Name: High-Fiber Cranberry-Orange Overnight Oats Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: PT-491017H24M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 2 tablespoons black chia seeds; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups refrigerated pulp-free orange juice; 2 cups frozen cranberries; 2½ tablespoons sugar; ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ cup refrigerated pulp-free orange juice; 1 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

I absolutely adore starting my mornings with this High-Fiber Cranberry-Orange Overnight Oats Recipe because it feels like a little burst of sunshine and comfort all at once. The vibrant orange juice and tart cranberries mingle with warm spices and creamy oats to create a flavor combination that wakes me up gently while nourishing my body. Making these overnight oats is such a simple ritual that I look forward to night after night, knowing I’ll have a bright, healthy breakfast waiting for me the next day.

Why You’ll Love This High-Fiber Cranberry-Orange Overnight Oats Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out to me is the delightful balance of flavors—it’s tangy, subtly sweet, and just cozy enough thanks to the cinnamon and ginger. The cranberry layer adds a zingy, textured contrast to the smooth, creamy oats mixed with Greek-style yogurt. Every spoonful feels like a celebration of fall flavors without being heavy or overpowering. I love how refreshing yet comforting it is.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this High-Fiber Cranberry-Orange Overnight Oats Recipe is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. The layering technique is fun, and the fact that it just needs to chill overnight means you wake up to a ready-to-eat meal without any morning rush. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, weekend brunches, or even as a vibrant addition to your holiday breakfast spread. Plus, it holds up beautifully for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several bowls on a white marbled surface. There is a large white bowl filled with thick white yogurt or cream in the top left, next to a medium white bowl full of light beige rolled oats in the center. To the right, a clear glass bowl is filled with bright red fresh cherries. A medium clear bowl on the top right is full of smooth bright orange liquid, likely juice. Around them are small white bowls holding various powders: one with light brown powder, one with dark chia seeds, one with white granulated sugar, and a small white bowl holding both ground cinnamon and salt side by side. The setup is clean and neatly arranged, showing raw ingredients before mixing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of a few carefully chosen ingredients that work together to create vibrant flavors and textures. Each plays a vital role, from the citrus brightness of the orange juice to the tartness of the cranberries and the satisfying creaminess of yogurt and oats.

2½ cups refrigerated pulp-free orange juice: Provides the bright citrus foundation and natural sweetness that infuses the oats overnight.
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that soaks up all the flavors and creates a satisfying, creamy texture.
2 tablespoons black chia seeds: Adds fiber and thickness, turning the oats into an even more filling and nutrient-dense breakfast.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, cozy spice that complements the fruit beautifully.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
2 cups frozen cranberries: The star ingredient bursting with tartness and antioxidants.
2½ tablespoons sugar: Balances the cranberry tartness just enough without being overly sweet.
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that pairs perfectly with the cranberries and cinnamon.
1 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt: Creates creamy richness and adds a lovely tang to the oats.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of the orange juice, the rolled oats, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything well until the oats and chia seeds are fully immersed. Cover the bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 12 hours, or up to 3 days. This soaking process transforms the oats into a creamy, luscious base.

Step 2: While the oats are soaking, prepare the cranberry topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the frozen cranberries, sugar, ground ginger, and the remaining ½ cup of orange juice. Cover the bowl carefully and microwave on High for 5 to 6 minutes. Be sure to pause halfway through to stir so the cranberries cook evenly and the sugar dissolves. The mixture should bubble vigorously as most cranberries burst.

Step 3: Remove the cranberry mixture from the microwave and gently mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until mostly smooth and slightly thickened. Let this cool uncovered for about 15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate until it’s time to assemble the oats.

Step 4: Once your oat mixture has soaked and thickened, stir in the Greek-style yogurt until it is thoroughly combined and creamy. This will give your oats a lovely tang and richness.

Step 5: Now for the layering! Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled cranberry mixture into the bottom of each of four 8-ounce jars or containers. Spread this into an even layer. Next, add about ⅓ cup of the oat mixture on top of the cranberries. Repeat this layering once more to create beautiful, alternating layers of cranberry topping and oats. Seal your jars and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes four generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or prepping meals for a few mornings. The active prep time is only about 25 minutes, mainly due to mixing layers and cooking the cranberry topping. There is no cooking time since the oats soak overnight, requiring a chilling rest of at least 12 hours. So, the total time from start to finish is roughly 12 hours and 20 minutes, making it ideal to prepare the night before.

