Princess Diana's Overnight Oats (Light & Simple)

Name: Princess Diana's Overnight Oats
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 tablespoon raw honey; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 medium apple of choice; 1 lemon (juice only); 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (the thick & creamy kind); 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (roughly chopped)

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Have you heard of Princess Diana’s supposed favorite breakfast? It’s a refreshing overnight oats recipe made with orange juice, apple, yogurt, and honey. A royal yet simple start to your day! It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and full of texture and flavor.

a jar filled with overnight oats topped with chopped apples and blueberries.

I was curious about this recipe because it isn’t your typical overnight oats. Instead of soaking the oats in milk, you soak them in fresh orange juice, then add Greek yogurt, apple, blueberries, and walnuts. I love how fresh and fruity it tastes, and it’s so easy to prepare the night before for a breakfast that’s ready when you wake up.

Did Princess Diana Really Eat Overnight Oats?

According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, Princess Diana regularly ate this version of overnight oats for breakfast. He has shared that she first tried the dish while visiting a Swiss health clinic, where it was called Bircher muesli, and later asked him to prepare it for her regularly.

This recipe is my own adaptation of the version McGrady shared. I added a little orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon for extra flavor while keeping the main ingredients and method very similar.

What Makes These Overnight Oats Different?

The orange juice is what makes this recipe stand out. Instead of using milk as the soaking liquid, the oats absorb fresh orange juice overnight.

The next day, mix in the creamy yogurt, crisp apple, blueberries, honey, and walnuts. You get a creamy, fruity, crunchy mix in every bite.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

0 mins

Recipe For Success

Use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats for the best texture.
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor.
Let the oats soak for at least 4 to 6 hours, although overnight is easiest
Honeycrisp is my favorite apple, but any crisp apple will work.
You can grate the apple instead of chopping it, which is closer to the original version McGrady shared.
Add the walnuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.
If the oats seem too thick the next morning, stir in a splash of orange juice or milk.

Ingredients needed and notes

Here are the ingredients I used to make these overnight oats. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

ingredients for princess diana's overnight oats

Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. They soften overnight without becoming too mushy.
Fresh Orange Juice: This ingredient makes these overnight oats different. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the oats a bright, fresh flavor.
Greek Yogurt: I like using full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. You can also use vanilla yogurt or a thick dairy-free yogurt.
Apple: Honeycrisp is my favorite because it stays crisp and has a nice balance of sweet and tart. You can use any apple you like.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add sweetness and a pop of color. You can also use other berries if that’s what you have.
Walnuts: Walnuts add a nice crunch and pair really well with the fruit. Pecans are also a great option.

How to make Princess Diana’s Overnight Oats

Soak the Oats: Add the rolled oats, fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, and cinnamon to a bowl. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4–6 hours.

process shot putting the overnight oats ingredients together.

Prepare the Apple: When you’re ready to make the oats, chop or grate the apple and toss it with fresh lemon juice. The lemon adds flavor and helps keep the apple from browning.

process shot mixing the overnight oats ingredients.

Mix Everything Together: Add the apple, Greek yogurt, blueberries, vanilla, and walnuts to the soaked oats. Stir gently until everything is combined.

Serve right away or divide between jars or containers for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.

Common question

Can I Use Bottled Orange Juice?

Yes, but I recommend freshly squeezed orange juice if you have it. It gives the oats a brighter, fresher flavor and is one of what makes this recipe special.

Will quick oats work?

Technically, quick oats will work if it’s all you have, even though the texture will be much better with rolled oats.

What Is the Best Apple for This Recipe?

I like Honeycrisp because it’s crisp, juicy, and slightly sweet, but you can use whatever apple you have. Granny Smith will give the oats a more tart flavor, while Fuji or Gala will make them a little sweeter.

Can I use a different yogurt?

Yes. Plain Greek yogurt works best for a thick, creamy texture, but you can use vanilla or a thick dairy-free yogurt.

How Long Should Overnight Oats Soak?

I recommend soaking the oats for at least 4 to 6 hours, but overnight is best. The longer they sit, the softer the oats will become, and the more the flavors will come together.

Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats?

I don’t recommend them for this recipe. Steel-cut oats stay much firmer and chewier, even after soaking overnight. Rolled oats give you the texture you’re looking for.

Easy Variations

Use Maple Syrup: Replace the honey with maple syrup if you prefer.
Change the Fruit: Try strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or diced pears instead of blueberries or apples.
Use Pecans: Pecans are an easy swap for walnuts and add a slightly sweeter flavor.
Add Chia Seeds: Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for a thicker overnight oat texture.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use a thick dairy-free Greek-style yogurt and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave.

a spoon in a jar with overnight oats topped with blueberries and chopped apples.

How Long Do These Overnight Oats Last?

Store the prepared oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

The oats will continue to soften as they sit, so I prefer them within the first day or two. If you’re making them ahead, add the nuts closer to serving for the best texture.

Can I Freeze Overnight Oats?

I don’t recommend freezing this particular recipe. The yogurt and fresh fruit can change texture after thawing, and the oats are so quick to prepare that they’re better made fresh or a few days ahead in the refrigerator.