Ingredients:

  • 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled and diced
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • 2 Tbsp light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (divided)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 Tbsp water or apple juice
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 ½ cups milk (dairy, almond, or oat milk)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • 4 Tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (for serving)
  • Extra milk, if needed

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Butter and Apples: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold their shape.
  2. Season and Caramelise: Stir in the brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and slightly caramelised the apples.
  3. Finish the Compote: Pour in the water/apple juice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat immediately. The liquid should thicken slightly.
  4. Cool Down: Transfer the apple mixture to a separate bowl and allow it to cool completely before proceeding. Hot compote will make the oats mushy.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients: Pour in the rolled oats. Stir well until the oats are thoroughly coated and the mixture is uniform.
  7. Layer the Oats: Divide the oats mixture evenly among the four storage jars. This should fill each jar about halfway.
  8. Add the Compote Layer: Spoon the cooled apple compote evenly over the top of the oats in each jar. Press down gently so the apples are settled.
  9. Seal and Chill: Seal the jars tightly with lids. Place the jars in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the liquid is fully absorbed and the oats are thick and creamy.
  10. Check Consistency: In the morning, open the jars. If the oats are too thick (they will be very dense), stir in a splash of milk to reach your desired texture.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Top each jar with a spoonful of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for texture. Serve cold directly from the jar.