This one’s cozy, creamy, and so easy—just mix it all up at night and wake up to breakfast ready to go.
I love the combo of juicy pear, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts.
It’s sweet, nutty, and super satisfying. Perfect for a calm morning or something to grab and go.
Why I Love This Recipe
This overnight oats recipe is one of my favorites because it’s comforting, healthy, and ridiculously simple. I started making it during a busy stretch when I needed easy breakfasts that still felt special. This combo of flavors stuck—soft pears with just a touch of crunch from the walnuts, and cinnamon makes it feel like fall in a jar.
- You make it the night before—zero stress in the morning
- It’s packed with fiber and healthy fats
- Pear and walnut is an underrated match—soft, sweet, and crunchy
- No cooking involved
- Keeps in the fridge for days
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ ripe pear, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- Extra pear slices, walnuts, and honey for topping (optional)
Pro Tips
- Dice the pear small so it softens slightly overnight and blends into the oats
- Toast the walnuts for even more flavor (just a few minutes in a dry pan!)
- Add the toppings right before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy
- Make a few jars at once—they’ll last 3-4 days in the fridge
- Use a wide-mouth jar or container so you can stir and eat easily
Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Mason jar or airtight container
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap pear for apple or berries
- Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy
- Try vanilla yogurt instead of plain for extra sweetness
- Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for more spice
- Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds
Make Ahead Tips
Make 1 to 3 nights ahead. Store in the fridge in a sealed jar. Just stir and go in the morning. Add toppings right before eating.
How to Make Pear & Walnut Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add ½ cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in ½ cup milk, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey). Stir everything until fully combined.
Step 3: Stir in Pear and Walnuts
Add ½ of a ripe pear, diced, and 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Transfer to Jar and Refrigerate
Spoon the mixture into a mason jar or airtight container. Seal and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, top with extra sliced pear, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, and a drizzle of honey (optional). Enjoy chilled!
Leftovers and Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Don’t add toppings until you’re ready to eat so they stay fresh and crunchy.
Servings and Cook Time
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 6+ hours (overnight)
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Macros (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 43g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 15g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Oats soak up the liquid overnight, softening without cooking. Chia seeds add thickness by forming a gel, giving it that creamy, pudding-like texture. Greek yogurt adds protein and tang, while the pears release a bit of juice that naturally sweetens the mix. The nuts add crunch for balance.
Common Mistakes
- Adding too much liquid—stick to the measurements or it’ll be too runny
- Not mixing thoroughly—chia seeds need to be spread evenly
- Using underripe pear—it won’t be sweet or soft enough
- Forgetting to cover it—it can dry out overnight
What to Serve With
- A cup of hot coffee or chai
- A side of scrambled eggs for extra protein
- A fruit smoothie
- A handful of granola on top for crunch
FAQ
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Nope, they won’t soften enough overnight. Stick with rolled oats.
Can I warm it up?
Yes! Just microwave for 30-45 seconds, stir, and enjoy warm.
Can I make a bigger batch?
Totally. Just multiply the ingredients and store in separate jars.
Is it sweet enough without the maple syrup?
If your pear is really ripe, yes. Otherwise, add a touch of honey or syrup to taste.
Can I skip the yogurt?
You can, but it won’t be as creamy. Try using extra milk or a dairy-free yogurt.
