These Red Velvet Overnight Oats are a tasty twist on your morning routine! With oats, cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla, they taste just like dessert. Yum!
I love how easy they are to prepare the night before. Just mix and chill, and breakfast is ready when I wake up. Plus, they look so pretty in a jar! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are perfect for overnight oats. They soften nicely while soaking. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Chia Seeds: These add thickness and provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If you don’t have them, you can use ground flaxseed as an alternative.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened for a balanced flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, try Dutch-processed cocoa, but remember it will change the final color.
Maple Syrup: A great natural sweetener! If you want a lower-calorie option, consider using stevia or agave syrup.
Milk: Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat, or soy! I often use almond milk for a light flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. For a dairy-free option, choose coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt.
Raspberries: Fresh or frozen both work well. Try strawberries for a different flavor, but the color will be less vibrant.
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for Overnight Oats?
Achieving the right consistency is key to delicious overnight oats. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with the right oat-to-liquid ratio; usually, a 1:1 ratio works well.
- Use chia seeds—they absorb liquid and help thicken the mixture.
- If your oats seem too thick the next morning, simply add a splash of milk to loosen them.
- Gently stir before serving to help distribute flavors and textures evenly.
Making great overnight oats is about experimenting to find what works best for your taste and texture preferences!
Red Velvet Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (for natural red color and flavor)
- 1-2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to let it soak overnight in the fridge for at least 6 hours. So, a quick prep time followed by a delicious breakfast waiting for you the next morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or a jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Use a spoon or a fork to mix everything well so that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add Milk and Vanilla:
Pour in the milk of your choice and add the vanilla extract. Stir again until everything is well-combined and the mixture looks cohesive.
3. Mix in Yogurt and Raspberries:
Gently fold in the Greek yogurt and raspberries. The raspberries will start to break up a bit, giving your oats that lovely red color. This step is what brings the red velvet essence to your oats!
4. Chill Overnight:
Seal the jar with a lid or cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then place it in the fridge to soak overnight (at least 6 hours). This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften up.
5. The Next Morning:
When you’re ready to enjoy your oats, give the mixture a good stir. If you find it too thick, just add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Add Toppings:
Top your oats with an extra dollop of yogurt and sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a nice crunch. Feel free to add more raspberries if you want!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your colorful, healthy Red Velvet Overnight Oats either straight from the jar or in a bowl. It’s a delightful way to start your day!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe, as instant oats can become mushy when soaked overnight. If you do use instant oats, reduce the soaking time to a few hours to achieve a better texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess!
Can I Substitute the Raspberries?
Absolutely! You can use other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just keep in mind that different fruits will slightly change the flavor and color of your oats.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Yes! Simply use plant-based yogurt and a non-dairy milk to make this recipe fully vegan. Maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re all set!
