Cherry Overnight Oats

Ingredient notes and substitutions

The cherry overnight oatmeal uses simple ingredients, but please see the recipe card below for the exact measurements and full instructions.

Old-fashioned oats - Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for overnight oats because they soften without becoming too mushy. Quick oats will give the oatmeal a softer texture, while steel-cut oats won't soften enough in the same amount of time.

Frozen sweet cherries - Frozen sweet cherries are convenient, already pitted, and easy to keep on hand year-round. Thaw them first, so they're easier to mash, and use the juices too for more cherry flavor throughout the oats.  I did not test with tart cherries, so I can't say how well they would work.

Fresh cherries also work, but you'll need to pit them and quarter them first.  Stir them into the oats when preparing.  Another option is to blend ½ cup pitted fresh cherries with the ½ cup of milk for the recipe, like in my recipe for strawberry overnight oats. If you use this method with frozen cherries, reduce the amount to ⅓ cup frozen cherries.  A spoonful of cherry preserves can add extra cherry flavor if you do not have fresh or frozen cherries. Reduce the maple syrup if needed, since preserves are usually sweetened.

For more recipes with frozen cherries, try cherry chia pudding, cherry banana nice cream, or mango cherry smoothie.

Dairy-free milk - Unsweetened soy, oat, almond, or cashew milk all work well. Use your favorite plant-based milk and adjust the amount slightly if needed for a thicker or thinner texture.

Almond butter - Almond butter adds richness and pairs really well with cherries. Cashew butter also works for a milder flavor. Sunflower seed butter works for a nut-free option, but has a stronger flavor.

Ground flaxseed - Ground flaxseed helps thicken the oats.  Chia seeds can be used instead. If you leave both out, the oats may be a little thinner.  For more flaxseed recipes, try flaxseed breakfast pudding with banana and strawberries. 

Maple syrup - Maple syrup adds sweetness. Adjust the quantity depending on how sweet your cherries are, or swap in another liquid sweetener if preferred.

Almond extract - This is optional, but a small amount can make the oats taste even more cherry-almond flavored. It's strong, so a little goes a long way.

Lemon juice - This is optional, but a small squeeze can brighten the flavor.

How to make cherry overnight oats

This easy breakfast comes together with just a few simple steps and is perfect for prepping ahead.

1. Thaw and mash the cherries - Let the frozen cherries thaw first, then mash them with a fork. Include the juices too, since they add even more cherry flavor.  If the cherries squirt while mashing, cup your hand over the bowl.

2. Mix the oats - Combine the cherries, the cherry juice, oats, dairy-free milk, almond butter, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, lemon juice (if using), and almond extract (if using) in a jar or container. Stir well until everything is combined.

3. Chill overnight - Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, so the oats can soften and thicken.

4. Stir and serve - Stir the oats before serving. Add an extra splash of milk if they're thicker than you like, then finish with your favorite toppings.

Tips 

• Use the cherry juices for more cherry flavor throughout.
• Thaw the cherries first, so they're easier to mash and mix in.
• The pink color will fade as the oats chill.
• If the oats are too thick, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
• If the oats are too thin, add more oats, flaxseed, or chia seeds and let them sit longer to thicken.
• If the oats aren't sweet enough, add a little more maple syrup.
• Use almond extract lightly so it doesn't overpower the oats.

Variations

Once you have the base recipe, it's easy to change it up depending on what you have on hand.

Cherry almond - Add the optional almond extract and top with sliced almonds for more cherry-almond flavor.

Chocolate cherry - Stir in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or add a few dairy-free chocolate chips for a black-forest-inspired version. Add a splash more dairy-free milk if using cocoa powder, and skip the lemon juice.

Cherry cinnamon - Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon when prepping the oats.

Creamier version - Stir in a spoonful of dairy-free yogurt for an even creamier texture.

Nut-free option - Swap the almond butter for sunflower seed butter and skip the almond extract, or just leave out the nut butter.

Topping ideas

Toppings are an easy way to add texture and make each jar feel a little different.

Fresh toppings - Diced fresh strawberries, other fresh berries, fresh cherries, or sliced banana. 

Crunchy toppings - Toasted unsweetened coconut flakes, sliced almonds, hemp seeds, or plant-based granola. 

Creamy toppings - Add a dollop of dairy-free yogurt.

Chocolate toppings - Dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs are especially good for a chocolate cherry or black-forest-inspired version.

Meal prep and storage

The cherry breakfast recipe is great for meal prep and easy to keep in the fridge for busy mornings. Store the oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. They are usually best within the first 2 to 3 days. Stir well before serving.

If you are meal prepping multiple servings, I do not recommend mixing a big batch and immediately dividing it into jars. Before the oats have time to soak, the liquid may not be evenly distributed, which can affect the texture.

Method 1: Mix multiple servings in one large container. Let the oats soak until they've absorbed most of the liquid, then stir and portion into individual jars. Or keep the oats in the larger container and scoop out servings as needed.

Method 2: Use the assembly-line method. Line up your jars, then add one ingredient to each jar before moving on to the next. Repeat until all of the ingredients have been divided evenly.

If you thaw multiple servings of cherries for method 2, just estimate the cherries and juices as evenly as possible between the jars. A little extra cherry juice in one jar is less likely to affect the texture than extra milk.

Cherry overnight oats FAQs

Related recipes

• Simple overnight oats with flaxseeds
• Chocolate peanut butter overnight oats
• Raspberry overnight oats
• Chocolate raspberry overnight oats
• Chia seed pudding with oat milk

I hope you enjoy this recipe! If you did, feel free to rate it and leave a comment. For more simple vegan breakfasts, check out all my healthy vegan breakfast recipes.