1. 1. Combine Dry Ingredients in a Jar: In a pint-sized mason jar or an airtight container, add the 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Give these dry ingredients a quick stir with a spoon to ensure they are well combined. This helps prevent the protein powder from clumping later.

2. 2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and add the 2 tablespoons of almond butter. If you’re using maple syrup or honey, add it now.

3. 3. Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together very well. Use a spoon to scrape the bottom and sides of the jar to ensure the almond butter is fully incorporated and there are no dry spots of protein powder or oats. The mixture should look uniform and slightly thick.

4. 4. Fold in Blackberries: Gently stir in the 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blackberries. If using frozen, don’t worry if they are still solid; they will thaw and release their juices as the oats chill. Avoid mashing them too much unless you prefer a more jam-like consistency.

5. 5. Seal and Refrigerate: Place a lid tightly on your mason jar or container. Transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight (8 hours), to allow the oats and chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid and thicken.

6. 6. Check Consistency and Serve: In the morning, open your jar and give the oats a good stir. The mixture should be thick and creamy. If it’s too thick for your liking, you can add a splash more almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. 7. Optional Toppings: Serve cold, directly from the jar. You can add extra fresh blackberries, a drizzle of almond butter, a sprinkle of granola, or a few almond slivers on top for added texture and flavor just before eating.