Start your morning with a simple, nutritious, and vibrant breakfast with Cherry Overnight Oats. This easy recipe combines creamy oats, sweet cherries, and a hint of vanilla for a naturally flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy mornings, make-ahead breakfasts, or a wholesome snack, these oats are ready to grab and go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Prep in minutes the night before.
- Healthy & filling: Packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness.
- Naturally sweet: Fresh or frozen cherries add vibrant flavor.
- Make-ahead breakfast: Ready to eat in the morning with no stress.
- Customizable: Add nuts, seeds, or yogurt for extra nutrition.
Ingredients

- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Combine ingredients: In a mason jar or container, mix oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add cherries: Gently fold in cherries, distributing them evenly.
- Seal & refrigerate: Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
- Stir & serve: In the morning, stir oats and top with extra cherries, nuts, or seeds if desired.
- Optional toppings: Add sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of nut butter for extra flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Frozen cherries: Can be used directly; they thaw overnight and sweeten the oats naturally.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based milk and yogurt.
- Add protein: Mix in protein powder or nut butter for a more filling breakfast.
- Overnight oats flavors: Swap cherries for blueberries, strawberries, or peaches for variety.
- Texture: Adjust milk quantity for creamier or thicker oats.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store prepared overnight oats in a covered container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as chia seeds can alter texture when frozen.
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or green tea for a balanced breakfast.
- Pair with a side of hard-boiled eggs or smoothie for extra protein.
- Top with a few dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes for a treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh cherries work perfectly. Pitting and chopping them slightly helps distribute flavor evenly.
Can I prepare multiple servings at once?
Absolutely! Layer oats in separate jars for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used, but the texture may be softer and creamier. Rolled oats provide a firmer bite.
How can I make it sweeter without sugar?
Use naturally sweet fruits like ripe cherries, banana slices, or a touch of maple syrup or honey.
Ready to Make It?
These Cherry Overnight Oats are quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Make a batch tonight for a ready-to-eat breakfast tomorrow. Save this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy a bright, nutritious start to your day.
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Cherry Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick, healthy, and delicious cherry overnight oats. Perfect for busy mornings, make-ahead breakfasts, or a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Gently fold in cherries evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, at least 6 hours.
4. In the morning, stir oats and top with extra cherries, nuts, or seeds if desired.
5. Optional: add sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or nut butter for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
Frozen cherries can be used directly; they thaw overnight and naturally sweeten the oats.
Use plant-based milk and yogurt for a vegan option.
Add protein powder or nut butter for a more filling breakfast.
Swap cherries for blueberries, strawberries, or peaches for variety.
Adjust milk quantity for creamier or thicker texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg