Overnight oats with cranberry compote takes 5 minutes to prep and transforms your mornings into something special.

Overnight Oats with Cranberry Compote

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but often we are so busy rushing around the only thing we have time for is a coffee or a cup of hot chocolate. Make ahead, meal prepped breakfasts like these overnight oats with cranberry compote are perfect for busy mornings.

You deserve something that tastes amazing and requires zero effort when you roll out of bed. Overnight oats check both boxes, and when you top them with a quick homemade cranberry compote. You get that perfect balance of creamy and tart that makes this breakfast feel special, especially on cold winter days or during the holiday season.

This morning I am joining my friend Sheri for our monthly series, “Sweet treats for your Sweet tooth.” Each month we share our favorite version of a sweet treat, everything from cookies, bars, cakes, puddings and more. If you don’t know Sheri she is a professional photographer and the writer of the Sheri Silver blog. Today we are each sharing a “healthy-ish recipe to enjoy over the holiday.

Why You Will Love Overnight Oats with Cranberry Compote

This recipe is a perfect make-ahead breakfast. The next morning all you have to do it open the fridge and grab a spoon.
The oats transform in the fridge overnight, softening into a creamy texture that is good for you and tastes good too.
Oats are a great addition to a heart-healthy diet and a delicious healthy breakfast.
Cold, creamy oats meet warm spices and tart cranberries, perfect for winter and holiday breakfasts.
Both the overnight oats and the cranberry compote stay fresh for days in the refrigerator, so you can make a batch on Sunday and have breakfast all week long
The cranberry compote works as a versatile topping for more than just oats, you can add it to oatmeal, top your yogurt, or even dessert.
Whole grain oats and chia seeds provide energy and fiber, while cranberries pack antioxidants and vitamin C. Adding protein filled Greek yogurt or protein powder turns this into a meal that keeps you full until lunch.

What You Need to Make Overnight Oats with Cranberry Compote

This overnight oats recipe calls for just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your refrigerator or pantry.

1 cup old fashioned oats
1 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or Vanilla Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1/2 cup cranberry compote

Cranberry Compote

2 cups fresh cranberries
2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar or brown sugar
1/2 cup water or orange juice
zest of orange
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ginger optional

How to Make Overnight Oats and Cranberry Compote

In a medium sized bowl combine the oats, chia seeds, greek yogurt, cinnamon, vanilla and salt in a bowl. Stir to combine, let sit for a few minutes.
Then give the oat mixture another quick stir to be sure that the oats and chia seed are mixed well and not clumped in the bowl.
Pour mixture into a mason jar, wek jar, cup or an individual bowls. Place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
For the compote, combine the cranberries, sugar, vanilla and water or orange juice in a medium size sauce pan. Cook the cranberries over medium heat until they start to burst, about 10 minutes. Then turn the heat to low and simmer until the cranberry compote thickens about another 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool before using or storing.
The next morning when you are ready to eat your oats, add a tablespoon or two of the cranberry compote to the top of your jar or bowl.

Variations

Use almond, coconut or cashew milk in place of dairy milk.
Coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt can be used in place of plain Greek yogurt. Regular yogurt works instead of Greek yogurt, but add a tablespoon or two less milk.
Fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries all make excellent compotes using the same method.
Use leftover cranberry sauce or homemade cranberry sauce in place of the cranberry compote.
Add maple syrup or honey to the compote instead of sugar.
Add some spice to your oats. A pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg is delicious.
Drizzle with nut butter or peanut butter.
Top with mini chocolate chips.
A squeeze of fresh orange juice over the finished bowl adds moisture and a burst of fresh flavor that dried spices cannot provide.
You can also enjoy the oats plain with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

What to Serve With Overnight Oats

Hard boiled eggs, for a little extra protein.
Coffee or tea.
Fresh squeezed orange juice
Unsweetened almond milk.
Bananas, apples, fresh berries or your favorite fresh fruit.
Whole grain or sourdough toast.
Banana bread or a muffin.

How to Store Overnight Oats

Prepared overnight oats stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. Use airtight glass mason jars or plastic containers with secure lids to prevent the oats from absorbing refrigerator odors or drying out.

Store the oats plain without toppings. Add compote, nuts, and other toppings right before eating

Cranberry Compote Storage

Homemade cranberry compote lasts seven to ten days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the compote to cool completely at room temperature refrigerating.

FAQ

Do overnight oats need to be eaten cold?

Cold is traditional, but you can heat them if you prefer warm breakfast. Microwave the oats for 45-60 seconds, stirring halfway through, until they are heated. The texture changes when heated, becoming similar to traditional cooked oatmeal. Add the cranberry compote after heating.

How long do cranberries need to cook?

Fresh cranberries cook down into compote in about 10-12 minutes once the mixture reaches a simmer. You will know they are done when most berries have burst open and the mixture has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Are overnight oats healthy?

Overnight oats provide excellent nutrition with whole grain oats offering fiber, complex carbohydrates, and minerals. Adding Greek yogurt boosts protein, while chia seeds contribute omega-3 fatty acids. The healthiness depends on your add-ins and the amount of sweetener that you use.

Do I need to add chia seeds?

Chia seeds are optional but recommended. They add nutrition and help to thicken the oats.

Until Next Time

Overnight oats have changed my breakfast routine, and adding my favorite homemade cranberry compote made them into a breakfast that I crave. I make this recipe on Sunday night week after week because it works, tastes amazing, and takes no time at all. Then I enjoy a healthy and hearty breakfast all week long.

Do you have overnight oat recipe that you love? What is your favorite flavor or topping?

Don’t forget to hop over to visit Sheri and see her recipe for Vegan Cookie Dough Stuffed Dates.

Looking for more cranberry recipes?

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Cranberry Topping

Cranberry Walnut Bread with Crumb Topping

Homemade Cranberry Cordial

Cranberry Breakfast Cake

Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars

Have a great day friends, thank you for spending part of your day with me.

You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns share it with a friend!

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Overnight Oats with Homemade Cranberry Compote Recipe

Overnight Oats with Cranberry Compote

Why You Will Love Overnight Oats with Cranberry Compote