These overnight oats taste like cozy winter mornings in a bowl.
They’re inspired by all the warm spices in mulled wine—cinnamon, cloves, orange, and a touch of red fruit.
But don’t worry—there’s no alcohol! Just that sweet-tart, spiced flavor we all love.
This recipe is super easy to prep the night before and makes mornings feel a little special.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cranberry juice (or pomegranate juice)
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped apples
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Use rolled oats, not quick oats—they hold their texture overnight.
- Zest the orange before juicing it. It’s way easier that way.
- Don’t skip the salt. It brings all the flavors together.
- Add the chopped apples right before eating if you want crunch.
- Want it warm? Pop it in the microwave for 30–45 seconds in the morning.
Tools Required
- Mason jar or container with a lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for mixing
- Microplane or zester
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cranberry juice with pomegranate or cherry juice
- Use honey or agave instead of maple syrup
- Try chopped pears or berries instead of apples
- Add Greek yogurt in the morning for more creaminess
- Use oat milk or regular milk instead of almond milk
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make a double or triple batch for the week.
- Pre-measure dry ingredients in jars ahead of time.
- Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Servings and Time
Makes 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 6–8 hours (overnight)
Macros (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 44g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 15g
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe came from my obsession with holiday flavors. One year I had leftover mulled wine spices and thought—what if I used them in breakfast? That little idea turned into one of my favorite make-ahead meals.
- Feels festive but is so easy
- Tastes like holiday comfort without being heavy
- Great cold or warm
- Perfect for slow mornings or on-the-go
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Oats absorb liquid overnight and soften naturally, which saves cooking time and helps preserve texture. The cranberry juice adds a tangy sweetness, while spices like cinnamon and cloves have natural oils that bloom in the mix, releasing flavor slowly as it chills.
Common Mistakes
- Using steel cut oats (they won’t soften enough overnight)
- Skipping the zest—it gives that fresh orange flavor
- Adding too much juice—makes the oats watery
- Not mixing well—spices can clump if not stirred properly
What to Serve With
- A cup of hot chai or black coffee
- A hard-boiled egg for protein
- A side of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- Toasted nuts or seeds for crunch
FAQ
Can I eat this warm?
Yes! Just microwave for 30–45 seconds in the morning.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just multiply all ingredients and store in individual jars.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Not for this recipe—they won’t get soft enough. Stick with rolled oats.
Is it sweet?
It’s lightly sweet with a tart twist. You can add more maple syrup if you like.
Steps
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
In a mason jar or container, add 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of salt. Mix well.
Step 2: Add wet ingredients
Pour in 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/4 cup cranberry juice, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp fresh orange zest. Stir until everything is combined.
Step 3: Add fruit
Add 1/4 cup chopped apples and 2 tbsp dried cranberries. Stir gently to mix them in evenly.
Step 4: Seal and refrigerate
Seal the jar with a lid and place in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 5: In the morning, stir and top
In the morning, open the jar, give it a good stir, and top with a little more orange zest, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup if you like.
Leftovers and Storage
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it sealed. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk before eating. You can also microwave it for a warm version.
Conclusion
These mulled wine inspired overnight oats are the perfect way to bring a little seasonal magic to your mornings. They’re easy, make-ahead, and full of flavor. Try it out, and when you do—drop a comment and let me know how it went or if you have any questions!
