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
Scale
- 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