Pin It I stumbled onto matcha oats during a chaotic week when I needed breakfast that felt intentional but took zero morning effort. The first time I pulled that jar from the fridge, the color stopped me in my tracks—this brilliant green against white ceramic, like something you would order at a cafe but actually good for you.
My sister called while I was mixing the first batch, laughing at how I was whisking like my life depended on it. We ate it on her balcony the next morning, watching fog lift off the city, both quiet because neither of us expected overnight oats to taste this considered.
Ingredients
- Base layer: Rolled oats soften beautifully overnight—steel cut stay too chewy, instant turn mushy, but rolled oats hit that perfect custard texture by morning
- Liquid foundation: Almond milk keeps it light, though oat milk makes it creamier and coconut milk turns it into something tropical
- Cream element: Greek yogurt adds protein and tang—use coconut yogurt for vegan and it still works beautifully
- Thickener: Chia seeds absorb liquid and create a gel that binds everything together without being slimy if you do not use too many
- Matcha: Culinary grade is all you need—ceremonial feels wasted here, and the earthiness balances sweet honey perfectly
- Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup, though I have used agave in a pinch and it dissolves faster into cold liquid
- Vanilla: Extract rounds out the grassy notes in matcha, making it taste baked rather than just stirred
Instructions
- Whisk the liquid base:
- Combine milk, yogurt, sweetener, matcha, and vanilla until no green powder remains visible—tiny lumps become gritty surprises later
- Add oats and seeds:
- Stir until every oat is coated and chia seeds are distributed evenly instead of clumping in corners
- Rest overnight:
- Let it sit at least eight hours—the oats need time to soften and chia needs time to work its magic
- Check texture in the morning:
- If it feels too thick, a splash of milk brings it back to life, though I eat it thick like pudding
- Finish with toppings:
- Fresh berries cut through richness, banana adds sweetness, toasted coconut brings crunch, and nuts make it feel substantial
Pin It Now these live in my fridge constantly, in jars I grab before dawn walks or stretch between meetings on hard days. The green still surprises me, bright and steady, somehow feeling like a small act of care even when I am rushing.
Making It Yours
Sweetener amounts are entirely personal—some mornings I want it dessert sweet, other times barely touched, letting matcha shine. Adjust matcha the same way, starting with one teaspoon and adding more until the grassy notes feel right without becoming bitter.
Texture Tweaks
More chia seeds, up to two tablespoons, create a thicker set that holds a spoon upright—less keeps it looser, almost like cream of wheat. I have used flax seeds in a pinch, though the texture becomes slightly grainier and the flavor more pronounced.
Build Ahead
Line jars with toppings first if you want them to stay distinct, or layer oats in the middle and top with fresh elements in the morning so they do not soften overnight. The base stays consistent, but the experience changes completely based on how you assemble it.
- Mason jars with lids work best for shaking everything together before refrigerating
- Save soft fruits like banana for morning so they do not brown or turn mushy
- A pinch of sea salt on top highlights sweetness the way salt does on desserts
Pin It Somehow this simple jar feels like starting the morning on purpose, even when everything else feels improvised.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a milk alternative?
Yes, almond milk is recommended, but any plant-based or dairy milk can be used depending on your preference.
- → How do I adjust sweetness levels?
Sweetness can be modified by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup added before soaking.
- → Is it possible to make this vegan?
Replace Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What are some topping suggestions?
Fresh berries, sliced banana, toasted coconut flakes, and chopped nuts offer added flavor and texture.
- → Can I prepare this for a quick breakfast?
Yes, it requires only 10 minutes of preparation and benefits from overnight chilling for optimal texture.