Mornings can be a little chaotic, and that’s where these raspberry overnight oats come to the rescue! They’re quick to prepare the night before, loaded with nutrition, and deliciously satisfying. Plus, that pop of tart, juicy raspberries makes each bite a little burst of summer, no matter the season. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll wake up to a breakfast that’s creamy, fruity, and ready to fuel your day.

I first started making overnight oats when I was desperate for an easy breakfast that didn’t involve waiting in a long coffee shop line. One busy weekday, I decided to give it a shot, mixing oats with whatever I had in the fridge. I didn’t expect much—just something edible for the morning. But when I opened my jar the next day and took that first spoonful, I was hooked. The oats were soft, the flavors were perfectly blended, and it felt like I’d treated myself to a fancy breakfast with almost zero effort.

A quick peek at the origin of overnight oats

Overnight oats have become a popular breakfast choice, but they’re not as modern as they seem! They actually go back to the “Bircher muesli” invented by Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Brenner in the early 1900s. He made a blend of oats, yogurt, and fruit as a healthful breakfast for his patients. Fast forward to today, and we’re still enjoying this simple concept, just with a few delicious twists. The idea is to soak the oats in liquid overnight, so they soften and take on a creamy texture without cooking. And with endless topping options, overnight oats can be customized in so many ways, making them a perfect base for seasonal flavors like fresh raspberries!

Let’s talk ingredients: making these oats pop with flavor

Rolled oats: These are the foundation of the dish, providing a hearty, chewy texture that softens beautifully overnight. I recommend sticking with rolled oats instead of instant oats, which can get mushy. Steel-cut oats work too, but they’ll be a bit firmer—just a heads-up!
Milk: This is where you can tailor the recipe to your preference. Any milk will work—cow’s milk for creaminess, almond milk for a nutty note, or coconut milk for a subtle tropical twist. The milk helps the oats soak and soften.
Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess and a nice protein boost, keeping you full until lunch. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to substitute with a plant-based yogurt. Plain or vanilla-flavored works best.
Fresh raspberries: These little gems are the star here, adding bursts of tartness and a lovely pink hue to the oats. Frozen raspberries can work in a pinch, but they’ll be a bit softer once thawed.
Honey or maple syrup: Just a tablespoon for a touch of sweetness! I love using honey for its floral notes, but maple syrup adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the oats. You can skip this if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Chia seeds: Optional, but worth it! Chia seeds help thicken the mixture and add an extra dose of fiber. They also give the oats a satisfying pudding-like texture.
Vanilla extract: Just a hint adds warmth and depth to the flavor. It’s a small addition, but it makes the oats taste like dessert!

Must-have tools for perfect overnight oats

A mason jar or container with a lid: You’ll need something to hold your oats overnight, and a jar with a lid works perfectly to keep everything fresh. Mason jars are my go-to because they’re easy to grab-and-go in the morning.
A spoon or small spatula: You’ll need this to mix everything together. The raspberries can be gently mashed with the back of a spoon to release some of their juices.
Measuring cups: Since overnight oats are all about ratio, having measuring cups on hand helps keep the ingredients balanced, especially if you’re doubling the recipe.

Step-by-step: How to make raspberry overnight oats

Combine your ingredients: Start by grabbing your container or jar. Add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if you’re using it), chia seeds, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if it seems a bit liquidy—those oats and chia seeds will soak up the moisture overnight.
Add the raspberries: Take about half of your fresh raspberries and gently fold them into the oat mixture. Lightly mash them with your spoon to release some of their juices. This adds a lovely pink color to the oats and infuses them with raspberry flavor.
Cover and refrigerate: Pop the lid on your jar or container, then put it in the fridge. Let the oats sit overnight, or at least for 6 hours. During this time, the oats and chia seeds will absorb the liquid and soften into a creamy, spoonable breakfast.
Give it a good stir: In the morning, take out your jar and give the oats a quick stir to make sure everything is evenly mixed. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Top and enjoy: Spoon a few more fresh raspberries on top, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you like, and sprinkle on any other toppings you’re craving—granola for crunch, sliced almonds for extra protein, or even a dollop of nut butter for richness. And that’s it—your delicious, healthy breakfast is ready to go!

