If you’re a fan of the rich, decadent flavors of a Black Forest cake—layers of chocolate, sweet cherries, and a touch of cream—you’re going to fall head over spoon for these Black Forest Overnight Oats.
This wholesome twist on the classic dessert transforms those indulgent flavors into a creamy, nourishing, and energizing breakfast that feels like a treat but fuels your body like a pro.
With rich cocoa, juicy cherries, and a dollop of yogurt or creaminess, these oats are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, plant-based protein, and healthy fats.
It’s the kind of breakfast that feels special, whether you’re prepping for a busy weekday or looking for something delightful to serve on a slow morning.
A Dessert-Inspired Breakfast That’s Actually Good for You
This recipe brings together rolled oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, sweet cherries (fresh or frozen), chia seeds, and your milk of choice for a thick, pudding-like overnight oat base.
The cherries bring a natural sweetness and tartness that pair perfectly with chocolate, while chia seeds help create a luscious texture and deliver healthy omega-3s.
To round it all out, Greek yogurt or a creamy plant-based alternative adds a high-protein boost that makes this meal truly satisfying. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, perfect for meal prep, and kid-friendly, too.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, soy, or dairy)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- 1/2 cup sweet cherries (pitted, fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Extra cherries or cherry compote
- Dark chocolate shavings or mini chips
- A dollop of yogurt or coconut cream
- Sliced almonds or cacao nibs
Pro Tips
- Use sweet cherries for balance – Whether fresh or frozen, sweet cherries help offset the richness of the cocoa.
- Blend cherries for compote-style texture – Want a layered look? Blend or mash your cherries and spoon over the oats before chilling.
- Chill overnight for best results – Four hours works, but overnight gives the best pudding-like consistency.
- Make it a parfait – Layer oats, cherries, yogurt, and chocolate in a glass for a gorgeous, indulgent presentation.
- Add protein – Use Greek yogurt or add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder for a high-protein breakfast option.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl or jar
- Spoon or whisk
- Refrigerator
Substitutions and Variations
- No yogurt? Add an extra splash of milk or use coconut cream for a dairy-free, creamy texture.
- Dairy-free? Use almond milk and a coconut-based yogurt.
- No cocoa powder? Substitute with cacao powder or melt a square of dark chocolate into the mixture.
- No chia seeds? Use flaxseed meal or omit; texture will be slightly thinner.
- Want it sweeter? Mix in chopped dates or banana for natural sweetness.
Make-Ahead Tips
Black Forest Overnight Oats are perfect for meal prep. You can prep 2–4 servings in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best texture, keep any toppings separate until ready to eat.
Layering them in jars makes them a beautiful grab-and-go option for work, school, or even post-gym fuel. You can also freeze the base in small containers and thaw in the fridge overnight.
How to Make Black Forest Overnight Oats
1. Pit and Prep the Cherries
If using fresh cherries, remove pits and slice in halves or quarters. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mason jar or mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
3. Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Add rolled oats, chia seeds, and cocoa powder. Mix thoroughly until combined and smooth.
4. Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the cherries or spoon a layer on top. You can also mash or blend the cherries for a compote layer.
5. Chill Overnight
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow oats and chia seeds to absorb liquid and thicken.
6. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, give the oats a stir and top with yogurt, cherries, chocolate shavings, or any toppings you like.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover oats in the fridge in an airtight jar for up to 5 days. Add a splash of milk before serving if the texture becomes too thick.
Keep any toppings like chocolate or nuts in a separate container until serving for optimal texture.
This recipe is freezer-friendly—just portion out into jars or silicone containers and thaw overnight in the fridge.
A Chocolate-Cherry Dream You Can Eat for Breakfast
These Black Forest Overnight Oats are proof that healthy breakfasts don’t have to be boring.
They’re rich, satisfying, and full of that classic cherry-chocolate flavor combo you love—without any of the processed sugar or guilt.
Make a batch this week and let yourself enjoy dessert for breakfast! Have fun topping them your way, and don’t forget to leave a comment—what did you add, layer, or tweak to make it uniquely yours?
