These red velvet overnight oats taste like dessert for breakfast! They're creamy, sweet, and have that signature red velvet tang from Greek yogurt and cream cheese. Grab a mason jar for an easy on-the-go breakfast!
Overnight oats are one of my favorite things to make for breakfast. They're nutritious and filling! Plus, they taste like dessert. I have recipes for blueberry cheesecake overnight oats, Biscoff overnight oats, Key lime pie oats, and lemon cheesecake overnight oats. I wanted to turn another one of my favorite flavors into an oatmeal recipe, so red velvet overnight oats were born!
These oats have a little cocoa powder to mimic the mild chocolate cake. They're also made with cream cheese to make them thick and reference the cream cheese frosting red velvet cake always has.
If you love red velvet, try red velvet muffins, no bake red velvet cheesecake, red velvet thumbprint cookies, red velvet Oreo cupcakes, or this red velvet strawberry cake next.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy overnight oats recipe- Whole rolled oats and chia seeds soak up milk and Greek yogurt, becoming super thick and creamy overnight.
- Red velvet flavor- The cocoa powder and cream cheese add that classic tangy red velvet flavor you know and love.
- Easy to make- All you have to do is stir the ingredients together, chill overnight, and you have a delicious breakfast prepped for the week!
Ingredient Notes
Here are notes about some of the key ingredients. For quantities and full instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Whole rolled oats- Also called old-fashioned oats, these have the best texture for overnight oats recipes. They have lots of whole grains and fiber. Avoid quick cooking oats (they get too soggy) and steel-cut oats (they don't get soft enough).
- Chia seeds-ย These little seeds absorb liquid, thickening the red velvet oats. You can buy them at health food stores and most grocery stores. Use the leftovers to make more oats (like pistachio overnight oats!), chia seed banana bread, or chia pudding!
- Cocoa powder- You can use Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder for the perfect chocolate flavor. Just make sure it's unsweetened. You can alternatively use chocolate protein powder.
- Cream cheese- Adds tang, mimicking the cream cheese frosting red velvet cake has, and makes the oats extra thick. Use full-fat cream cheese that comes in a block. Whipped cream cheese or cream cheese spread in a tub is too runny.
- Greek yogurt- Opt for full-fat plain Greek yogurt. Dairy or plant-based works! Greek yogurt has protein, calcium for strong bones, and probiotics. If using sweetened yogurt, cut back on the maple syrup.
- Maple syrup- Provides natural sweetness and a cozy, warm flavor. Look for pure maple syrup, avoiding maple-flavored or pancake syrups.
- Vanilla extract- Pure vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste have the best flavor.
- Milk- Adds moisture and creaminess. Any kind of milk works. You can use dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or any kind of plant-based milk.
- Red food coloring- You only need a few drops of red gel food coloring for the brightest red color. Most grocery and craft stores have it in the baking aisle.
Substitutions and Variations
- Maple syrup substitutes- Honey or agave nectar are the best substitutes for maple syrup.
- Natural coloring- For a natural red color, stir a few teaspoons of beetroot powder or beet juice into the oats with the milk. The oats will be a little more magenta than red.
- Topping options- Sprinkle coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips, fresh berries, or cacao nibs on top for extra crunch and sweetness.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: First, whisk the oats, chia seeds, and cocoa powder together in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Place the cream cheese to a small heat-proof bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until soft. Then stir the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients.
The cream cheese might be a little difficult to mix with a whisk, so you can switch to a rubber spatula. It's ok if it's not fully combined yet!
Step 3: Add the milk and red food coloring, whisking vigorously until evenly combined.
Let the bowl sit on the counter for 5 minutes to thicken, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours but ideally overnight.
Step 4: The next day, remove the plastic wrap and portion the oats into mason jars or another glass container of your choice.
Top with a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese. If your cream cheese is cold, you won't be able to mix it with the oats. Melt it a bit in the microwave before adding it in!
- Adjust the sweetness. Test the sweetness before you set the oatmeal in the fridge to chill. If you use sweetened yogurt, you won't need as much maple syrup. Reduce it by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Soak long enough. Make sure to let the oats soak for at least 5 hours, but overnight is best. If you don't soak it long enough, the oats and chia seeds won't absorb all the milk. There will be a pool of liquid around the oats.
Storage Instructions
Store the red velvet overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 4 days.
As the days go by, the oatmeal might get a little too thick and stiff as the oats and chia seeds suck up liquid. If this happens, just stir in a splash of milk before serving.
Freezing Instructions
Transfer the oats to a sealed freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overnight oats are typically served cold, but you can warm them up if that's your preference. Microwave them for about 30 seconds, then add your favorite toppings once they're heated.
Yes! You can use non-dairy cream cheese, yogurt, and milk to make it vegan.
Overnight oats aren't gluten free as-is. If you need them to be gluten free, make sure to use oats that are certified gluten free to be extra careful.
More Breakfast Recipes to Try
๐ Recipe
Creamy Red Velvet Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 1 glass container sealed for storage
- 6 mason jars or other container for serving
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Ingredients
- 180 grams whole rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 113 grams full-fat cream cheese softened
- 70 grams plain Greek yogurt
- 67 grams maple syrup to taste
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 470 grams milk dairy or non-dairy
- 2-4 drops red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Whisk the oats, chia seeds, and cocoa powder together in a large mixing bowl.180 grams whole rolled oats, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Microwave the cream cheese for 30 seconds in a small bowl to soften. Stir the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients.113 grams full-fat cream cheese, 70 grams plain Greek yogurt, 67 grams maple syrup, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Add the milk and food coloring, whisking vigorously until combined.470 grams milk, 2-4 drops red gel food coloring
- Let the bowl sit on the counter for 5 minutes to thicken, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours, ideally overnight.
- Remove the plastic wrap and portion the oats into mason jars. Top with a dollop of yogurt, add toppings like cacao nibs or shredded coconut, and enjoy!
Megan Weimer
These oats are so thick and creamy! I've been eating them all week topped with mini chocolate chips and shredded coconut.