Cherry Overnight Oats with Cacao and Peanut Butter

These Cherry Overnight Oats are a filling and healthy make-ahead breakfast option with cherries, high-protein Greek yogurt, hemp and chia seeds, unsweetened cacao powder, peanut butter, and cacao nibs.

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I wanted to post this recipe earlier in the summer when the cherry season was in full swing but I was busy getting together the DIY Gin Bar post.

If you can still get your hands on fresh cherries, buy them up and reserve some for making Cherry Overnight Oats!

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Can I Use Frozen Cherries in Cherry Overnight Oats?

Cherries aren’t at the farmers market anymore, although I’ve seen some bags in grocery stores. Fresh cherries are obviously the best option.

But this is one of my favorite easy breakfast recipes and I like to make it throughout the year so I have tried it with frozen cherries as well.

They work pretty well but just make sure the cherries are completely thawed before adding them to the overnight oats.

Can I Use Quick Cooking Oats or Steel Cut Oats?

Unfortunately, quick-cooking oats get too soggy when soaked overnight and steel-cut oats don’t get soft enough.

You can read more about the differences between quick-cooking oats, rolled oats, and steel-cut oats here.

Make-Ahead Back to School Breakfast

I’ve had this recipe in my back pocket for a while. It was my go-to breakfast for when I was working my part-time job because it’s very tasty but also gives you a full tank.

I would prep it the night before and in the morning I would remix it again and add some extra milk on top before putting it in my lunch bag. My work started early enough where I wasn’t hungry yet. Once I got hungry I just had to get it out, sprinkle the cocoa nibs on top and enjoy!

I feel like I’m out of touch with what kids like, but parents matter too and back to school is just as busy and hectic for them. It’s nice to have a healthy and filling breakfast ready to go for yourself in the mornings, whether you’re a parent corralling your kids or just trying to get to work on time.

Night Before

The night before, combine all the dry ingredients (except the cocoa nibs) together in a mason jar or air-tight container.

• Rolled oats (rich in carbs and fiber and higher in protein than most grains)
• Hemp seeds (great source of protein and rich in healthy fats/essential fatty acids)
• Chia seeds (have a ton of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants)
• Vanilla powder
• Cacao powder (can help decrease inflammation, improve heart and brain health)
• Salt

Then add the wet ingredients:

• Milk of your choice
• Nonfat Greek yogurt (protein protein protein + probiotic benefits)
• Maple syrup
• Peanut butter
• Cherries

Morning

Give the overnight oats a mix. Depending on what kind of consistency you prefer, add more milk to make it less thick and then top with the cocoa nibs and more maple syrup or salt if desired.

If you’ll be eating the overnight oats later, pour more milk in and mix to reach the desired consistency. But then add a small layer on top with maple syrup (if desired) and don’t mix it. Put the lid on and pack the cocoa nibs in a small container. Once you’re hungry, mix, sprinkle the cocoa nibs on and enjoy.

More Oat Recipes

• Peacotum Maple Glazed Upside-Down Cake
• Granola Protein Power

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