Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats Recipe
If dessert for breakfast sounds like your idea of heaven, Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats will sweep you right off your feet! This vibrant breakfast takes all the nostalgic flavors of the classic cake (think caramelized pineapple, a hint of cinnamon, and a cherry on top) and transforms them into a nutritious, make-ahead jar that’s perfect for busy mornings. Every bite brings a burst of tropical sweetness, comforting creaminess, and a playful crunch, making it hard to believe you’re also fueling your day with wholesome goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Rolled Oats Mixture:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pineapple Layer:
- 1/3 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
- 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers or granola (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
- maraschino cherry (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix the Base
Start by grabbing a mason jar or your favorite container with a lid. Add the rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together until the oats are well combined with the creamy mix—this creates the perfect foundation for those tropical flavors to bloom overnight.
Step 2: Fold in the Pineapple
Gently fold in your pineapple chunks so they’re evenly distributed throughout the oats. This step is the secret behind every spoonful having bits of juicy, sweet pineapple that recall the classic cake’s golden crown.
Step 3: Add Brown Sugar and Cherry (Optional)
If you’re craving that signature caramelized pineapple taste, sprinkle a little brown sugar right on top. For a fun and picture-perfect finish, nestle a maraschino cherry in the center—just like the desserts you loved growing up.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Seal the jar and let your Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This patience gives the oats and chia enough time to soak up the flavors and develop that delightful creamy-bouncy consistency.
Step 5: Top and Enjoy
In the morning, give everything a good stir, then sprinkle on crushed graham crackers or granola for crunch. Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge, or warm it up for the coziest breakfast twist on a sunny classic.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats

Garnishes
Embrace the playful spirit of this recipe! Besides that irresistible maraschino cherry, try a drizzle of extra honey or maple syrup, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a dusting of extra cinnamon to really make each bowl pop.
Side Dishes
Balance the tropical sweetness by pairing your oats with a side of tangy plain Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or a handful of mixed nuts. For a true breakfast spread, a hot cup of coffee or a fruity herbal tea alongside does wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats in individual parfait glasses to show off those sunny pineapple layers, or pack them in portable jars for the cutest breakfast-to-go. Hosting brunch? Double or triple the recipe and create a build-your-own oats bar with extra toppings so everyone can customize their own tropical treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Overnight oats are perfect for meal prep! Keep your Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats tightly sealed in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, though for the best texture and peak pineapple freshness, enjoy within 48 hours.
Freezing
While oats themselves freeze well, the pineapple and yogurt can alter in texture after freezing and thawing. For ultimate creaminess and bright flavor, stick to prepping just a few days ahead and keep them refrigerated, not frozen.
Reheating
If you like your oats warm, remove the jar lid and microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your ideal temperature. Add your crunchy toppings right before serving so they stay crisp and delightful!
FAQs
Can I make Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite dairy-free yogurt and use a plant-based milk. Maple syrup is already vegan-friendly, so you’re all set for a fully plant-based tropical treat.
What if I don’t like pineapple?
You can easily adapt the recipe by substituting mango, peaches, or even apple slices for the pineapple. You’ll retain plenty of fruity flavor but give it your own twist.
How can I make these oats gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats and choose gluten-free granola or omit the graham cracker topping. Every other ingredient is already naturally gluten-free!
Can I prepare bigger batches of Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients for as many servings as you need. Portion them out into individual jars or containers for a ready-made brunch or grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
Will the oats get soggy if left longer than one night?
Overnight oats become creamier the longer they sit, but after two to three days, they might become a bit too soft. For the best balance of texture and freshness, enjoy them within 48 hours of making.
Final Thoughts
There’s simply nothing like starting your morning with a spoonful of Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats—tropical, creamy, and fun, with just the right hint of childhood nostalgia. Give this easy recipe a try and savor a little sunshine any day of the week. Your mornings deserve it!
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight chill)
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic dessert with these Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Oats. This easy-to-make recipe offers a tropical flavor sensation perfect for a satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients
Rolled Oats Mixture:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pineapple Layer:
- 1/3 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
- 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers or granola (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
- maraschino cherry (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oat Mixture: In a mason jar, combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add Pineapple: Gently fold in pineapple chunks. Optionally, sprinkle brown sugar on top and garnish with a cherry.
- Refrigerate: Cover and chill overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Stir oats in the morning, top with granola, and enjoy cold or warm.
Notes
- Use canned pineapple packed in juice for less sugar.
- Substitute dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version.
- Enhance flavor with pineapple juice or coconut extract.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg