Creamy overnight oats layered with sweet cherry purée, chia seeds, and yogurt, then topped with fresh cherries for a vibrant, fruity, and energizing breakfast in a glass. This no-cook, make-ahead recipe is ideal for busy mornings, offering a nutritious and flavorful start to your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Overnight Oats are as nourishing as they are beautiful. With whole grains, protein-rich yogurt, and antioxidant-packed cherries, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and health. It requires minimal effort, can be prepped ahead in individual jars, and is endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it at home or grab it on the go, it’s a satisfying breakfast that feels like a treat.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup cherry purée or cherry jam (optional for layering)
directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until fully mixed.
- Fold in half of the pitted and halved cherries.
- In serving jars or glasses, place a few cherry halves at the bottom. Spoon in the oat mixture until halfway full.
- If using, add a layer of cherry purée or jam for extra flavor and texture.
- Continue layering with the remaining oat mixture. Top with a spoonful of yogurt, more fresh cherries, and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats to soften and the mixture to thicken.
- Enjoy chilled in the morning, straight from the jar.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 4–8 hours (overnight preferred)
Total time: 10 minutes active, overnight rest
Variations
- Chocolate Cherry: Stir in 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolate-cherry twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans for texture.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and yogurt such as almond or coconut.
- Tropical Fusion: Swap cherries for mango or pineapple and use coconut milk.
- Spiced Oats: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
storage/reheating
Store the prepared overnight oats in sealed jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These oats are meant to be served cold and do not require reheating. If preferred, you may allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before folding into the oats.
Do I have to use Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, but any yogurt can be used based on preference.
How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can I skip the chia seeds?
You can omit them, but they help thicken the oats and add fiber and omega-3s.
What type of milk works best?
Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat, soy, or coconut—depending on your dietary needs and taste.
Is it necessary to let them sit overnight?
For best texture, yes. A minimum of 4 hours is required for the oats to fully absorb the liquid.
Can I blend the mixture for a smoother texture?
Yes, blending results in a pudding-like consistency, which some people prefer.
How can I make this sweeter?
Add more maple syrup, honey, or a mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness.
Are overnight oats good for weight loss?
They are filling, nutrient-dense, and can support weight goals when part of a balanced diet.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder when combining the ingredients.
Conclusion
Cherry Overnight Oats are a wholesome, flavorful, and convenient way to start your morning. Bursting with juicy cherries and creamy textures, they’re a refreshing alternative to traditional breakfasts. Make them once and they’ll become a staple in your weekly routine—delicious, nourishing, and ready when you are.
Print
Cherry Overnight Oats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and refreshing overnight oats layered with sweet cherries, chia seeds, and yogurt—an easy, nutritious breakfast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup cherry puree or cherry jam (optional for layering)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir well.
- Fold in half of the cherries.
- In serving glasses or jars, layer cherry halves at the bottom, then spoon in the oat mixture.
- Add a layer of cherry puree or jam if using.
- Top with more yogurt, fresh cherries, and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to let oats soak and thicken.
- Enjoy chilled the next morning.
Notes
- Use frozen cherries if fresh are not in season—just thaw before using.
- Can be prepped 2–3 days in advance for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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