Ingredients
Scale
Here is everything you will need to create these delicious and convenient breakfast jars. Each ingredient is chosen for its specific contribution to the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of the final product.
- 2 cups Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats): This is the foundation of our recipe. Rolled oats are perfect because they absorb the liquid without turning into complete mush, retaining a pleasant, chewy texture. Do not use instant or steel-cut oats for this recipe, as they will result in a very different consistency.
- 2 cups Unsweetened Coconut Milk (from a carton): This provides the creamy base and the primary coconut flavor. Using unsweetened milk allows you to control the overall sweetness of the recipe. You can also use canned light coconut milk for an even richer, creamier result.
- ½ cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: This ingredient doubles down on the tropical coconut flavor and adds a lovely, subtle texture throughout the oats. We’ll also use some for topping.
- ½ cup Sliced or Slivered Almonds: These provide a fantastic, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy oats. We recommend toasting them for a deeper, more robust flavor.
- ¼ cup Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. In this recipe, their primary role is to absorb liquid and thicken the oatmeal, giving it a perfect, pudding-like consistency without any gums or artificial thickeners.
- ¼ cup Pure Maple Syrup: This offers a natural, unrefined sweetness with a wonderful caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with coconut and almond. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A little bit of vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the jar, making the overall taste richer and more complex.
- ½ teaspoon Almond Extract: This is the secret weapon that elevates the recipe from simple coconut oatmeal to something that truly evokes the flavor of an Almond Joy. A little goes a long way!
- ¼ teaspoon Salt: A small pinch of salt is crucial. It doesn’t make the oatmeal salty; instead, it balances the sweetness and makes all the other flavors pop.
- Optional Topping: 2 tablespoons Mini Dark Chocolate Chips: For that final touch of decadence that completes the “Almond Joy” experience. Using dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly bitter note that cuts through the sweetness.
Instructions
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to assemble your Coconut Almond Oatmeal Jars. The process is incredibly straightforward and designed for quick meal prepping.
- Prepare the Almonds and Coconut (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, take a few extra minutes to toast your almonds and shredded coconut. Place the sliced almonds and shredded coconut on a dry baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly. Let them cool completely before using. This step is a game-changer for flavor intensity.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of rolled oats, ¼ cup of the toasted shredded coconut (reserving the other ¼ cup for topping), ¼ cup of the toasted sliced almonds (reserving the other ¼ cup for topping), and the ¼ cup of chia seeds. Whisk them together to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This prevents the chia seeds from clumping together when the liquid is added.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, pour in the 2 cups of unsweetened coconut milk. Add the ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these wet ingredients together vigorously until the maple syrup and extracts are fully incorporated into the milk.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or a large spoon, stir everything together thoroughly. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure all the oats are coated and there are no dry pockets. Continue to stir for about 30-60 seconds. The mixture will seem very liquidy at this point, but don’t worry—the oats and chia seeds will work their magic overnight.
- Let it Rest (First Hydration): Allow the mixture to sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes. This brief resting period gives the chia seeds and oats a head start on absorbing the liquid and helps thicken the mixture slightly before you portion it out, ensuring a more even consistency in each jar.
- Portion into Jars: Give the oatmeal mixture one final, good stir. Evenly divide the mixture among four 16-ounce (pint-sized) mason jars or any airtight containers of a similar size. Fill each jar about two-thirds to three-quarters full, leaving some space at the top for toppings and for the oats to expand.
- Seal and Chill: Screw the lids on the jars tightly. Place the jars in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, but for the best texture and flavor, let them chill overnight (or for up to 4 days). This chilling time is when the oats soften perfectly and all the flavors meld together.
- Add Toppings Before Serving: When you are ready to eat, open a jar and add your desired toppings. Sprinkle on the remaining toasted almonds, toasted coconut, and a spoonful of mini dark chocolate chips. This ensures your toppings stay crunchy and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g