Why You’ll Love This Overnight Oats with Red Velvet Flavors

• It tastes like dessert for breakfast. Honestly, who can resist that? We’re capturing the essence of a classic red velvet cake with cocoa, a hint of vanilla, and that signature subtle tang, all while keeping things wholesome and satisfying.
• The ultimate make-ahead convenience. Your future morning-self will thank your past-night-self profusely. It takes less than 10 minutes to assemble, and then you have a delicious, portable breakfast waiting for you, eliminating any A.M. decision fatigue.
• Endlessly customizable to your taste. Love a bit more chocolate? Add more cocoa powder. Want it sweeter? A drizzle of maple syrup does the trick. You can play with the mix-ins and toppings to make it your own perfect jar every single time.
• A surprisingly satisfying texture. The oats soften beautifully overnight, becoming wonderfully creamy and pudding-like, while any toppings you add right before eating—like a few cacao nibs—provide a delightful little crunch.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• A tiny pinch of fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for that tangy creaminess)
• 1/2 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat)
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or honey, to taste
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• A few drops of natural red food coloring (optional, but fun!)
• For serving: A dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips.

Tools: A jar or container with a lid (a 12-oz mason jar is perfect), a small spoon or whisk for mixing.

The chia seeds are the secret weapon here—they plump up and help create that lovely, thick pudding consistency. And don’t skip the salt! It might seem odd, but it really makes the chocolate and vanilla flavors pop.

Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 8 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 8 minutes (plus overnight soaking)

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Rolled oats are non-negotiable. Seriously, don’t use quick oats or steel-cut here. Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) have the perfect texture for soaking—they become tender but still have a pleasant presence. Quick oats can turn mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.
• Why Greek yogurt? It gives us that signature red velvet tang and a big protein boost for a more filling breakfast. If you don’t have it, a plant-based yogurt works too, though the tang might be milder.
• To color or not to color? The food coloring is purely for visual fun—the taste is all there without it! If you want a natural red hue, a tiny bit of beet powder is a great alternative, though it might add a very subtle earthy note.
• Sweeten to your heart’s content. Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. You can always add more after it’s soaked if you find you want it sweeter. Remember, the toppings will add sweetness too!

How to Make Overnight Oats with Red Velvet Flavors

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• A side of fresh berries — The bright, juicy acidity of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the richness of the oats beautifully, mimicking the classic cream cheese and berry pairing.
• A handful of toasted walnuts or pecans — This adds a wonderful nutty crunch and makes the breakfast feel even more substantial and texturally interesting.
• A warm cup of coffee or black tea — The bitterness of a good brew is the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, creamy oats, creating a truly balanced breakfast experience.

Drinks

• A cold glass of milk or almond milk — Sometimes the simplest pairing is the best. A cool, creamy drink alongside your creamy oats is just pure comfort.
• A frothy cappuccino — If you’re leaning into the decadent, café-style vibe, the foam and espresso elevate the whole meal into a special occasion.
• A green smoothie — For the ultimate nutrient-packed start, enjoy this with a simple spinach-and-banana smoothie. You get your treat and your greens all at once.

Something Sweet

• A small square of dark chocolate — Because when you’re already on a red velvet theme, why not go all the way? Let it melt slowly on your tongue after your last bite of oats.
• A few slices of banana — It’s a classic for a reason. The soft sweetness of banana complements the chocolate notes perfectly.
• A drizzle of almond butter — This adds a rich, savory-sweet depth that makes the whole jar feel incredibly luxurious and satisfying.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using quick oats. They absorb liquid too quickly and become a gummy, mushy texture that just isn’t as enjoyable as the heartier bite of soaked rolled oats.
• Mistake: Not stirring well enough before refrigerating. If you don’t mix thoroughly, you might get a clump of dry cocoa powder at the bottom of the jar. A good shake or stir is your best friend here.
• Mistake: Adding crunchy toppings the night before. If you put things like nuts or cacao nibs in before soaking, they’ll lose their crunch and become soft. Always add them right before you eat.
• Mistake: Skipping the salt. I know I’ve said it before, but it’s a common oversight. Salt is a flavor enhancer—without it, your oats might taste a bit flat.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Make a batch for the week. This recipe scales up beautifully. Multiply the ingredients by 4 or 5, mix everything in a large bowl, and then portion it out into individual jars. You’ve got breakfast prepped for the next 4-5 days!
• Tip: Layer it like a parfait. For a gorgeous presentation, you can create layers. Put half the oat mixture in the jar, then a layer of yogurt and berries, then the rest of the oats. It looks stunning and adds little bursts of flavor.
• Tip: Warm them up! While typically eaten cold, these oats are also delicious gently warmed. Just pop the jar (without the lid) in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. It becomes like a warm, comforting chocolate porridge.
• Tip: Grind the oats for a smoother texture. If you prefer a less “oaty” texture, you can pulse the rolled oats in a blender a few times before mixing. This creates a finer, more uniform pudding.

FAQs

How long do these overnight oats last in the fridge?
They keep really well! You can safely store them for up to 4-5 days. This makes them an absolute champion for weekly meal prep. Just make sure your jar or container is sealed tightly. If you’re prepping more than a couple of days in advance, I’d recommend holding off on adding any fresh fruit mix-ins until the day you plan to eat it.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely, it’s super easy. Simply use a plant-based yogurt (like almond or coconut yogurt) and your favorite plant-based milk. For sweetener, maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re good to go. The result is just as creamy and delicious.

My oats are too thick/too thin. How can I fix it?
No worries, this is an easy fix! If they’re too thick in the morning, just stir in a little extra milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. If they’re too thin (which is rare, but can happen), you probably just need to let them soak a bit longer. The chia seeds need time to work their thickening magic.

I don’t have chia seeds. Can I leave them out?
You can, but the texture will be different. The chia seeds are key for that thick, pudding-like feel. Without them, the oats will be more soupy. If you must omit them, try reducing the milk by a couple of tablespoons to compensate, but honestly, I highly recommend using them if you can.

Is there a way to get a red color without food coloring?
Yes! A small amount of beet powder is a fantastic natural alternative. Start with half a teaspoon, mix it in with the dry ingredients, and see what color you get. You can add a bit more if you want a deeper hue. The flavor is very mild, but it might add a subtle earthiness.