If you’re searching for a breakfast that is as delightful as it is effortless, the Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine waking up to creamy oats infused with the sweet, tangy burst of cherries, enriched with nutty almond butter and subtly sweetened with maple syrup. This recipe combines nourishing ingredients with a flavor profile that feels fresh and indulgent all at once. Perfectly designed to prepare the night before, it helps you start your day with energy and a smile, no matter how busy your morning is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful pairing of each ingredient. Every element brings something special, from texture to taste to color, creating a well-rounded, satisfying dish that feels homemade and heartwarming.
- Old fashioned oats (½ cup, 45 g): The hearty base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully while providing a satisfying chew.
- Dairy-free milk (½ cup, 118 mL): Adds creaminess without overpowering the gentle taste of the cherries.
- Frozen sweet pitted cherries (½ cup, 70 g): Deliver a vibrant pop of color and juicy sweetness that makes each bite exciting.
- Almond butter (1 tablespoon, 15 g): Provides a luscious nuttiness and velvet texture that rounds out the oats perfectly.
- Ground flax-seed (1 tablespoon, 7 g): Boosts nutrition with omega-3s and fibers while contributing a subtle earthiness.
- Maple syrup (1-2 teaspoons): A natural sweetener that adds depth and a hint of warmth.
- Fresh lemon juice (½ tablespoon, optional): Brightens the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness with a tangy zing.
- Almond extract (â…› teaspoon, optional): Enhances the nutty notes without overwhelming the palate.
- Dairy-free yogurt (for topping): Adds richness and creaminess as a perfect finishing touch.
- Vegan chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, sliced almonds (for topping): Offer fun, crunchy, and chocolaty textural contrasts that elevate the dish further.
How to Make Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Thaw Your Cherries
Start by thawing your frozen sweet pitted cherries — either leave them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw. Patience here pays off because fully thawed cherries release more juice and blend seamlessly with the oats, creating natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 2: Mash the Cherries
Once thawed, gently mash the cherries using a fork. This breaks them down just enough to release their juices, but leaves some delicious chunks behind for delightful texture surprises. Don’t rush this step; the perfect balance between juice and fruit bits makes all the difference.
Step 3: Save the Juices!
When mashing the cherries, you’ll notice a tempting pool of juice. Resist the urge to throw it away! This juice infuses your oats with extra cherry flavor and ensures they stay moist and luxurious after soaking overnight.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
In a jar or container with a lid, add your oats, dairy-free milk, almond butter, ground flax-seed, maple syrup, lemon juice if using, almond extract if you like, and the mashed cherries along with their precious juice. Stir everything thoroughly so every bite is bursting with flavor and creamy goodness.
Step 5: Chill and Let It Work Magic
Seal your container tightly and place it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least two hours. This chilling time allows the oats to soak up all the flavors and thicken to that perfect creamy consistency you expect from a great Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe.
Step 6: Time to Top and Enjoy
When morning comes, grab your oats and add your favorite toppings such as dairy-free yogurt for extra creaminess, vegan chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence, cocoa nibs for earthy crunch, or sliced almonds for a satisfying nutty bite.
Step 7: Keep it Fresh
Store any leftover oats in your fridge with the lid on and enjoy within 3-4 days for the best texture and flavor—though honestly, these rarely last that long!
How to Serve Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Think beyond the basics when garnishing your Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe. Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add vibrant aroma, while a spoonful of chia seeds or hemp hearts boosts texture and nutritional value. The key is to find the right garnishes that excite your senses and complement the creamy oats perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pairing this oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit or a warm cup of herbal tea creates a balanced morning meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. You could also serve it alongside avocado toast to add savory contrast or a handful of roasted nuts for an energizing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the joy in eating! Serve your oats in a clear glass jar to showcase the beautiful cherry-red hues or layer it with dairy-free yogurt and toppings in a parfait glass for a fun twist. Sprinkle edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder on top for an Instagram-worthy breakfast that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cherry Overnight Oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh, tasty, and safe to eat for up to four days, making this recipe not only delicious but convenient for busy mornings or snacks.
Freezing
While overnight oats can be refrigerated with great results, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the oats and fruit can become mushy upon thawing. For the best enjoyment, stick to refrigeration and enjoy fresh batches.
Reheating
If you prefer your Cherry Overnight Oats warm, gently heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute. You may need to stir in a splash of dairy-free milk to loosen up the texture a bit before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen in this Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully and provide a vibrant flavor, but you might want to mash them a bit to help release their juices and maintain that lovely moist texture overnight.
Is it necessary to add almond butter?
While almond butter adds a delightful nutty richness and creamy texture, you can substitute it with any nut butter you prefer or even skip it altogether for a lighter version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How sweet should the Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe be?
The sweetness can be adjusted to your taste. The recipe calls for 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup, but feel free to add more or less naturally, or swap it out for other sweeteners like agave or honey if not strictly vegan.
What toppings do you recommend for someone new to overnight oats?
Start simple with dairy-free yogurt and fresh fruit to appreciate the base flavors, then gradually experiment with chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds as you discover what textures and flavors you enjoy the most.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe is truly a gem that combines delicious simplicity with wholesome goodness. Whether you’re a busy bee looking for a quick breakfast or someone who loves to wake up to something tasty and nourishing, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. Give it a try and discover how effortlessly scrumptious mornings can be!
Print
Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours (including refrigeration time)
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and nutritious Cherry Overnight Oats recipe that combines old fashioned oats with sweet frozen cherries, almond butter, and dairy-free milk. Perfect for a quick, no-cook breakfast that’s rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Customize with your favorite toppings like vegan chocolate chips and sliced almonds for an extra tasty start to your day.
Ingredients
Base 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 the Cherries: Thaw the frozen sweet pitted cherries overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave to speed up the process. If microwaving, be sure to allow the cherries to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Mash the Cherries: Gently mash the thawed cherries with the back of a fork in a bowl or individual containers to create smaller cherry pieces and release some juice, giving the oats more flavor and moisture.
- Preserve the Cherry Juice: Do not discard the juice released from the cherries; add it back into the oats for enhanced taste and moisture.
- Combine 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 including the juice. Stir well until fully combined.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the container tightly and refrigerate overnight or for at least two hours to allow the oats to soak, soften, and thicken.
- Add Toppings Before Serving: Before eating, top your cherry overnight oats with dairy-free yogurt, vegan chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, sliced almonds, or any desired toppings for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Keep the covered oats refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
Notes
- Use frozen sweet pitted cherries for convenience and to have cherries available year-round.
- Almond butter adds creaminess and healthy fats; you can substitute with other nut butters if desired.
- Maple syrup can be adjusted to taste or replaced with your preferred sweetener.
- Optional lemon juice and almond extract add a bright and subtle nutty flavor but can be omitted.
- Overnight soaking softens the oats without cooking, preserving nutrients and saving time in the morning.
- Customize toppings based on your dietary preferences and texture preferences.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality; never leave overnight oats at room temperature for extended periods.