Variations to try with raspberry overnight oats

Vegan version: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt (like almond or coconut) and use a non-dairy milk. Maple syrup is a great vegan-friendly sweetener option here.
Nutty and crunchy: Add a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter to the mix for a nutty flavor and extra creaminess. Or, sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top in the morning.
Low-sugar option: Skip the honey or maple syrup and let the natural sweetness of the raspberries shine. You could also add a few slices of banana or a sprinkle of cinnamon for sweetness without added sugar.
Berry medley: Mix up the fruit by adding in blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries along with the raspberries. This adds a variety of flavors and colors, making your oats even more fun to eat!
Chocolate raspberry oats: For a dessert-inspired twist, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the oats mixture. Top with a few dark chocolate chips in the morning—it’s like a healthier version of chocolate-covered raspberries!

How to serve and present your overnight oats

These raspberry overnight oats are perfect served in a mason jar, which not only makes them portable but also looks adorable. Top your oats with a few whole raspberries for a pop of color, then add a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts for texture. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the top makes for a beautiful finishing touch. If you’re serving this at home, try layering the oats and raspberries in a glass to create a pretty parfait effect. It’s a simple yet impressive way to serve a healthy breakfast!

Drink pairings to enjoy with your oats

For a fresh and energizing pairing, try these beverages:

Iced green tea: The slightly bitter notes of green tea balance out the sweetness of the oats and raspberries. It’s refreshing and light, perfect for a morning boost.
Freshly squeezed orange juice: The bright citrus flavors of orange juice complement the tangy raspberries, making for a fruity, vibrant breakfast duo.
Iced coffee or cold brew: If you love coffee, an iced coffee or cold brew pairs beautifully with the creamy oats and fresh fruit.
Herbal tea: A cup of chamomile or mint tea makes a calming, gentle pairing that won’t overpower the flavors of your breakfast.

Storing and reheating tips for your oats

Overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prepping. Just keep them in an airtight container to ensure they stay fresh. While they’re typically eaten cold, you can warm them up if you prefer. Simply transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk to loosen them up, and microwave in 20-second intervals until warmed through.

Adjusting the recipe for different servings

This recipe is easy to scale up or down. For a bigger batch, just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix everything in a larger container. If you’re making oats for a crowd, you can portion them into individual jars for a cute and convenient breakfast display. Just keep in mind that when scaling up, you might need to adjust the sweetness or fruit slightly to suit everyone’s taste.

Troubleshooting tips for common issues

Too thick: If your oats are too thick in the morning, simply add a bit more milk and stir until they reach your desired consistency.
Too runny: This can happen if you use too much liquid or skip the chia seeds. Next time, reduce the milk slightly or add a bit more chia to thicken it up.
Not sweet enough: Adjust to taste! Stir in a little extra honey or maple syrup before eating, or top with naturally sweet fruit like banana slices.

Ready to give raspberry overnight oats a try?

There’s something so satisfying about waking up to a ready-made breakfast that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Raspberry overnight oats are a great way to start your day with a boost of energy, fiber, and fresh flavor. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to get creative with your toppings and mix-ins—these oats are your blank canvas for a breakfast masterpiece!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh? Yes, frozen raspberries work well! They may be a bit softer and release more juice, but they’ll still add that delicious raspberry flavor.

2. Can I make these oats gluten-free? Absolutely. Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats can sometimes contain traces of gluten.

3. How long do overnight oats last in the fridge? They’ll keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just give them a good stir and add a splash of milk if they’re too thick.

4. Can I make this without yogurt? Yes, you can omit the yogurt if you prefer. Just replace it with a bit more milk, though keep in mind that the oats might be slightly less creamy.

5. Are there other fruits I can use in place of raspberries? Absolutely! Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches make great substitutes. Feel free to mix and match as you like.