Have you tried red velvet overnight oats? They’re a fun and tasty twist on your morning routine! With cocoa powder, oats, and a splash of vanilla, it’s like dessert for breakfast!
I love how easy these are to make the night before. Just mix everything up, let it sit in the fridge, and wake up to a delicious treat! You might even want to add some cream cheese frosting on top for extra yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: Rolled oats are best because they soak up liquid nicely, making them creamy. If you’re avoiding gluten, choose certified gluten-free oats.
Milk: You can use any milk you like, whether it’s cow’s milk, almond, oat, or soy milk. I prefer almond milk for its subtle flavor.
Greek yogurt: This adds a creamy texture and protein boost. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives that rich chocolate flavor. You can substitute it with carob powder for a caffeine-free version.
Beetroot powder or food coloring: Beetroot powder is a natural option for that vibrant red color. If you’re running low, use red food coloring but go easy on it – a little goes a long way!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Consistency with Overnight Oats?
Getting your overnight oats just right may take some practice. Here are my favorite tips:
- Mix your dry ingredients (oats, cocoa powder, and salt) separately before combining them with wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution.
- Adjust the liquid based on your preference. If you like thicker oats, use less milk. For creamier oats, add a splash more.
- Be sure to cover your oats as they chill overnight. This prevents them from drying out in the fridge.
Don’t hesitate to add fruits or nuts for extra flavor and texture once you’re ready to serve!
Red Velvet Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp beetroot powder or 1-2 tbsp red food coloring (for red velvet color)
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional)
- 1-2 tsp powdered sugar or honey (to sweeten cream cheese topping)
- Pomegranate seeds or chocolate shavings for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious red velvet overnight oats recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) for chilling. It’s a quick and delightful breakfast that you can prepare ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. This will help all the dry ingredients mix evenly and get ready for the wet ingredients.
2. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Next, stir in your milk, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it for extra creaminess), maple syrup or honey for sweetness, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and beetroot powder (or red food coloring). Mix well until everything is nicely combined and the mixture turns a vibrant red color.
3. Refrigerating Overnight:
Cover your bowl or jar tightly and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 6 hours. This allows the oats to soak up all the yummy flavors and soften perfectly.
4. Preparing the Cream Cheese Topping:
When you’re ready to serve, mix the cream cheese with powdered sugar or honey in a small bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This will give you a delicious topping that tastes like frosting!
5. Assembling Your Oats:
Spoon the chilled overnight oats into your favorite serving glass or bowl. Add a generous dollop of your sweetened cream cheese on top for that final touch of deliciousness!
6. Garnishing:
Sprinkle your oats with pomegranate seeds and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips. They add a lovely crunch and burst of flavor.
7. Serving:
Enjoy your delightful red velvet overnight oats chilled and relish this fun, healthy breakfast that tastes indulgent!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe, as instant oats can become too mushy and lose their texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use quick oats, but reduce the soaking time to avoid a mushy consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these overnight oats vegan, simply use a plant-based yogurt (like almond or coconut yogurt) and replace dairy milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Be sure to use maple syrup instead of honey as a sweetener!
How Long Do Leftover Oats Last?
Leftover red velvet overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a little stir when you’re ready to eat, and feel free to add extra toppings for freshness!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to the Oats?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate some of your favorite ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips. Just be mindful of the total volume to ensure the texture remains consistent.