cranberry orange overnight oats parfait (Printable)

Creamy oats, cranberry compote, and oranges layer for a vibrant parfait, ideal for breakfast or a wholesome snack.

# Components:

→ For the Oats

01 - 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
04 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
06 - Zest of 1 large orange
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt

→ For the Cranberry Compote

09 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
10 - 1/3 cup orange juice
11 - 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ For Layering and Topping

13 - 1 medium orange, peeled and segmented
14 - 1/2 cup granola
15 - Additional plain Greek yogurt
16 - Fresh mint leaves

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until well incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight, or for a minimum of 6 hours, allowing the mixture to thicken.
02 - In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup or honey, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring periodically, until the cranberries have burst and the compote has thickened. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. Refrigerate until needed.
03 - To construct the parfaits, artfully layer the chilled overnight oats mixture, the cooled cranberry compote, and the orange segments into individual glasses or jars. Repeat the layering process as desired to create visually appealing strata.
04 - Crown each parfait with a portion of granola, a dollop of additional Greek yogurt, and a few fresh mint leaves, if using. Serve the parfaits chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready when you wake up with just 15 minutes of evening prep
  • Packed with fiber protein and antioxidants for a nutritionally complete breakfast
  • Customizable to dietary preferences including vegan and gluten free options
  • Bright citrus cranberry flavor combination that wakes up your taste buds
  • Beautiful layered presentation that makes breakfast feel special
02 -
  • Each serving provides 8 grams of protein and 49 grams of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
  • The parfaits stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days making them perfect for meal prep
  • Cranberries contain unique compounds that support urinary tract health while providing vibrant color and flavor
  • Chia seeds expand to create the perfect pudding texture while adding healthy omega3 fatty acids
03 -
  • Trust me when I say the extra five minutes spent zesting your orange directly into the oat mixture makes all the difference. The aromatic oils in the zest infuse throughout the oats overnight creating a depth of flavor that store bought orange juice simply cannot match.
  • I learned through much trial and error that allowing the cranberry compote to cool completely before refrigerating prevents condensation that would water down its vibrant flavor.
  • For the prettiest presentation use a light touch when layering ingredients and wipe away any smudges on the inside of your glasses with a clean paper towel before serving.