How to Serve This High-Fiber Cranberry-Orange Overnight Oats Recipe

The image shows a clear glass jar with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a deep red, smooth fruit puree; the middle layer is a creamy beige oatmeal with small fruit bits mixed in, and the top layer is the same creamy oatmeal filling the jar to the brim. A spoon with an orange handle is placed inside the jar on the right side. In the background, there is a second glass jar with the same layering and a half orange fruit placed on a white marbled surface. The overall scene is bright with soft natural light, highlighting the textures and colors of the layers clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these oats, I love to keep things simple but special. They’re perfect just as they are in their charming jars, but adding a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or walnuts adds a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers. For a fresh burst, I often top mine with a few extra whole cranberries or a twist of orange zest right before serving.

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong black coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea to complement the warm cinnamon and ginger notes. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a splash of orange juice brightens the palate. If you’re hosting a brunch, set out a variety of fresh fruit and nut butters alongside these oats and let everyone customize their jars to their liking.

I find this dish to be perfect for cozy autumn mornings, holiday breakfasts, or even a healthy dessert alternative. I like to serve it chilled or at room temperature, which feels so light and refreshing, especially on warmer days. Using clear jars or bowls for presentation really shows off the pretty layers and makes the breakfast feel extra special without much effort.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this High-Fiber Cranberry-Orange Overnight Oats Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to switch it up, you can substitute the orange juice for apple juice or even a lightly sweetened almond milk for a milder base. For a gluten-free version, just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The Greek yogurt can be swapped for any plant-based yogurt to make this recipe vegan-friendly without losing creaminess.

If you love experimenting with flavors, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. For a tropical twist, diced mango or pineapple chunks layered instead of cranberries create a bright, fruity vibe. Alternatively, instead of microwaving the cranberry topping, you can simmer it gently on the stove, which allows even more control over the texture and thickness.

For those who don’t plan ahead, you can also enjoy this as a warm option by gently heating your portion before serving. Just be sure to add the yogurt after warming up the oats to keep the creaminess intact. This flexibility makes the recipe suitable for every season and all taste preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftovers in airtight glass containers or jars like the ones I use for serving. These oats store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but the texture stays just right thanks to the chia seeds thickening the mixture. Just be sure to give everything a quick stir before eating if any separation occurs.

Freezing

While freezing overnight oats is usually not my first choice because the texture can change a bit, you absolutely can freeze them if needed. I recommend freezing the oat mixture and cranberry topping separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture. Both will keep frozen for about 1 to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and layer fresh yogurt in before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your oats warm, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring once halfway through. Be careful not to overheat, which can break down the texture and alter the flavor. Always add the yogurt after reheating to preserve the creamy tang. Reheating the cranberry topping separately and then layering it fresh helps maintain the bright fruit flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries work just as well in this recipe. Just be aware that they might require a slightly longer cooking time to burst and soften in the microwave or on the stove. Adjust your cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on the bubbling cranberries so they don’t overflow.

Is it necessary to use Greek-style yogurt?

Greek-style yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making the oats more satisfying. But you can use any plain yogurt you have on hand. If you want a dairy-free option, choose coconut or almond milk yogurt. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How high is the fiber content in this overnight oats recipe?

This recipe is packed with fiber thanks to the rolled oats, chia seeds, and cranberries. Each serving provides a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep you full longer. It’s one of my favorite ways to sneak more fiber into my breakfast without sacrificing taste.

Can I prepare this recipe in larger batches?

Definitely! This recipe scales up really well, so if you want to prepare for the whole week or a brunch gathering, just multiply the ingredient quantities accordingly. Just make sure you have enough containers to store the layers, and keep everything well covered in the fridge.

Should I stir the oats before eating?

I usually give the oats a gentle stir before digging in, especially if they’ve been sitting for a couple of days. It helps redistribute any liquid that may have settled and blends the creamy yogurt evenly for the perfect consistency each time.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this High-Fiber Cranberry-Orange Overnight Oats Recipe a try because it has become one of my go-to breakfasts for so many reasons. It’s delicious, healthy, vibrant, and easy to make ahead, which is a win in my busy lifestyle. I can’t wait for you to experience how this simple recipe can brighten your mornings and maybe even become a favorite for your family too!