Cranberry Overnight Oats Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Overnight Oats offer a delicious and nutritious start to your day with minimal effort. Creamy oats layered with tangy homemade cranberry sauce make for a refreshing breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 tsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk (or dairy/dairy substitute of your choice)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (leftover or recipe below)
• 6 oz. fresh cranberries (1/2 bag)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp orange juice or apple cider
• 2 Tbsp water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, milk, and cinnamon. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
2. Step 2: Divide the oat mixture between two 8 oz. mason jars. Layer the oats with cranberry sauce by adding about 3 tablespoons of oats, then 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce, repeating once, and topping each jar with the remaining oat mixture.
3. Step 3: Refrigerate the jars overnight, or for at least 8 hours, allowing the oats to soften and flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: To make the cranberry sauce, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, honey, orange juice (or apple cider), and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
5. Step 5: Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the liquid starts to reduce, about 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency, approximately another 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool completely before layering it with the oats or storing for later use.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond, oat, or soy milk to keep this recipe dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or granola on top just before serving.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, add extra honey or a dash of maple syrup to the oat mixture.
• Try substituting fresh cranberries with frozen if fresh are not available; just thaw before cooking.

Storage

Store any prepared cranberry overnight oats in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The oats keep well and maintain their texture. Reheat gently if you prefer them warm, or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe without making cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce or a different fruit compote if you want to save time. Just layer it the same way with the oat mixture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use a dairy-free milk alternative. Also, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly.

Cranberry Overnight Oats Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 130 reviews

A delicious and nutritious Cranberry Overnight Oats recipe featuring creamy Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a homemade tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for a quick, make-ahead breakfast that is bursting with flavors of cinnamon and fresh cranberries.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Overnight Oats

• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 tsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk (or dairy/dairy substitute of your choice)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cranberry Sauce

• 6 oz. fresh cranberries (about 1/2 bag)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp orange juice or apple cider
• 2 Tbsp water

Instructions

1. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, milk, and cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Layer the Oats and Cranberry Sauce: In two 8 oz. mason jars, alternate layers of the oat mixture and cranberry sauce. Start with approximately 3 Tbsp oats, then 2 Tbsp cranberry sauce, repeat once more, and finish by topping each jar with the remaining oat mixture. This layering adds texture and flavor contrast.
3. Refrigerate Overnight: Place the jars in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to soak and soften, creating a creamy texture.
4. Prepare Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, honey, orange juice (or apple cider), and water. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats.
5. Cook until Cranberries Burst: Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the liquid begins to reduce.
6. Simmer to Thicken: Lower the heat to low and simmer the sauce for an additional 10 minutes. Keep stirring gently until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy in consistency.
7. Cool Cranberry Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely before using it to layer in the oats.

Notes

• For dairy-free options, use almond milk or oat milk and coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
• Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce by adding more or less sugar and honey according to taste.
• Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries to make the sauce depending on availability.
• Feel free to add toppings such as nuts, seeds, or additional fresh fruit before serving.

Keywords: overnight oats, cranberry sauce, healthy breakfast, make ahead breakfast, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, fall recipe