Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Give them a good stir with a wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed, creating a pale, speckled mixture that smells faintly of spice.

Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, Greek yoghurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture becomes a cohesive, slightly thick liquid, where the oats are fully submerged and coated, and the vanilla aroma is clearly present.

Distribute into Containers: Divide the oat mixture evenly among four individual jars or airtight containers. Each jar should be about two-thirds full, leaving space for toppings. The mixture will look quite liquid at this stage, with individual oats visible.

Layer with Fruit: Gently fold in or layer your fresh or frozen mixed berries into each jar. If using frozen berries, you might notice a slight colour bleed into the oats, creating a lovely pink or purple hue. The fruit will add a fresh, sweet scent to each portion.

Add Optional Toppings (if having straight away): If you’re planning to eat some of these for dinner tonight, you can add a handful of chopped nuts and seeds to the top of each portion now for added crunch and texture. For those chilling overnight, you’ll add these in the morning.

Chill Overnight: Secure the lids tightly on your jars or containers. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight. When you check them in the morning, the oats will have absorbed most of the liquid, transforming into a thick, creamy, pudding-like consistency. The jars will feel cool to the touch.

Serve and Enjoy: When ready to eat, retrieve your overnight oats from the fridge. Give them a quick stir, and if desired, add any additional toppings like fresh banana slices, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a sprinkle of additional nuts and seeds for a final textural flourish. The oats should be chilled and have a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma.