If you’ve ever wished breakfast would just magically appear in the morning — this one’s for you. Meet Cherry Overnight Oats, the cool, creamy, sweet-but-healthy breakfast you can throw together in five minutes before bed. By the time you wake up? Boom. Breakfast is ready, chilled, and waiting like a little gift from your past self.
And not to brag, but this might just be the Best Overnight Oats Recipe you’ll try all year. The combo of juicy frozen cherries, creamy almond butter, and a splash of almond extract is basically dessert disguised as a healthy breakfast. You’ve been warned.
Why These Overnight Oats Are So Irresistible
Here’s why you’re going to want to keep a jar (or three) of these in your fridge at all times:
- No morning stress: Just grab a spoon and go.
- Year-round cherry bliss: Thanks to frozen cherries, you get that summer flavor even in January.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make several jars at once and be set for half the week.
- Kid + adult approved: Seriously — if my picky eater asks for more, you know it’s good.
- Healthy but not boring: This is one of those overnight oats recipe healthy enough for weekdays but indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe started as a desperate attempt to make breakfast easier. I love Overnight Oatmeal Recipes because they take zero effort in the morning — and since I had a lonely bag of cherries in the freezer, I decided to turn them into breakfast magic.
After one spoonful, I was hooked. The cherries melt into the oats, giving you this beautiful pink color and a burst of cherry flavor in every bite. Almond butter takes it to creamy-town, and the oats soak everything up into a soft, pudding-like texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here — just pantry and freezer staples:
- Old-fashioned oats: The star of any good oats recipes healthy lineup. Skip instant or steel-cut oats for this one.
- Plant-based milk: Almond, oat, soy, cashew — any will work.
- Frozen cherries: Already pitted and ready to go. Mash them to spread that cherry flavor through every bite.
- Almond butter: Adds creaminess and protein. Cashew butter works too.
- Ground flaxseed: Boosts fiber and omega-3s. Swap for chia seeds if that’s your jam.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetness, but you can use honey or your favorite sweetener.
- Almond extract: Optional, but gives serious bakery vibes.
How to Make Cherry Overnight Oats
Making overnight oats is basically foolproof, but here’s the quick rundown:
- Thaw and mash the cherries. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or microwave them for a quick fix. Keep the juice — it’s flavor gold.
- Mix it up. In a jar or bowl, combine oats, milk, almond butter, flaxseed, maple syrup, almond extract, and those mashed cherries. Stir well.
- Chill. Cover and let them sit in the fridge for at least two hours, but overnight = perfect texture.
- Serve. Give it a good stir, add a splash more milk if you like it creamier, and top with more cherries or almond butter drizzle.
Pro Tips for Perfect Overnight Oats
- Mash well: The more you mash, the more cherry flavor in every bite.
- Sweeten to taste: Start small and adjust — cherries vary in sweetness.
- Let them chill overnight: Patience is key. This is when the oats absorb all that cherry goodness.
- Meal-prep smart: If making a big batch, mix first, let it soak, then portion. This keeps the consistency spot-on.
Variations You’ll Love
- Chocolate Cherry: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a dessert-for-breakfast situation.
- Vanilla Bean: Swap almond extract for vanilla for a cozy, mellow flavor.
- Berry Swap: Try strawberries instead of cherries and boom — you’ve got Strawberry Overnight Oats.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of dairy free yogurt right before serving.
Best Way to Serve
You can eat these oats straight from the jar for ultimate convenience (hello, car breakfast). Or make it pretty by topping with extra cherries, sliced almonds, or even a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy.
Storing & Leftovers
Store your overnight oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The oats thicken as they sit, so just add a splash of milk and stir before eating.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats?
Quick oats will work, but they get a bit mushier. Steel-cut oats won’t soften enough for this method. Stick to rolled oats for the best texture.
Do I have to eat them cold?
Nope! Warm them in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if you prefer. Just add extra milk if they get too thick.
How long will they last?
They’re best within 2–3 days but can stretch to 4 days if stored well.
Final Thoughts
This cherry version isn’t just another one of those random oat recipes healthy you scroll past — it’s the kind of breakfast you’ll actually look forward to. It’s quick, customizable, and hands-down one of my favorite overnight oatmeal creations.
If you’re tired of boring breakfasts, this is your sign to make these Cherry Overnight Oats tonight. Your future morning self will thank you. Print
Cherry Overnight Oats | The Best Overnight Oats Recipe Ever
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
Description
Start your morning with a jar of creamy, dreamy cherry overnight oats! This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or when you want a cool, refreshing breakfast on a warm day. The combination of sweet cherries, nutty almond butter, and a hint of almond extract makes every bite taste like dessert — but in a healthy way.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (45 g) old-fashioned oats – hearty and chewy, perfect for soaking overnight.
- ½ cup (118 mL) dairy-free milk – almond, oat, or soy milk all work beautifully.
- ½ cup (70 g) frozen sweet pitted cherries – no pitting required, just thaw and mash!
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) almond butter – adds richness and a protein boost.
- 1 tablespoon (7 g) ground flaxseed – for extra fiber and omega-3 goodness.
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup – adjust depending on how sweet you like it.
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional) – helps keep the cherries bright and colorful.
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract (optional) – just a tiny splash brings out that classic cherry-almond flavor.
Optional Toppings
- A dollop of dairy-free yogurt for creaminess
- A sprinkle of vegan chocolate chips for indulgence
- Crunchy cocoa nibs for texture
- Sliced almonds for extra nutty goodness
Instructions
- Thaw Your Cherries
- Place frozen cherries in the fridge overnight, or microwave them for a quick option. If you use the microwave, let them cool before adding to your oats.
- Mash & Mix
- For smaller cherry pieces and more flavor in every bite, mash the cherries with the back of a fork. Don’t toss the cherry juice — it’s liquid gold and will give your oats a pretty pink color.
- Combine the Ingredients
- In a jar or container with a lid, mix together the oats, milk, mashed cherries (and juice), almond butter, flaxseed, maple syrup, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Let It Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for a thick, creamy texture.
- Serve & Top
- Before serving, give it a good stir. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick, then top with yogurt, chocolate chips, or sliced almonds if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Lemon juice is your friend: It keeps the cherries from turning too dark while they sit overnight.
- Make-ahead magic: These oats will keep in the fridge for 3–4 days, so prep a few jars at once for a no-stress breakfast all week.
- Customize it: Try adding chia seeds, cocoa powder, or a spoonful of dairy-free yogurt to change up the texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 18.8 g
- Sodium: 98.9 mg
- Fat: 14.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 59.7 g
- Fiber: 10.9 g
- Protein: 12.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
