21 Best Dried Fruit Ideas For Overnight Oats

This is a list of the best dried fruits for overnight oats. Dried fruit is one of the easiest ways to add flavor, natural sweetness, and a little extra texture to your breakfast jars. You can go with classics like raisins or cranberries, or try something different like dried figs, cherries, or apricots. Each one gives your oats its own flavor twist, which makes it fun to mix things up.

I’ve been making overnight oat recipes for years, and dried fruit has always been one of my favorite add ins. It’s shelf-stable, so I can keep a few jars in my pantry and grab them whenever I’m putting together oats for the week. They’re quick to use, taste amazing, and they always make overnight oats feel more filling and special. If you’ve been looking for easy ways to make your oats more exciting, dried fruit is one of the best options to start with.

Let’s get into this list of dried fruits so you can find some new ideas for overnight oats! If you want to try your hand at making your own freeze dried fruit at home, check out this article on the best food dehydrators to help get you started.

Best Dried Fruits For Overnight Oats

1. Dried Apricots

Dried apricots have a combination of sweetness and tanginess. They are also rich in dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which can aid in digestion and contribute to a feeling of fullness. Try this dried apricot overnight oats recipe.

2. Dried Cranberries

Dried cranberries add a tart and sweet pop of flavor that makes overnight oats taste brighter. They pair really well with nuts, apples, or even a drizzle of honey for balance.

3. Dried Blueberries

Dried blueberries bring a rich, sweet flavor that blends perfectly into overnight oats. They plump up as they soak and give your oats a natural burst of blueberry goodness.

4. Dried Figs

Dried figs add a chewy bite and a natural caramel like sweetness to overnight oats. They’re also full of fiber, making your oats both tasty and filling.

5. Dried Cherries

Dried cherries create a sweet and tangy taste. Their chewy texture perfectly complements the creaminess of oats. The balance between sweetness and tartness makes cherries a great addition to any oatmeal creation. Cherries pair very well with almonds and walnuts, which is in this list of nuts for overnight oats.

6. Dried Mango

I used dried mango in this Golden Hour Overnight Oats recipe. Dried mango give a tropical twist and bright flavor to overnight oats. It softens overnight, giving each spoonful a sweet, sunny taste.

7. Dried Pineapple

Dried pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor that feels bright and refreshing. It’s perfect for giving overnight oats a little tropical kick.

8. Raisins

Raisins are a classic dried fruit that add natural sweetness and chewiness. They blend well with oats and bring a cozy, familiar taste. You can also use your own grape sauce for a topping to go with the raisins.

9. Dates

Dates are rich, soft, and naturally caramel like. They sweeten overnight oats in a natural way and make them feel more filling.

10. Dried Papaya

Dried papaya brings a tropical, lightly sweet flavor that pairs well with creamy oats. It adds a chewy texture and a pop of color to your jar.

11. Dried Goji Berries

Goji berries have a slightly tart, earthy flavor that makes oats taste unique. They’re also known for being nutrient rich, which makes them a smart add in. These are one of my favorite dried fruit for overnight oats. They are soft and chewy.

12. Dried Mulberries

Dried mulberries are naturally sweet with a hint of honey like flavor. They add a light crunch and work beautifully mixed into overnight oats. They are great as a topping, or you can add them to the oats recipe and they will soak up the flavors and milk.

13. Dried Kiwi

These will give a refreshing twist to your morning meal, waking up your senses with their vibrant flavor. Their chewy texture gives a satisfying bite in every spoonful. Cut them up into small bite sized pieces and add them to the recipe to soak up the milk, or add them on top in the morning.

14. Dried Pears

Dried pears have a soft, sweet taste that blends smoothly with oats. They bring a gentle flavor and a nice chewy bite to your overnight oats.

15. Dried Apples

Dried apples add a classic, naturally sweet flavor to overnight oats. They soften as they soak, giving each bite a tender, chewy texture. Here are some apple overnight oats recipes to try. And if you want to dry your own, this dehydrated apple recipe shows you step by step with a video how to make your own.

16. Dried Persimmons

Dried persimmons bring a rich, honey like sweetness that pairs perfectly with creamy oats. They add a unique flavor and a soft, chewy texture.

17. Dried Guava

Dried guava gives a tropical, slightly tangy sweetness to overnight oats. It adds flavor, chewiness, and a touch of exotic flair to your breakfast.

18. Dried Peach Slices

This is one of my favorite fruits to dry for oats. Dried peach slices bring a touch of summer to your breakfast. They give your oats a sweet flavor.

19. Dried Strawberries

Dried strawberries add a bright, sweet flavor that makes overnight oats taste fresh. They soften as they soak and give your oats little bursts of strawberry goodness.

20. Dried Black Currants

Currants are tiny, tart, and naturally sweet, adding a concentrated flavor to overnight oats. They mix in easily and give every bite a pop of fruity tang.

21. Dried Bananas

Dried bananas bring a rich, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy oats. They add a soft chew and a naturally sweet touch without any extra sugar.

Reasons to Use Dried Fruit in Overnight Oats

Boosts Flavor Variety

From tart cranberries to sweet mango or figs, dried fruit lets you mix up your oats in endless ways. It’s an easy way to make breakfast exciting without a lot of effort.

Adds Natural Sweetness

Dried fruit brings a gentle, natural sweetness to overnight oats without needing extra sugar. It makes each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Keeps Well in the Pantry

Unlike fresh fruit, dried fruit can be stored for months in your pantry. That means you can have it on hand anytime you’re prepping breakfast.

Easy to Mix In

Dried fruit is super simple to add to oats. Just stir it in, and it works with any flavor combination.

Adds Texture

The chewy texture of dried fruit gives overnight oats a fun contrast to the creamy oats. Each spoonful feels more interesting and filling.

Dried Fruit In Overnight Oats FAQ

Can I use any type of dried fruit in overnight oats?

Yes! Most dried fruits work well, including raisins, cranberries, figs, apricots, and more. Just make sure to chop larger fruits so they mix evenly.

Do I need to soak dried fruit before adding it?

Not usually, since the oats soak overnight and soften the dried fruit. For extra soft fruit, you can soak it in a little water or milk for 10 -15 minutes before adding. Or just add them to the recipe with the milk and they will get soft overnight.

How much dried fruit should I add per serving?

A good rule of thumb is 2-4 tablespoons per jar of overnight oats. You can adjust based on your sweetness preference and texture.

Will dried fruit make my oats too sweet?

Dried fruit adds natural sweetness, but it usually balances well with the oats and milk. If you want less sweetness, use smaller amounts or choose tart fruits like cranberries.

Can I mix multiple types of dried fruit together?

Absolutely! Mixing different dried fruits adds flavor, texture, and variety to your oats. Try combinations like blueberries and cherries or apricots and raisins for a fun twist. Check out this recipe Swiss Overnight Oats that uses a mixture of dried fruit.

You can also experiment with different types of freeze-dried fruits in your overnight oats.

Enjoy experimenting with dried fruit in your overnight oats! Try different combinations and see what flavors and textures you love most. Don’t forget to share your favorite dried fruit mix and any tips for making your oats even better.