If your pear is leftover roasted, let it come to room temperature. If you're using a raw pear and want that roasted/carameled flavor, quick-pan-sear it: slice 1/2 pear into 3–4 thin wedges. Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium, add 1 tsp butter (optional) and 1/2 tsp brown sugar (optional). Place pear cut-side down for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly softened, then flip and warm the other side for 30–60 seconds. Why: pan-searing quickly deepens the pear’s sugars and adds a caramelized note that makes the jar feel luxurious — but it’s optional if you’re short on time.

Taste and prep the pear: if leftover roasted, chop into roughly 1/2-inch pieces; if pan-seared, let cool for a minute then chop. Why: chopping into uniform pieces ensures every spoonful gets pear without big hard bites and helps flavors meld during the soak.

In a 12–16 oz jar or airtight container, combine 1/2 cup (45 g) rolled oats with a pinch of fine sea salt and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Why: a pinch of salt amplifies the oats' natural sweetness; cinnamon complements pear and warms the flavor profile.

Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk and stir to fully hydrate the oats. Add 2 tbsp (30 g) Greek yogurt and 1 tsp honey, then stir again. Why: soaking oats in a mix of milk and a bit of yogurt creates a silkier texture and a pleasant tang; honey sweetens mildly and helps preserve a cohesive flavor without overwhelming the pear.

Fold in the chopped roasted/pan-seared pear, 1 tbsp chopped walnuts, and 1/4 tsp fresh orange zest. Stir to combine and press the mixture down so the oats are fully submerged in liquid. Why: placing the fruit and nuts in contact with the liquid lets their juices and oils infuse the oats as they hydrate; orange zest brightens the bowl and cuts through the richness.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally 8 hours or overnight. Why: the oats need time to absorb liquid and soften; longer chilling lets flavors meld and the texture turn creamy rather than gummy.

In the morning, stir the oats to redistribute any settled liquid. Taste and adjust: add a splash more milk for looseness, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or a spoonful more yogurt for tang. Why: overnight oats can firm up; stirring and adjusting helps you reach your preferred mouthfeel and balance of sweetness and acidity.

Finish and serve: top with a few extra chopped walnuts for crunch, an extra micro-grate of orange zest for perfume, and a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon. If you pan-seared the pear without sugar, a gentle drizzle of honey over the warm pear pieces makes a polished finishing touch. Why: contrasting textures (creamy oats vs. crunchy walnuts) and bright finishing elements elevate an everyday make-ahead dish to restaurant quality.