the lid and microwave for 45 seconds, then stir. Check how hot it is before you put it back in for more. If you prefer your oatmeal to be thinner, add a little extra milk and remember to adjust it for next time too!
Delicious, wholesome, healthy and nutrition packed. Easy to prep and will get you going on your way.
What are your favorite oatmeal flavor combinations? Have you ever tried overnight oatmeal? Let me know in the comments below!!
Don’t forget to YUM or PIN this recipe for later!
Overnight Oatmeal: Pear Maple Cinnamon
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/4 lowfat milk
- 1/4 cup lowfat greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped pear
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a resealable 1 cup container.
- Cover securely with the lid.
- Shake to combine.
- Refrigerate overnight (or up to 4 nights).
- Oatmeal can be eaten cold, or warmed in the microwave for 60 - 90 seconds.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is for general information purposes only. For the most accurate information, calculate using your select brands and exact measurements.
I can never get enough of oatmeal. I’ve loved it even as a child, however, I’ve never eaten it with pears but yours sound wonderful. I’m going to have to give pears a chance 🙂
This looks so great! I made overnight oats once before and forgot about them since then. Thanks for reminding me that I need to start making these more!
I alwasy look for new flavors to add to my oatmeal! These are warm and cozy ones 🙂
I love the thought of starting my day with the flavors of maple, cinnamon, and pear!
Yum! was looking for something with pear and maple combo (because that’s what we’ve got at home right now) and this looks perfect! I’ll be making this one tonight!
Thanks Elliot! Hope you enjoyed it!
I can never get enough of oatmeal. I’ve loved it even as a child, however, I’ve never eaten it with pears but yours sound wonderful. I’m going to have to give pears a chance 🙂
If you really don’t like the pears, try apples instead!
This looks so great! I made overnight oats once before and forgot about them since then. Thanks for reminding me that I need to start making these more!
I go through phases where I eat them constantly, then forget about them. I think that’s the only reason they have stayed a staple in my diet for so long.
I alwasy look for new flavors to add to my oatmeal! These are warm and cozy ones 🙂
I agree!! Cinnamon makes almost anything seem cozy.
I love the thought of starting my day with the flavors of maple, cinnamon, and pear!
I’m always rushing in the morning to get out the door, so overnight oats is perfect for me to grab and eat when I get to my office! Love how easy this is!