If you adore a breakfast that’s bursting with flavor, wholesome nutrition, and effortless prep, the Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dish blends sweet, tangy cherries with creamy oats and a hint of almond, creating a breakfast experience that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful. It’s perfect for busy mornings, yet feels indulgent enough to savor slowly. Plus, it’s dairy-free and vegan-friendly, making it accessible and satisfying for many dietary needs. Once you try this recipe, morning routines will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe. Together, they create a perfect balance of creaminess, natural sweetness, and a lovely texture that makes this dish shine.
- ½ cup old fashioned oats: The hearty base that soaks up flavors beautifully and offers the perfect morning fuel.
- ½ cup dairy-free milk: Adds creaminess while keeping the recipe light and plant-based; almond or oat milk works great.
- ½ cup frozen sweet pitted cherries: Bursting with vibrant color and natural sweetness, cherries bring that juicy freshness we crave.
- 1 tablespoon almond butter: Adds a luscious, nutty richness and healthy fats for lasting energy.
- 1 tablespoon ground flax-seed: A tiny powerhouse packed with fiber and omega-3 for a nourishing boost.
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup: Just the right touch of natural sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional): A splash of brightness to lift all the flavors and add zest.
- â…› teaspoon almond extract (optional): A subtle hint of almond essence to deepen the nutty notes.
- Dairy-free yogurt: For topping, it adds creaminess and tang that contrasts beautifully with the cherries.
- Vegan chocolate chips: A decadent touch that melts in your mouth when topped on the oats.
- Cocoa nibs: Crunchy and rich, perfect for texture and a slight bittersweet kick.
- Sliced almonds: For that satisfying crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness.
How to Make Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Begin by thawing your frozen sweet pitted cherries. The refrigerator overnight method is ideal, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just let them cool fully before moving on to the next step. This ensures your cherries don’t warm the oats prematurely, which can affect the texture.
Step 2: Break Down the Cherries
For a more integrated flavor and a luscious texture, gently mash the thawed cherries using the back of a fork. You want them to release some juice but still keep some bite, creating a perfect mix of whole fruit and rich syrupy cherry goodness.
Step 3: Save That Juicy Goodness
Don’t let the cherry juice go to waste! Mix this vibrant, flavorful juice back into your oats mixture. It adds natural sweetness and moisture, elevating the overall taste of the dish with every bite.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Grab a jar or any container with a lid and layer in your oats, dairy-free milk, almond butter, ground flax-seed, maple syrup, optional lemon juice, almond extract, and the freshly mashed cherry mixture including the juice. Stir everything thoroughly so the oats soak up all those wonderful flavors overnight.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Seal your container and pop it into the refrigerator for at least two hours, but ideally overnight. This resting period allows the oats to absorb the liquids fully, offering a creamy, thick texture that’s simply irresistible come morning time.
Step 6: Add Delicious Toppings Before Serving
Just before enjoying your Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe, add your favorite toppings like dairy-free yogurt, vegan chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, or sliced almonds. These add delightful layers of texture and flavor that make breakfast feel like a treat.
Step 7: Keep It Fresh
If you want to prepare ahead or keep leftovers, keep your oats covered and refrigerated. Consume within 3-4 days to enjoy the freshest taste and best texture.
How to Serve Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Think beyond just a dollop of yogurt. Sprinkle vegan chocolate chips or cocoa nibs for a hint of chocolatey crunch. Sliced almonds offer a nutty crunch that balances the sweet and creamy base, while a few fresh cherries on top add juiciness and color. These small touches elevate your presentation and taste wonderfully.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe is how versatile it is as a standalone meal, but pairing it with citrus fruit slices or a crisp green smoothie can round out your morning with extra freshness and nutrients. A light herbal tea or black coffee also complements the subtle sweetness in the oats.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your oats layered in a clear glass jar or parfait glass to showcase those vibrant cherries and creamy oats. Alternating layers with dairy-free yogurt or sliced fruit looks visually stunning and feels special. You can also top with edible flowers for a whimsical twist that might just impress your brunch guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Keep it sealed tight to maintain moisture and freshness. This makes it a perfect grab-and-go breakfast option during busy weeks.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for overnight oats, especially this cherry version, as the texture of the oats and cherries changes when thawed. For best results, enjoy your oats fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm breakfast, transfer your refrigerated oats into a microwave-safe bowl and heat gently in short intervals. Stir well after heating to reincorporate any liquid or toppings that may have settled. However, many love this dish chilled, as it highlights the fresh, vibrant flavors best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully in this recipe, especially when in season. Just pit and chop them finely before mixing in. You might need to add a touch more sweetener if your cherries aren’t very ripe.
What types of milk work best?
Dairy-free milks such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work well. Choose your favorite based on flavor preference and dietary needs. Thicker milks like oat or coconut often make the oats extra creamy.
Is it okay to omit the almond butter?
You can omit the almond butter if you have allergies or prefer a lighter recipe, but keep in mind it adds richness and helps bind the oats for a satisfying texture. You can substitute with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different twist.
How sweet should the oats be?
The maple syrup provides gentle sweetness that balances the tart cherries nicely. Adjust the amount to your taste – 1 teaspoon for subtle sweetness, or up to 2 teaspoons for a sweeter breakfast treat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe is naturally vegan when using dairy-free milk and yogurt. Just double-check your toppings like chocolate chips to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe means welcoming a delicious, nourishing breakfast that feels like a little celebration every morning. It’s effortlessly prepared, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly customizable to fit your tastes. Trust me, once you’ve tasted those vibrant cherries mingling with creamy oats, you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it!
Print
Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cherry Overnight Oats recipe is a simple, nutritious, and delicious vegan breakfast option made by soaking old fashioned oats in dairy-free milk with sweet frozen cherries and almond butter. Enhanced with ground flax-seed, maple syrup, and optional lemon juice and almond extract, it’s a ready-made meal that requires no cooking and offers a creamy, fruity start to your day. Topped with dairy-free yogurt, vegan chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, and sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor, this overnight oats recipe is perfect for busy mornings or healthy snacking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup (45 g) old fashioned oats
- ½ cup (118 mL) dairy-free milk
- ½ cup (70 g) frozen sweet pitted cherries
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) almond butter
- 1 tablespoon (7 g) ground flax-seed
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- â…› teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Toppings
- Dairy-free yogurt
- Vegan chocolate chips
- Cocoa nibs
- Sliced almonds
Instructions
- Thaw Cherries: Thaw the frozen sweet pitted cherries in the refrigerator overnight or microwave them. If microwaving, ensure to let them cool completely before proceeding.
- Mash Cherries: Using the back of a fork, gently mash the thawed cherries in a bowl or individual containers to create smaller pieces and release some juice.
- Retain Cherry Juice: Add the juice released from the cherries back into the oats mixture to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a jar or container with a lid, combine the oats, dairy-free milk, almond butter, ground flax-seed, maple syrup, lemon juice, almond extract, and the cherry mixture with its juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least two hours to allow the oats to soak and absorb the flavors.
- Add Toppings & Serve: Before serving, top the cherry overnight oats with dairy-free yogurt, vegan chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, and sliced almonds to add texture and flavor.
- Storage: Keep the prepared oats covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
Notes
- Use any type of dairy-free milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk based on preference.
- Maple syrup quantity can be adjusted to taste or omitted for less sweetness.
- Lemon juice and almond extract are optional but add brightness and depth of flavor.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free if gluten-free oats are used.
- Overnight soaking softens the oats, so no cooking is necessary.
- Toppings can be customized with fresh fruits, nuts, or seeds as desired.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
