Red Velvet Overnight Oats are a fun and tasty breakfast! Made with cocoa, yogurt, and a touch of vanilla, they look and taste like dessert. Who knew healthy could be so colorful?
I love waking up to these bright bowls of goodness. They’re easy to prepare the night before, and trust me, your morning will thank you for this sweet start! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: The base of your overnight oats! Rolled oats are great for texture. If you don’t have these, instant oats work too, but they’ll be softer. I prefer to stick with rolled oats for a bit of chewiness.
Milk: Use any milk you like—dairy, almond, oat, or coconut. I often go for almond milk because it adds a nice flavor without being too heavy. If you need it to be creamier, consider using a nut milk that has a higher fat content.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient adds protein and creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, try coconut yogurt or any non-dairy yogurt. I like using plain yogurt to control the sweetness.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the oats the rich chocolate flavor that reminds you of red velvet cake. If you want it sweeter, you could use chocolate protein powder instead, but adjust the added sweetener.
Raspberries: Fresh or frozen berries are perfect for flavor and color. If you can’t find berries, a splash of red food coloring can mimic red velvet. I love using fresh raspberries because they add a tart balance to the sweetness.
How Do I Make Sure My Overnight Oats Are Just the Right Consistency?
The goal is to have creamy oats without being too thick or runny. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix all the wet ingredients well before combining with dry ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Chia seeds swell as they absorb liquid. Start with the recommended tablespoon, but feel free to add more for extra thickness if preferred.
- If the mix is too thick in the morning, just stir in a splash of milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Keep in mind that the longer you let them sit, the thicker they can become since the oats and chia absorb more liquid over time.
Enjoy your breakfast! It should be creamy, chocolatey, and delicious. Minimal effort, maximum enjoyment!
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 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (or red food coloring for classic red velvet color)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream or additional yogurt, fresh raspberries, mini chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll want to let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight, making it a perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together to make sure they are well mixed.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a smooth mixture with no dry lumps.
3. Incorporate the Raspberries:
Gently fold in the raspberries. If you’re using fresh ones, you can slightly mash some to release their juices which will give the mix a lovely red color. If you prefer, you can also use red food coloring at this stage for more of that classic red velvet look.
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Transfer your combined mixture to a jar or an airtight container. Cover it and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or, better yet, overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquids and soften up.
5. Stir and Adjust Consistency:
In the morning, take the container out of the fridge and give the oats a good stir. If they seem too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Add Toppings:
Before serving, top off your oats with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream, some extra fresh raspberries, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for an extra treat!
7. Enjoy Your Delicious Breakfast!
Serve the red velvet overnight oats chilled and enjoy this delightful, healthy breakfast that tastes just like dessert!
Can I Substitute the Yogurt for a Dairy-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use coconut yogurt or any non-dairy yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt. This will keep your overnight oats creamy while making them dairy-free!
How Long Do Leftover Overnight Oats Last?
Leftover overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. You might need to add a splash of milk to freshen them up before enjoying!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Raspberries?
Yes, feel free to mix it up! Strawberries, blueberries, or even chopped bananas work great. Just remember that the flavor and color will change slightly based on the fruit you choose.
Can I Make These Oats Without Chia Seeds?
Definitely! Chia seeds help thicken the mix and add nutritional benefits, but you can skip them. If you want a thicker consistency, just add a little extra oats or reduce the milk slightly.
