Raspberry Overnight Oats

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These raspberry overnight oats are a creamy make-ahead breakfast made by soaking oats in milk and jam. They are perfectly sweet and satisfying, a delicious on-the-go breakfast.

I am a die-hard fan of overnight oats! The sheer simplicity is enough to win me over, much less the creamy texture and multiple flavor options (protein, peanut butter, dark chocolate, etc). This raspberry overnight oats version is one of my faves!

If you're out of yogurt (or just can't have it) this overnight oats recipe without yogurt is divine!

It's only four simple ingredients and it's a breeze to customize. I like to top it with crunchy granola, tart raspberries, and nutty sliced almonds.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are made by soaking rolled oats in a liquid (typically milk) and letting them sit in the refrigerator overnight. As they rest, the oats absorb the liquid, softening and thickening into a creamy, ready-to-eat cold oatmeal.

Unlike traditional oatmeal, overnight oats aren’t cooked or served warm. Because of this, overnight oats take about 2 minutes to prep!

You can customize them with your favorite sweeteners, mix-ins, and toppings to suit your taste.

You can use instant oatmeal packets too! They taste delicious, just slightly less chewy.

Ingredients

almond milk, oats, raspberry jam, maple syrup.

Old fashioned oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best results - steel-cut oats stay too firm, while quick oats turn overly soft. If you’re gluten intolerant, choose oats labeled gluten-free, as they’re often processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains and may be cross-contaminated.
Unsweetened almond milk: I love almond milk for smoothies, oatmeal, and lattes. It has a mild flavor and it's low in calories. You can use any milk you like, regular or plant-based. I recommend using unsweetened though, so you can control the amount of sugar.
Jam: I used seedless raspberry jam, but you can swap it with whatever jam you have on hand. I like to buy all-fruit jams with no added sugar but that's just a personal preference.
Maple syrup: For a touch of extra sweetness! Light agave, honey, brown sugar, or regular sugar all work great. For a sweeter oatmeal, add more!
Toppings: Crunchy granola, nutty almonds, and tart raspberries go so well together! Toppings are optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Raspberry Overnight Oats

Combine the old fashioned oats, almond milk, jam, and maple syrup. I use a small jar or bowl. Since this recipe uses just ½ cup of oats for a single serving, there’s no need for a large container.

a bowl of oats with almond milk and raspberry jam.

a bowl of oats, almond milk, jam, and maple syrup mixed together.

Mix until the jam is fully incorporated and the ingredients are evenly combined
Cover the bowl with saran wrap and place it in the fridge. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. I usually make it right before I go to bed.

a bowl of raspberry overnight oats with granola and raspberries on top.

Add toppings and enjoy! Granola, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, peanut butter, berries, and spices are a few of my favorites!

Flavor variations & ideas

Overnight oats are a cinch to customize! The only thing you need to consider is the liquid to oats ratio. Typically the ratio of oats to liquid is 1:1.

If you add an ingredient that absorbs moisture, you will need to add a bit more liquid to compensate. A good example are chia seeds or protein powder.

Protein: Add chia seeds, peanut butter, almond butter, or protein powder! If you add a tablespoon of chia seeds or protein powder, increase the almond milk to ⅔ cup.
Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, agave, brown sugar, sugar, stevia, or coconut sugar are great options! Less is more. You can always add more sweetener, but you can't take it out.
Mix-ins & Toppings: This is where it really gets tasty! Granola, nuts, shredded coconut, berries, bananas, fruit, nut butter, jam, nutella, pumpkin puree, cocoa powder, protein powder, chocolate chips, pepitas, dried fruit, banana chips, or chopped apples are all great options. If it sounds good, go for it!

a glass jar with raspberry overnight oats in it and granola and raspberries on top.

Recipe Tips

For a grab-and-go breakfast, prepare the oats in a disposable cup or airtight container with a lid. Bring it with you to work on a busy morning.
Overnight oats keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and taste delish as soon as 4 hours. So don't stress too much over the timing.
These raspberry overnight oats are thick and creamy! If you like thinner oats, increase the milk to ⅔ cup.
For a larger serving, double the ingredients and use a larger bowl or cup.

Storage Tips

Technically, overnight oats are good for up to 5 days in the refrigerator! I think they taste best within the first three days, but that's a personal preference.

Since they only take two minutes to meal prep, I'd rather make mine the night before. But if you'd rather, you could meal prep several at the beginning of the week. Wait and add the toppings right before you dig in.

a bite of overnight oats with raspberry and granola on it.

FAQs

What is the best liquid for overnight oats?

Milk adds more flavor than water with a creamier texture in the end. Any type of milk works great though. Use dairy milk or your favorite plant-based milk.

Are overnight oats healthy?

Overnight oats are a filling, nutritious way to start your day. As a whole grain, oats provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and studies suggest they may help support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. For the most benefit, pair them with wholesome toppings and mix-ins.

Can you thicken overnight oats without yogurt?

Yes, yogurt isn't actually necessary in overnight oats! They are thick and creamy without it. If you want even thicker oats, you can add chia seeds. Chia seeds absorb liquid quickly and the flavor of it. Only add chia seeds if you like the texture and taste of them.

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