Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats offer a delicious and nutritious start to your day with minimal effort. This creamy, cocoa-infused breakfast combines the natural sweetness of cherries with the richness of Greek yogurt for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mason jar or bowl, combine the oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, cherries, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Step 2: Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Step 3: Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate overnight, allowing the oats to soak and flavors to meld.
- Step 4: In the morning, stir the oats and add a splash of milk if the mixture seems too thick.
- Step 5: Serve cold or warm, topped with additional cherries if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds just before serving.
- Swap cherries for other berries or diced stone fruits depending on the season.
- Use flavored yogurt like vanilla or cherry to enhance sweetness without extra syrup.
- For a vegan option, choose plant-based yogurt and a sweetener like maple syrup.
Storage
Store overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the oats absorb too much liquid, stir in a little extra milk before serving. They can be enjoyed chilled or gently warmed in a microwave-safe bowl.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats will work but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats are preferred for a heartier bite.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
Refrigeration allows the oats to soak and soften properly, creating the creamy texture characteristic of overnight oats. While you can soak for a shorter time, overnight is best.
PrintChocolate Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe
This Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats recipe offers a delightful and nutritious way to start your day. Combining creamy Greek yogurt, rich cocoa powder, and sweet cherries, this make-ahead breakfast is packed with flavor and antioxidants. Ready in just a few minutes, simply mix the ingredients, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy a creamy, satisfying meal that can be served cold or warmed up to your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Flavorings and Sweeteners
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mason jar or bowl, add the rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, cherries, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Make sure to use fresh or thawed cherries if using frozen to ensure proper mixing.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until the cocoa powder is evenly distributed and the mixture is well combined.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar or bowl and place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 6 hours, allowing the oats to soak and absorb the flavors for a creamy texture.
- Stir and Serve: In the morning, take the oats out and give them a good stir. Add a splash of almond milk if the mixture is too thick.
- Optional Warming and Garnishing: Serve the oats cold, or gently warm them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. Top with extra cherries or your favorite toppings like nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for best texture; quick oats can become mushy.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- Substitute almond milk with any other plant-based or dairy milk as preferred.
- Cherries can be replaced with other berries for variation.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey.
Keywords: overnight oats, chocolate cherry oats, healthy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, no-cook oats, Greek yogurt oats
