Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats Recipe

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, these Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats are the perfect way to start your morning on a sweet and tangy note.

With juicy dried cranberries, fresh orange zest, and hearty oats soaked in creamy milk, this no-cook breakfast is as easy as it is delicious.

Perfect for meal prep, busy mornings, or a light and energizing snack, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with bold citrus flavor — and it’s ready to grab and go when you are!

Why You’ll Love These Overnight Oats

✔ Naturally sweet and tangy with real fruit
✔ Full of fiber and satisfying whole grains
✔ No cooking required — prep in 5 minutes
✔ Make-ahead and travel-friendly
✔ Delicious cold or warm, with endless topping options

The Best Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 1–2)

½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)
¼ cup dried cranberries
Zest of 1 orange (about 1 tsp)
2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

Sliced oranges or mandarin segments
Crushed walnuts or pecans
Extra cranberries or a drizzle of honey
Granola or coconut flakes

How to Make Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats

Step 1: Mix the Base
In a jar or container, combine oats, milk, yogurt (if using), chia seeds, maple syrup, dried cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Stir well to fully mix and dissolve the chia seeds.

Step 2: Chill Overnight
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the oats and cranberries soften and absorb the liquid.

Step 3: Stir and Top
In the morning, stir the oats and add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Top with fresh orange slices, nuts, granola, or anything you like.

Tasty Variations to Try

Cranberry Orange Almond – Add a splash of almond extract and top with sliced almonds
Warm Spiced Version – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Protein Boost – Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder and an extra tablespoon of milk
Vegan-Friendly – Use plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk
Low Sugar – Skip the maple syrup and let the fruit’s sweetness shine

Tips for the Best Overnight Oats

Use fresh orange zest for bold, natural citrus flavor
Chop large dried cranberries for better distribution
Adjust sweetness to your taste — dried cranberries are already sweet
Make a double or triple batch for easy breakfasts all week

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Oats

Hot tea or a citrus-infused herbal blend
Hard-boiled eggs or turkey sausage
Greek yogurt with granola
Smoothie or fresh fruit on the side

How to Store and Meal Prep

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days
No cooking needed — just stir and go
Make several jars ahead for a full week of ready-to-eat breakfasts