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Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats Recipe

Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats

iamwinfred
These Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats are bright, zesty, and incredibly easy to prep ahead. Tart dried cranberries and fresh orange zest combine with creamy Greek yogurt, rolled oats, and a touch of honey for a festive, satisfying breakfast that's ready when you wake up. Perfect for busy cold mornings when you want something comforting and nutritious without any cooking.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Mason jars or airtight containers Two 16-ounce jars with tight-fitting lids
  • Microplane or fine grater For zesting the orange
  • Measuring cups and spoons For accurate portions
  • Mixing bowl Medium-sized, optional - you can mix directly in the jars
  • Spoon or whisk For stirring everything together
  • Citrus juicer Optional - makes extracting orange juice easier, or squeeze by hand

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats old-fashioned oats work best for the perfect texture; 90g
  • 1 cup milk 240ml; use dairy or your favorite non-dairy option like almond or oat milk
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 60g; adds creaminess and protein
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries 50g; you can also use fresh if available
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest from about 1 medium orange
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice 30ml; squeezed from the same orange
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional but adds thickness and omega-3s
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • salt pinch
  • sliced almonds for topping, optional
  • fresh cranberries for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Wash the orange thoroughly, then zest it with a microplane, taking only the bright orange outer layer and avoiding the bitter white pith. Set aside 1 tablespoon of zest, cut the orange in half, and squeeze 2 tablespoons of fresh juice into a separate container, removing any seeds.
  • In a mixing bowl or mason jar, combine the milk, Greek yogurt, fresh orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon or whisk until the yogurt is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  • Add the rolled oats, orange zest, chia seeds (if using), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until all the oats are coated and no dry oats remain at the bottom.
  • Gently fold in the dried cranberries, distributing them evenly and making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Reserve a few cranberries for topping if desired.
  • Divide the mixture evenly between two mason jars or airtight containers if you mixed in a bowl. Press down gently so all oats are covered by liquid, adding a splash more milk if any oats stick up above the liquid line, then seal tightly.
  • Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator and let them sit for at least 6 hours, ideally 8 hours or overnight, so the oats soften, the cranberries plump up, and the orange flavor infuses throughout.
  • Remove from the refrigerator, stir well to redistribute any settled liquid, and taste to adjust sweetness with more honey or maple syrup if needed. Top with sliced almonds, fresh cranberries, and extra orange zest, then enjoy cold or warm in the microwave for 45-60 seconds.

Notes

  • Use old-fashioned rolled oats: quick oats turn mushy and steel-cut oats stay too hard overnight.
  • Don't skip the orange zest, as it provides most of the bright citrus flavor.
  • Adjust the liquid ratio: use slightly less milk for thicker oats or a bit more for creamier oats.
  • Chop larger dried cranberries so they soften better overnight.
  • Taste before storing so you can adjust sweetness before refrigerating.
  • Use fresh orange juice rather than bottled for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with the dry ingredients for extra staying power.
  • Let the oats sit at least 6 hours, but 8 to 12 hours is ideal for the best texture.
  • Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; do not freeze, as the texture becomes grainy when thawed.
  • If oats thicken too much after a few days, stir in a splash of milk before eating; keep crunchy toppings separate until serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1BowlCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 12gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 95mgFiber: 8gSugar: 32gCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg
Keyword cranberry orange overnight oats, easy meal prep, festive breakfast, make ahead breakfast, overnight oats recipe
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