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This Greek yogurt parfait for breakfast is completely make-ahead and grab-and-go. I showcase creamy, protein-packed overnight oats in 2 kid-approved flavors: classic PB&J and a fun dirt cup with crushed Oreos and gummy worms. Just prep them the night before, and breakfast is handled. Perfect when heading out on a road trip, setting up camp, or just surviving a busy week.
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.
Why Yogurt Parfaits are So Good (and Easy!)
- These breakfast jars come together with nothing but a bowl, a whisk, and 10 minutes of your time. The fridge does all the work overnight while you organize, pack, or simply need extra time.
- Built for real family life on the move — road trips, glamping or camping weekends, beach days, early morning sports — these jars travel well in a cooler and hold up for up to 4 days in the fridge. Prep a full week’s worth of breakfast, and it’s completely handled.
- Kids actually like these! The PB&J flavor tastes exactly like the sandwich they’ve been eating since kindergarten, and the dirt cup version looks like a dessert (gummy worms included). Getting my kids excited about a high-protein breakfast is a big win (about 20+ grams of protein in each jar, by the way!).
What I Learned Testing These Recipes
- I found out that narrow jars make layering a nightmare and spooning out that bottom layer even worse. I used wide-mouth pint jars (16 ounces) as the sweet spot: enough room to layer properly, easy to eat straight from the jar, and they seal tight enough for a cooler or a bag.
- I really had to balance the liquid ratio for the right oat texture. Oats vary, and so do preferences. If your oats feel too thick after chilling, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk before eating. If they’re too loose (common with finer-cut oats), add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds to the base next time, as chia absorbs liquid and firms everything up.
- It can be tempting to add the toppings the night before, so you can literally toss them into a cooler and off you go! But don’t! Pack toppings in a small zip-lock bag or separate container and add them right before eating — you get that satisfying crunch every single time!
Recipe Variations
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based Greek yogurt (coconut or soy-based works best), any non-dairy milk, and maple syrup (already in the recipe). Check your protein powder label if using — most plant-based protein powders are vegan-friendly.
Make it Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter in the PB&J version for sunflower seed butter. Same amount, same method. The flavor is slightly nuttier and earthier, but still delicious with jam.
Boost the Protein: Add a full scoop of protein powder instead of half, or stir in 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts to the base. Hemp hearts are virtually tasteless and add about 10 extra grams of protein per serving.
Try Different Jams: The PB&J base works with any jam — grape, raspberry, blueberry, peach. Mixed berry jam is especially super good and gives you more fruit variety in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely great for grab-and-go! Prep them the night before you leave, refrigerate overnight, then transfer to a cooler with ice packs in the morning. They’ll stay cold and fresh for a full day of travel. Keep toppings in separate bags and add right before eating.
Greek yogurt gives you the best texture and the most protein, but regular plain yogurt works in a pinch (just know the result will be a bit looser). For dairy-free, plain coconut yogurt is the closest substitute in terms of thickness and creaminess.
Heck yes, and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Both recipes involve measuring, whisking, and layering — all totally kid-friendly steps. I have my kiddos make their own jars the night before a road trip and they get excited to dig into them the next day!
Nope — they’re meant to be eaten cold, straight from the jar. If someone in your family prefers warm oats, you can microwave for 60 to 90 seconds but the texture will be softer and creamier rather than that classic overnight oats consistency. And you likely don’t have time for that if traveling.
I steer clear of instant oats because they absorb liquid too quickly and turn mushy by morning. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the right call here. Note that steel-cut oats don’t soften enough overnight and will stay way too chewy.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
- High Protein Overnight Oats (with 6 Flavor Ideas)
- Brunch Fruit Board
- Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole
- Easy Blended Baked Oats
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
- Tonga Toast French Toast Casserole
- Fluffy Gluten-Free Pancakes
- Protein Oatmeal (3 Ways!)
- Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions or variations listed are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
First Recipe
Make-Ahead PB&J Yogurt Parfait (Overnight Oats)
Equipment
- wide-mouth pint mason jar with lid (16 oz)
- medium mixing bowl
- whisk
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
The Base
- â…” cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Optional Protein Boost
- ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra milk as needed
For the Jar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons strawberry jam
- ¼ cup granola
- fresh strawberries sliced, for topping
Instructions
- Add ⅔ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ½ cup milk of choice, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 pinch of salt to a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully combined with no streaks.
- If using protein powder, add ½ scoop vanilla protein powder and whisk to combine. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons extra milk if mixture is too thick.
- Spoon half the oat mixture into a wide-mouth pint jar.
- Add 1 to 1½ tablespoons strawberry jam in an even layer over oats.
- Spoon remaining oat mixture on top. Swirl 1 additional tablespoon strawberry jam over surface.
- Seal jar and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Right before serving, top with ¼ cup granola and fresh sliced strawberries.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag @40aprons on Instagram and be sure to leave a review on the blog post!
Second Recipe
Make-Ahead Dirt Worms Yogurt Parfait (Overnight Oats)
Equipment
- wide-mouth pint mason jar with lid (16 oz)
- medium mixing bowl
- whisk
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
The Base
- â…” cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 1½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips optional
Optional Protein Boost
- ½ scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra milk as needed
For the Jar
- 4 Oreo cookies crushed
- gummy worms for topping
Instructions
- Add ⅔ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ½ cup milk of choice, 1½ tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 pinch of salt to a medium bowl.
- Whisk until completely smooth with no dry clumps of cocoa powder remaining.
- If using mini chocolate chips, stir in 2 tablespoons now.
- If using protein powder, add ½ scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder and whisk to combine. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons extra milk if mixture is too thick.
- Pour oat mixture into a wide-mouth pint jar. Seal and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Right before serving, top with 4 crushed Oreo cookies and gummy worms.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag @40aprons on Instagram and be sure to leave a review on the blog post!
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