Leftover Cranberry Sauce Overnight Oats, Genius Breakfast Hack
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Overnight Oats is such a clever and tasty way to start your morning! This recipe takes smooth, creamy oats soaked overnight and mixes in the bright, tangy…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Overnight Oats is such a clever and tasty way to start your morning! This recipe takes smooth, creamy oats soaked overnight and mixes in the bright, tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce. It’s a fresh twist that makes your usual oats feel a little more special and full of flavor with almost no extra effort.
I love making this when I have some cranberry sauce left over from the holidays because it feels like I’m giving it a new life instead of letting it go to waste. The cranberries add a pop of color and just the right amount of sweetness, so you don’t need to add a ton of sugar or syrup. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare the night before—just stir everything together and let it sit, and in the morning, you’re ready to enjoy.
My favorite way to eat these overnight oats is chilled with a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of granola on top for a little crunch. It’s such a cozy, satisfying breakfast that feels a bit fancy but really just requires about five minutes of prep. If you ask me, leftover cranberry sauce and oats are a match made in breakfast heaven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These work best since they soak up liquid nicely without getting too mushy. If you only have quick oats, you can use them, but the texture will be softer.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce: This adds a beautiful tartness and sweetness. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, try using other fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry.
Milk & Yogurt: Milk helps soften the oats and yogurt adds creaminess and protein. You can use any milk you like — cow’s, almond, oat, or soy. For dairy-free, skip the yogurt or use coconut yogurt.
Chia Seeds: These help thicken the oats and add fiber and nutrients. If you don’t have chia, that’s okay; the oats will still set well overnight.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Overnight Oats Texture?
The secret to creamy oats is letting them soak long enough and using the right ratio of liquid to oats.
- Use about equal parts oats and liquid (milk + yogurt), so oats absorb enough moisture.
- Mix everything well, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- If you like thicker oats, reduce the liquid a bit or add chia seeds to soak up extra moisture.
- Before eating, stir gently to combine oat and cranberry sauce layers for a creamy, fruity bite.
With these tips, you’ll get a smooth, delicious breakfast that’s ready as soon as you get up!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jars or small glass containers – perfect for layering and easy storage in the fridge.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the oat-to-liquid ratio just right.
- A mixing spoon or small whisk – to blend your oats, milk, and yogurt smoothly.
- Lid or plastic wrap – to cover your oats while they soak overnight.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberry sauce for mixed berry jam for a sweeter, fruity twist.
- Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for extra creaminess and protein.
- Mix in chopped nuts or seeds in the morning for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Stir in cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy, warm flavor.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ⅓ cup leftover cranberry sauce (fresh or slightly chunky)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or any yogurt of choice (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for texture and nutrition)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Toppings (Optional):
- Additional cranberry sauce
- Chopped nuts
- Coconut flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 5 minutes of preparation time. After mixing the ingredients, you’ll refrigerate the oats overnight or for at least 4 hours so they fully soak and develop flavor. The next morning, your quick, nourishing breakfast will be ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a mason jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, yogurt if you’re using it, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to make sure the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon about half of your leftover cranberry sauce into the oat mixture. Use a spoon to gently swirl it through, but don’t mix it all the way—if you like, you can layer the cranberry sauce to create lovely swirls so it looks pretty.
3. Refrigerate:
Place the remaining cranberry sauce on top, then seal your jar or cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge and let it chill overnight or for at least 4 hours. This gives the oats time to soak up the liquid and soften.
4. Enjoy Your Breakfast!
When you’re ready to eat, stir the oats gently if you want a fuller blend of flavors. Top with extra cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes for crunch and a burst of additional flavor. Serve cold and enjoy your creamy, tangy, and delicious overnight oats!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberry Sauce for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the cranberry sauce completely in the fridge or at room temperature before using. Stir it well to break up any chunks for easier mixing with the oats.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Yogurt?
Absolutely! Yogurt adds creaminess and protein, but you can skip it and use extra milk instead. The oats will still soak up flavors nicely and taste delicious.
How Long Do Overnight Oats with Cranberry Sauce Keep?
Store your overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give them a good stir before eating, and you can enjoy a quick, tasty breakfast anytime.
Can I Adjust Sweetness in This Recipe?
Yes! If your cranberry sauce isn’t very sweet, feel free to add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey. Conversely, if it’s already sweet, you can leave out any extra sweetener.