This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Cherry Overnight Oats are thick, creamy and packed with chopped cherries and chocolate! They’re great for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack!
Love chocolate and cherries? Try my chocolate cherry banana smoothie!
This post and recipe have been updated since it was originally published on 6/12/2017
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Cherry Overnight Oats
- Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats
- How to Make Cherry Vanilla Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Variations and Substitutions
- How Long Will Overnight Oats Keep?
- Can I Make Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds?
- Can quick oats be used to make overnight oats?
- More Overnight Oats Recipes
- Cherry Vanilla Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe
Why You’ll Love Cherry Overnight Oats
Dessert inspired breakfast – Chocolate and cherries are a classic dessert combination, think black forest cake. What better way to start your morning than with a healthy breakfast that tastes like dessert!
High protein – If you’re looking for more ways to get protein into your diet try making this protein overnight oats. Each serving has 22 grams of protein.
Healthy snack – Overnight oats are great to make for a healthy afternoon or after dinner snack. They’re a good source of protein and oats are both heart healthy and full of fiber.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats
- Greek yogurt – Plain Greek yogurt makes the oats extra creamy and boosts the protein.
- Milk – Any type of milk works for this recipe. I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
- Maple syrup – Used to sweeten the oats. Use more or less depending on how sweet you like your overnight oats.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the cherry flavor.
- Chia seeds – Helps to thicken the overnight oats and gives them more protein and fiber.
- Protein powder – You don’t have to use protein powder, but it’s a great way to give them an extra 12 grams of protein per serving. I use Ascent Whey Protein Powder.
- Oats – Old fashion rolled oats are what you’ll want to use for this recipe.
- Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the oats.
- Cherries – Sweet cherries such as Rainier or Bing cherries are recommended for this recipe.
- Chocolate – Dark or semi-sweet chocolate makes these oats extra special. I like to chop chunks of dark chocolate from a bar, but you can also use chocolate chips.
How to Make Cherry Vanilla Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats
Start by pitting the cherries. I recommend using a cherry pitter to make the process go faster.
In a mixing bowl combine the yogurt, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, and protein powder. Whisk them together until the protein powder is incorporate.
Add in the oats, chia seeds, cherries, and chocolate. Stir together and then divide the mixture into 2 jars. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and overnight if possible. Top the oats with extra cherries, chocolate, and almond butter if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
- Substitute fresh cherries with frozen cherries that have been defrosted and excess liquid drained.
- Substitute vanilla extract with 1/8-1/4 teaspoon almond extract.
- Use chocolate protein powder to make chocolate cherry overnight oats.
How Long Will Overnight Oats Keep?
Overnight oats will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Overnight oats that have fresh or fruit in them should be eaten within 3 days of making them. If you’re unsure if they’re still ok to eat, smell them. They shouldn’t smell sour.
Can I Make Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds?
Yes. Chia seeds can be replaced with an additional tablespoon of oats.
Can quick oats be used to make overnight oats?
Yes, however the texture will be different. They will have a more mushy consistency similar to porridge.
More Overnight Oats Recipes
Did you make these cherry overnight oats? I’d love if you’d leave a recipe rating and review below.
Cherry Vanilla Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
- 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup rolled oats, gluten-free if needed
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries, pitted
- 2 tablespoons chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, vanilla and protein powder in a bowl.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and stir together until combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly into two jars and cover. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve topped with extra chopped cherries, chocolate, and almond butter if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is flax meal the same as flax seed?
Flax meal is flax seeds that have been ground up. It’s best to use the meal vs. the seeds.
Another great recipe for overnight oats! As a chocolate addict I had to add more chocolate and it is just so delicious.
Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad you liked the oats Anja! Adding extra chocolate is always a good idea.
This looks delicious!! I can’t wait to try this recipe! Chocolate and cherries is a match made in heaven. I’m also curious…where did you get the cute jars that are pictured?
Hi Christine,
I hope you like the overnight oats! The jars are Weck brand and you can buy them online or I found mine at Sur la Table.
Love the combination of fresh cherries and dark chocolate! This sounds like a great way to start my mornings!