Cherry Overnight Oats are filled with summer flavor, nutritious, and so easy to make for breakfast! They work with fresh or frozen cherries and require just 10 minutes of active time to make.
These cherry overnight oats feature fresh cherries, chia seeds, and a few pantry staples. This is a great summer overnight oats recipe, but you can use frozen cherries if you want to make this for breakfast year-round.
When I was living in the Pacific Northwest I fell in love with fresh summer cherries. Not only are cherries fantastic for snacking, they're also a wonderful addition to overnight oats!
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Why this recipe works
- Fresh or frozen: Cherry overnight oats work with fresh or frozen cherries. They give this recipe a sweet, tart kick.
- Quick & easy: Like all good oatmeal recipes, these overnight oats are ready in just 10 minutes using budget-friendly pantry staples.
- Versatile: Great as a snack or for breakfast prep. I use non-dairy milk but this recipe works with any variety of milk.
Ingredients
- Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries work. Make sure to pit the cherries. Frozen cherries will turn the oats a more vivid color than fresh.
- Chia seeds: These thicken up the overnight oats and provide fiber and protein. They are optional but recommended.
- Rolled oats: Also called old-fashioned oats. This recipe works with Instant or quick oats but note that the overnight oats will end up a lot softer.
- Milk: I use soy milk, but any variety of milk works. Oat milk, almond milk, and cow's milk are all great options.
- Coconut cream: This is optional. Whipping coconut cream creates a non-dairy whipped cream and adds healthy fats to the overnight oats.
How to make
Overnight oats are super simple to make. This is the method that I use:
- 1 part dry oatmeal to 2 parts liquid
- Let rest in the fridge for at least four hours, or overnight.
The oatmeal will soak up the liquid and double in size, creating a creamy and cold oatmeal.
For cherry overnight oats, add chia seeds and chopped cherries to the overnight oats before refrigerating. This allows the cherry flavor to steep into the oatmeal, and it makes a fun purple-ish color.
hia seeds break down to a softer texture when combined with liquid because they are high in fiber. This helps thicken the oatmeal and adds a lot of fiber to the recipe.
FAQ
Yes, frozen cherries work well here. They do not need to be thawed before using because they will thaw in the fridge. They are more likely to change the color of the oats than fresh cherries.
Yes, just choose certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Keep overnight oats refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The oats will continue to soften over time.
They are good hot or cold. You can warm them up in the microwave in just about 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
The chia seeds are optional but recommended because they help thicken the rolled oats and add fiber, making this a more satisfying breakfast.
Looking for more breakfast ideas?
You might also like these overnight oat flavors:
- Peach Overnight Oats
- Coconut Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Mocha Overnight Oats
- Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
More of my favorite ways to use rolled oats:
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📖 Recipe
Cherry Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk such as soy milk or cow's milk
- ½ cup cherries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup adjust to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract optional but recommended
- 1 can (5.4 ounces) coconut cream see note #1
Instructions
- Slice the cherries in half and remove the pits. Roughly chop the cherries. If using frozen cherries, they do not need to be thawed before adding to the oatmeal.
- Divide the rolled oats, milk, chopped cherries, and chia seeds between two pint sized jars. Add sweetener and almond extract (optional). Stir to combine. Stir again after 2 minutes to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To make the whipped coconut cream, use a hand mixer to whip the contents of a can of coconut cream for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy like whipped cream. Add a dash of maple or agave syrup and almond extract for a sweeter flavor. Note that this method will only work with coconut cream*.
- Top the chia cherry overnight oats with coconut cream and additional cherries. If needed, add additional milk to thin out the mixture. Enjoy!
Notes
- Coconut cream: This method will only work with coconut cream, not full fat coconut milk. If you are unable to find cans of coconut cream, follow this recipe to make whipped coconut cream from full fat coconut milk.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated for 3-4 days. The oatmeal will continue to soften over time.
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