Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
- ¾ cup coconut milk (full-fat from can for best flavor, or lite version)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained (or diced fresh pineapple)
- 3 tablespoons shredded coconut (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- ¼ teaspoon rum extract (optional, for authentic piña colada flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon lime zest (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Additional fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Sliced almonds or macadamia nuts
- Fresh pineapple wedge for garnish
- Maraschino cherry (for fun!)
- Drizzle of honey or coconut cream
Instructions
- Prepare your pineapple: If using canned pineapple, drain it thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer, pressing gently to remove excess juice. If using fresh pineapple, dice it into small chunks. You’ll need about ½ cup total.
- Toast coconut (optional but recommended): For deeper flavor, spread 3 tablespoons of shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Watch carefully as it burns easily! Let cool completely before using. Reserve extra toasted coconut for topping.
- Combine dry ingredients: In each of two 16-ounce mason jars (or in a mixing bowl to divide later), add ½ cup rolled oats, ½ tablespoon chia seeds, and a small pinch of salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add to each jar: 6 tablespoons (about ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons) coconut milk, ¼ cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon coconut extract, ⅛ teaspoon rum extract (if using), and ½ teaspoon lime juice (if using).
- Add the tropical flavors: Fold in ¼ cup drained pineapple and 1½ tablespoons toasted or regular shredded coconut into each jar. If using lime zest, add a small pinch to each jar.
- Stir thoroughly: Using a spoon, mix everything together very well, making sure the oats at the bottom are fully incorporated with the liquid. The mixture will look fairly thin—this is normal! The oats will absorb the liquid and thicken considerably overnight.
- Taste and adjust: Before sealing, taste a small spoonful. Adjust sweetness if needed by adding a bit more honey. Remember that the pineapple will release more natural sweetness as it sits.
- Seal and refrigerate: Secure the lids tightly on your jars and place in the refrigerator. Let chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight (8-12 hours) is ideal for the best texture and flavor development.
- Serve and enjoy: In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and give the oats a good stir. They should be thick and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Add toppings: Top with additional fresh pineapple chunks, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, nuts, and a maraschino cherry if you’re feeling festive! For an extra-special presentation, garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge on the rim of the jar.
- Serve cold or warm: Enjoy straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing cold breakfast, or transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds if you prefer warm oats.
Notes
- Coconut milk tip: If your canned coconut milk has separated (solid cream on top, liquid on bottom), stir it well before measuring to ensure proper consistency.
- Pineapple drainage is crucial: Excess pineapple juice will make your oats too watery. Drain thoroughly and even press gently in a strainer to remove extra moisture.
- Sweetness control: Start with 1 tablespoon of honey per serving and add more in the morning if needed. The pineapple and coconut add natural sweetness that intensifies overnight.
- Extract quality matters: Use pure extracts rather than imitation for the best flavor, especially with the coconut extract.
- Make it vegan: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Texture preference: For thicker oats, reduce coconut milk by 2 tablespoons. For thinner, more pourable oats, add an extra 2 tablespoons.
- Alcohol-free assurance: Rum extract contains no alcohol and is completely safe for children and those avoiding alcohol.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (overnight chilling)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook, Make-Ahead
- Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (approximately 1½ cups)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 8mg