Cherry Overnight Oats

These Cherry Overnight Oats are a creamy, delicious, high-fiber breakfast you can prep for the entire week in about 5 minutes. Made with whole grains, healthy fats, protein, and antioxidant-rich cherries, this is the kind of easy, nourishing breakfast that fits into real life.

Whether you’re looking for a simple way to use cherries, need quick breakfast ideas for busy mornings, or want more make-ahead options that actually keep you full, this cherry overnight oats recipe checks all the boxes.

5 from 3 votes

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Course: Breakfast, breakfast recipe

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cherry overnight oats, cherry overnight oats recipe

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 6

Total Time: 6 5

Servings: person

Calories: 300kcal

Author: Tammy Overhoff

Equipment

1 16-ounce mason jars
1 mason jar lids

Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground flaxseeds
½ cup unsweetened almond milk can substitute any milk
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries pits removed
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

Instructions

Prepare the cherries. If using fresh cherries, remove the pits and either chop them or leave them whole. If using frozen cherries, I still recommend giving them a quick check - even “pitted” cherries sometimes sneak one through.
Mix the dry ingredients. Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, ground flaxseed, and chia seeds to a 16-ounce mason jar. Stir them together first so everything is evenly distributed before adding the liquid.
Add the liquid ingredients. Pour in the almond milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir well, making sure the oats are fully covered in liquid - this is key for softening properly overnight.
Add the cherries. Place the cherries on top of the oats. As they thaw and soak, their juices will release into the oats, adding natural cherry flavor.
Refrigerate. Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Stir and adjust in the morning. In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture, and taste to see if you want a little extra sweetness.

Notes

Use rolled (old-fashioned) oats only. Quick oats will turn mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough without cooking.
Check cherries for pits. Even frozen “pitted” cherries can occasionally contain pits, so it’s best to check or halve them before adding to the oats.
Gluten-free note: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but if you’re gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease, use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.
Sweeten to taste in the morning. Cherries vary in sweetness, so wait until after soaking to add more maple syrup if needed.
Storage: Store prepared overnight oats in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir in a splash of milk before eating if the oats are too thick.

Nutrition