Ingredients
For the Oat Base:
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Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: ½ cup (45g). These are the best choice for overnight oats, as they absorb the liquid perfectly to become soft and creamy without turning to mush. Do not use steel-cut or instant oats. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
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Milk of Choice: ½ cup (120ml). Dairy milk (whole, 2%, or skim) works great. For a dairy-free/vegan version, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk are all fantastic options. Coconut milk will lend a richer, tropical flavor.
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Plain Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup (60g). This is the secret to an ultra-creamy texture and a significant protein boost. It also adds a pleasant tang that complements the lemon. For a vegan option, use a plain, unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt.
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Chia Seeds: 1 tablespoon. These tiny seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and the magic ingredient for thickening the oats. They absorb liquid, creating a pudding-like consistency, and are packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
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Maple Syrup or Honey: 1-2 teaspoons, or to taste. This provides a gentle sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon and raspberries. Use maple syrup for a vegan version. You can adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your raspberries and your personal preference.
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Vanilla Extract: ¼ teaspoon. A small amount enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm, dessert-like quality.
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Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch. Salt is a flavor enhancer and will make the sweet and tart notes pop.
For the Lemon Raspberry Flavor:
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Fresh Lemon: 1 medium. You will use both the zest and the juice for the ultimate bright, zesty flavor.
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Raspberries: ½ cup, fresh or frozen. Fresh raspberries will hold their shape better, while frozen raspberries will release more juice as they thaw, creating beautiful pink swirls throughout the oats.
Instructions
Select a jar or container with a lid that can hold at least 12-16 ounces (a standard mason jar is perfect). This gives you enough room to mix the ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
In your chosen jar, add the old-fashioned rolled oats, chia seeds, and the pinch of salt. Give the jar a little shake or stir with a spoon to combine them. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures the chia seeds are evenly distributed and won’t clump together when you add the liquids.
To the jar, add the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Next, prepare the lemon. Zest the entire lemon directly into the jar, being careful to only get the yellow peel and not the bitter white pith underneath. Then, cut the lemon in half and squeeze about 1 tablespoon of fresh juice into the jar.
Secure the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, use a long spoon to stir everything together until completely combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the jar to make sure there are no dry pockets of oats or clumps of chia seeds. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous.
Gently add the fresh or frozen raspberries to the jar. If you want some whole berries for texture, stir them in gently. If you prefer a more swirled, jammy effect (especially easy with frozen berries), you can use your spoon to lightly mash some of the raspberries against the side of the jar as you stir.
Secure the lid on your jar and place it in the refrigerator. Let it rest for a minimum of 4 hours, but for the best texture and flavor, leave it overnight (for 8-12 hours). During this time, the oats will soften, the chia seeds will gel and thicken the mixture, and all the flavors will meld together into a delicious, creamy concoction.
In the morning, open the jar and give the oats a good stir. The consistency should be thick and creamy, similar to a pudding. If it seems too thick for your liking, you can stir in an extra splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Taste it and add a little more sweetener or lemon juice if you feel it needs it. Top with your favorite garnishes (see “How to Serve” below) and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 380-420 kca