Red Velvet Overnight Oats are a fun breakfast that’s as pretty as it is tasty! Packed with cocoa and a splash of red food coloring, they look like dessert in a jar.
It’s like having cake for breakfast without the guilt! 🎉 I love that I can prepare these the night before and have a tasty start to my day. Just add yogurt and toppings you enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are essential for this recipe. They absorb the liquids overnight and become soft. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats to ensure no cross-contamination.
Milk: Any type of milk works here! I love almond milk for its subtle flavor, but coconut milk adds a nice creaminess too. Yogurt can also be swapped with a non-dairy alternative like coconut or almond yogurt.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt gives a creamy texture and boosts protein content. If you’re avoiding dairy, go for a plant-based yogurt that’s thick and creamy, like coconut or soy yogurt.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that chocolatey flavor. If you run low, you can make this with carob powder for a different taste.
Red Coloring: I recommend natural red beet powder for a healthy option. It gives a great color without artificial additives, and it’s a fun way to add nutrients too!
How Do I Make Sure My Oats Are Perfectly Smooth?
Getting your overnight oats to the right consistency is simple! Start by mixing the base well. Here are my tips:
- Use a mason jar or a container with a tight seal to minimize mess.
- Combine dry ingredients (oats, cocoa, salt) first, then add liquids (milk, yogurt) for better blending.
- Stir vigorously to break up any clumps, then fold in fruits gently to keep them intact.
- To prevent lumps, let the mixture sit for a few minutes after mixing and stir it again before sealing.
With these steps, your oats will be smooth and creamy in the morning!
Red Velvet Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, for added depth)
- 1-2 tsp red food coloring or natural red beet powder (adjust for desired color)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (for topping)
- 1 tbsp whipped cream or extra yogurt (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to let it chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours or ideally overnight. This way, the oats soften beautifully, and the flavors meld for a delightful breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather Your Ingredients:
Start by collecting all your ingredients. Make sure to have a mason jar or airtight container ready for mixing and storing the oats.
2. Mix the Base:
In your mason jar or container, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, and cocoa powder. Stir them together until the mixture is well combined.
3. Sweeten and Color:
Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness, then mix in the vanilla extract. If you’re using almond extract for a deeper flavor, add that in too! Now, stir in the red food coloring or beet powder for that iconic red velvet look and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is mixed well and is a pretty red color!
4. Add the Raspberries:
Gently fold in the raspberries. You can break some of them a little to let their juicy flavor seep into the mix, but keep others whole for nice bites of fruity goodness.
5. Chill the Mixture:
Seal your container tightly and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for getting that perfect overnight oat texture!
6. Prepare to Serve:
The next morning, take your oats out and give them a good stir. If you’d like, add a splash of milk to loosen them up to your preferred consistency.
7. Top It Off:
To finish, add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of yogurt on top. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or some chopped dark chocolate as a tasty treat!
8. Enjoy!
Dig into your vibrant and delicious Red Velvet Overnight Oats! They’re cold, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect to kickstart your day!
This delightful recipe captures the rich red velvet flavor and color, enhanced by cocoa and vanilla, while the addition of raspberries gives a fresh fruity twist!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Raspberries?
Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or chopped bananas. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you choose sweeter fruits!
How Long Do These Overnight Oats Last in the Fridge?
Red Velvet Overnight Oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan! Just use plant-based yogurt and milk, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness.
Can I Make a Bigger Batch for Meal Prep?
Definitely! You can multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Just remember to store them in individual containers or jars to make breakfast quick and easy throughout the week!
