Cherry Overnight Oats
These creamy Cherry Overnight Oats are packed with protein and a sweet cherry chia jam. It’s a perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
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Cherry Overnight Oats are a delightful and nutritious way to start your day. Combining the natural sweetness of cherries with the creamy texture of oats, this make-ahead breakfast is both convenient and satisfying. Perfect for busy mornings, these oats offer a balanced meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
In this Post

Why I Love Overnight Oats
As someone who craves quick, wholesome breakfasts, Overnight Oats are a staple in my kitchen. Sometimes I’ll even serve them for dessert!
With Cherry Overnight Oats, I’m drawn to the blend of juicy cherries and creamy oats — it creates a mix of flavors that I find oh-so hard to resist. Knowing that a nutritious breakfast is ready and waiting makes my mornings something to look forward to!
Ingredients & Substitutions
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
- Rolled Oats: Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. They provide a chewy yet tender consistency. You can find them in the cereal aisle of most grocery stores.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds help thicken the mixture and add a dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Look for them in the health food section.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Choose a plant-based vanilla protein powder. If yours is unsweetened, consider adding a touch of sweetener to balance the flavors.
- Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk work well. Select your favorite to customize the taste.
- Plain Vegan Yogurt: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. Coconut or almond-based yogurts are excellent choices.
- Cherries: Both fresh and frozen cherries work. If using frozen, thaw them beforehand. You can find cherries in the frozen fruit section year-round.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the overall flavor. Located in the breakfast or baking aisle.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
What Makes This Recipe Shine?
The combination of rolled oats and chia seeds forms a hearty base that absorbs the flavors of the plant-based milk and vegan yogurt, resulting in a creamy consistency. The addition of vanilla protein powder not only enhances the taste but also boosts the protein content, making it a well-rounded meal. The homemade cherry chia jam introduces a natural sweetness and slight tartness, perfectly complementing the richness of the oats.
Recipe Test Kitchen Insights
During testing, I found that using a combination of plant-based milk and vegan yogurt resulted in a creamier texture compared to using milk alone. Additionally, allowing the cherry chia jam to sit for about 10 minutes before layering helped it thicken nicely, preventing it from blending into the oats. For those who prefer a sweeter taste, adding an extra teaspoon of maple syrup to the oat mixture provided a pleasant balance without overpowering the natural cherry flavor.

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Cherry Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Creamy Oats Base
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder (add sweetener if your protein powder is unsweetened)
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- ¼ cup plain vegan yogurt
Cherry Chia Jam
- 1 cup cherries , fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- optional toppings: fresh cherries (pitted), granola, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, maple syrup drizzle)
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a medium-sized bowl or jar, combine the oats, chia seeds, and protein powder. Stir together. Add milk and yogurt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Make Cherry Jam: Gently stir together cherries, chia seeds, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Layer the Oats: In a jar or glass, add half of the oat mixture as the base layer. Spoon in the cooled cherry compote to create a thick, vibrant middle layer. Top with the remaining oat mixture.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the jars with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours, up to overnight, to allow the oats to soften and the chia seeds to thicken.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, add fresh cherries on top for a pop of color and flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with granola, chia seeds, or slivered almonds for added texture.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy as a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack.
- Storage: Store overnight oats covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or transfer the oats to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Recommended Equipment
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Notes
Tips for Success
- Layering Tip: For clean, defined layers, use a spoon to carefully add each layer to the jar, wiping the inside of the glass if needed.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer thinner oats, add a splash of almond milk before layering.
- Make-Ahead: These oats keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them ideal for meal prep.
Nutrition
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
More Overnight Oats Recipes
If you love this recipe for overnight cherry oats, wait to try some of my other overnight oats recipes. Here are some of my favorites:







Are we supposed to blend the cherry chia jam ?