If you are searching for a cozy, nutritious, and incredibly easy breakfast to prepare the night before, look no further than this Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe. It’s like a warm hug in a jar, blending wholesome oats with sweet raisins and comforting cinnamon, creating a delicious start to your day that requires almost no effort in the morning. Ready to become your new favorite breakfast ritual? Let’s dive in and discover how simple ingredients come together in this marvelous make-ahead treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe plays a key role in shaping its rich texture, sweetness, and wholesome goodness. These simple pantry staples come together effortlessly, making the process a breeze but delivering flavors that feel thoughtfully crafted.
- Rolled oats: For a hearty base that softens but still keeps a satisfying chew.
- Milk: Choose dairy or any plant-based milk like almond or oat for creaminess and to soak the oats perfectly.
- Yogurt: Greek or regular, optional yet adds luscious creaminess and tanginess.
- Chia seeds: Boost fiber and omega-3s, plus they help thicken the mixture naturally.
- Maple syrup or honey: For just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that signature spicy note that complements the raisins.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Raisins: Give natural sweetness and delightful bursts of chewy texture.
How to Make Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl or jar. This blend creates the flavorful and hearty foundation that will soak up all the deliciousness in the next steps.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in 1 cup of your choice of milk and 1/2 cup of yogurt if you’re using it for extra creaminess. Next, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey and stir everything together until it’s evenly combined. This mixture hydrates the oats and infuses them with subtle sweetness and smooth richness.
Step 3: Incorporate Raisins
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of raisins. These little gems will plump up overnight and offer natural bursts of deep sweetness and lovely chewy texture throughout your oats.
Step 4: Transfer to a Jar
Now is the time to portion out the mixture. You can divide it into individual jars for on-the-go breakfasts or store it in one large container for multiple servings. Just make sure to seal it tightly with a lid to keep everything fresh overnight.
Step 5: Chill
Place your jar(s) in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. This waiting time lets the oats soak up the liquid fully, soften naturally, and let those cinnamon and raisin flavors develop beautifully.
Step 6: Stir and Enjoy
In the morning, give your oats a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up to your preferred consistency. The result is a creamy, comforting breakfast that’s ready to enjoy right away.
Step 7: Top as Desired
Finish off your Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe with your favorite toppings. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds crunch, fresh fruit lends vibrant flavor and color, and a dash of extra cinnamon provides that perfect aromatic touch. Truly, the toppings make it uniquely yours!
How to Serve Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped walnuts or almonds bring a satisfyingly crunchy texture contrast, while fresh banana slices or juicy berries add freshness and natural sweetness that complement the cinnamon and raisins perfectly. Sprinkling extra cinnamon on top amplifies the warm, spicy aroma that makes this dish so comforting.
Side Dishes
Pair your oats with a side of crisp apple slices or a small bowl of Greek yogurt to create a balanced, nourishing breakfast. A hot cup of tea or coffee also makes a delightful companion, harmonizing with the cinnamon’s warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe in mason jars for a charming, rustic look that’s also portable. Layering with fruit or nut butters can make the presentation eye-catching and add extra flavor layers. You can even top with a dollop of nut butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for a luxurious touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra overnight oats can be kept sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This means you can enjoy quick, nutritious breakfasts all through the week with hardly any morning prep time.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of soaked oats and raisins may change slightly after thawing, becoming softer. If you prefer freezing, portion your oats in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before eating.
Reheating
Typically, overnight oats are enjoyed cold, but if you prefer them warm, simply microwave the oats for 30 to 60 seconds and stir in a little extra milk to restore creaminess. Warm cinnamon and raisins make for a cozy breakfast sensation.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a firmer texture and take longer to soften, so they are not ideal for overnight oats. Rolled oats absorb liquid better and soften nicely overnight, making them the perfect choice for this Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe.
Is it okay to skip the yogurt?
Absolutely! Yogurt adds creaminess and protein but is optional. Your oats will still taste delicious and have great texture by using just milk and the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Definitely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots work wonderfully and add their own unique sweetness and texture to the oats.
How sweet should the oats be?
The sweetness can be adjusted to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey and add more if you like it sweeter. The raisins also contribute natural sweetness, so taste before adding extra sweetener.
Are chia seeds necessary?
Chia seeds help thicken the oats and boost nutrition with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, but if you don’t have them on hand, you can leave them out or replace them with flaxseeds.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a flavorful, wholesome breakfast that feels both indulgent and nourishing. It’s one of those recipes that makes mornings easier and tastier, perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a cherished staple in your breakfast rotation — your future self will thank you!
Print
Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon-Raisin Overnight Oats offer a healthy, delicious, and effortless breakfast option. Combining rolled oats soaked overnight in milk and yogurt with chia seeds, warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and a touch of maple syrup, these oats provide a perfect balance of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness. Ready to enjoy straight from the fridge in the morning, they can be customized with various toppings like fresh fruit or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup yogurt (Greek or regular, optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
Optional Toppings
- Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
- Fresh fruit (such as banana slices or berries)
- Additional cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl or jar, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of yogurt if using. Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Incorporate Raisins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of raisins to add natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the oats.
- Transfer to a Jar: Divide the mixture into individual jars or leave it in one large container. Seal each jar tightly with a lid to prevent any spills and to keep the mixture fresh.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquids and soften fully, creating a creamy texture.
- Stir and Enjoy: The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Top as Desired: Add your favorite toppings such as chopped nuts for crunch, fresh fruit for additional flavor and nutrition, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the taste.
Notes
- Use dairy or non-dairy milk depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup can be adjusted or omitted depending on sweetness preference.
- Chia seeds help thicken and add omega-3 fatty acids, but you can omit if desired.
- Overnight soaking can be adjusted; minimum 4 hours is needed, but overnight yields best texture.
- Customize toppings freely with nuts, seeds, or seasonal fruits for variety.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and sweeteners.
