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Creamy Overnight Oats Parfait Bar Recipe for an Easy Healthy Breakfast

creamy overnight oats parfait bar - featured image

A creamy, layered overnight oats parfait bar combining rolled oats, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and fresh berries for a quick, healthy breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (about 180g)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (225g), small-curd preferred
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (120g), or dairy-free coconut yogurt
  • 1 cup milk (240ml), any kind (almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh berries (150g), such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries
  • 1/2 cup granola (about 60g)
  • 2 tablespoons almond slivers (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 cup milk. Mix until creamy and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest if using, and mix gently (about 1 minute).
  4. Lightly grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour half of the oat mixture into the dish and spread evenly (about 2 minutes).
  5. Sprinkle 1/2 cup fresh berries evenly over the oat layer, pressing gently so they sink slightly but keep their shape (about 2 minutes).
  6. Pour the remaining oat mixture over the berries and spread smooth (about 2 minutes).
  7. Top with 1/2 cup granola and 2 tablespoons almond slivers for crunch (about 1 minute).
  8. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
  9. Remove from fridge, let sit for 5 minutes to take the chill off, then cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature (about 5 minutes).

Notes

Use small-curd cottage cheese for best texture. Do not add more than 1 cup milk to avoid sogginess. Thaw and drain frozen berries before use to prevent watery layers. Let bars soften at room temperature or drizzle milk if too firm after chilling. Gentle folding preserves oat texture. Can customize with vegan substitutes, seasonal fruits, or add protein powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight oats, parfait bar, healthy breakfast, easy breakfast, creamy oats, make ahead breakfast, gluten-free, dairy-free option