Save These Overnight Oats Graveyard jars turn breakfast into a playful Halloween treat that is wholesome enough to kickstart your morning and charming enough to delight kids or party guests. The oats get velvety from Greek yogurt and milk, rich cocoa creates chocolatey layers, and the crunchy cookie tombstone crowns each jar with seasonal fun. It is a make-ahead breakfast you can assemble in just minutes and decorate for any spooky occasion.
When I first created these, my daughter and her friends actually giggled with joy at the decorations and everyone finished their jar. Now it is our go-to breakfast whenever we need a little whimsy or Halloween spirit in the house.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: creates a creamy and hearty base, quick oats will turn mushier so choose old fashioned style for best texture
- Milk: adds richness and helps soften the oats overnight, you can use any plant milk for dairy free version
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: brings deep chocolate flavor and pairs perfectly with honey or maple syrup
- Honey or maple syrup: lightly sweetens your oats and blends in easily for a smooth texture
- Greek yogurt: makes the oats extra velvety and boosts protein, choose plain for best results
- Vanilla extract: gives warmth and a hint of bakery-style flavor, use pure extract if possible
- Salt: a tiny pinch balances flavors and brings out the richness of the chocolate
- Rectangular or oval shaped cookies: these act as tombstones so pick sturdy cookies that will stand upright, like Milano or shortbread
- Dark chocolate for writing on cookies: adds a dramatic effect, opt for high quality chocolate so the writing stays crisp
- Crushed chocolate cookies: create a realistic dirt topping
- Mini chocolate chips: extra chocolatey bits and a touch of crunch
- Gummy worms and candy eyes: optional for playful decoration that gets everyone smiling
- Fresh mint leaves: optional but adds oddly realistic grassy color and a refreshing touch
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl mix oats milk cocoa powder honey Greek yogurt vanilla extract and salt until everything is smooth and evenly blended. Take time to break up any pockets of cocoa so the base is luxuriously chocolatey.
- Layer and Chill:
- Divide the mixture evenly between two jars or glasses. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least six hours or ideally overnight. This is when the oats soak up moisture and become soft and creamy.
- Make Tombstone Cookies:
- Melt dark chocolate using a microwave or double boiler. Pour into a piping bag or use a toothpick to carefully write RIP on each cookie. Set cookies aside until chocolate hardens which helps the lettering stay sharp.
- Prepare Toppings:
- When ready to serve crush chocolate cookies in a small bowl to create fine crumbs resembling dirt. Lay out mini chips gummy worms candy eyes and mint for decorating.
- Assemble Graveyard:
- Remove oats from the fridge. Sprinkle the cookie crumbs generously across the surface of each serving. Insert a decorated cookie as the tombstone and arrange extra toppings for a spooky graveyard look.
- Serve:
- Enjoy chilled straight from the jar. The oats should be creamy and flavorful with a festive touch in every spoonful.
Save Every year when Halloween rolls around I look forward to using fresh mint—there is something about those green leaves poking out of the cookie dirt that brings the graveyard to life. My son once insisted on extra candy eyes on every tombstone for maximum spookiness and it has stuck as a tradition ever since.
Storage Tips
Store the assembled oats in jars or airtight containers in the fridge. Wait to add crunchy toppings and decorations until just before you serve so they stay crisp instead of getting soggy. You can make the oats base up to four days ahead and decorate in the morning for busy weeks.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in certified gluten free oats and cookies to make this work for very sensitive eaters. Plant based milk and yogurt are equally creamy in this recipe and maple syrup gives a lovely flavor twist for vegan versions. If you run out of cocoa you can use chocolate protein powder or add a spoonful of nut butter instead.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these graveyard jars with strong coffee or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate holiday breakfast. They also make a great mid afternoon snack especially when you want your energy to last. You can double the recipe for a party and let everyone decorate their own serving.
Cultural Context
Overnight oats are an American breakfast classic known for being nutritious and endlessly customizable. The graveyard twist gives a playful nod to Halloween traditions and creative food crafts that are popular at autumn gatherings in many families.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use gingerbread cookies and candy pumpkins for a Thanksgiving version Try strawberry jam and heart shaped cookies for Valentine breakfast jars Swap mint for fresh basil and add red candies for a monster themed party
Success Stories
My neighbor brought a batch of these graveyard oats to our block’s Halloween parade and every kid picked their own toppings. They were gone in minutes and parents loved how easy it was to serve straight from the jar. These oats make healthy holiday mornings actually feel exciting.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze the oats base in single serves if you want to make a big batch. Thaw overnight in the fridge then stir and decorate as usual in the morning. Be sure not to freeze cookies or decorations since they will lose their crunch.
Save Make these jars ahead for the busiest mornings and enjoy a spooky, delicious breakfast with the whole family. Halloween mornings have never tasted this fun.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Instant oats will yield a softer texture and soak up liquid faster, but rolled oats offer a creamier, chewier result.
- → How do I make this dish vegan?
Use plant-based milk and yogurt and substitute honey with maple syrup. Check decorations and cookies for animal products.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, these oats need to chill overnight. You can make them a day before and decorate just before serving for best texture.
- → What cookies work best for tombstones?
Sturdy cookies such as Milano, shortbread, or speculoos keep their shape and can support decorative chocolate writing.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Use certified gluten-free oats and cookies to suit gluten sensitivities. Always check packaging for allergens.
- → Can I add extra flavors?
For variety, try mixing nut butter, orange zest, or spices like cinnamon into the oats base before chilling.