Easy Cherry Pie Overnight Oats

Getting your day started with a breakfast that’s both tasty and filling can feel impossible when you’re rushing out the door. Between packing lunches, getting everyone dressed, and trying to make it to work on time, cooking a proper breakfast often falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

That’s why these cherry pie overnight oats have become my morning lifesaver. They’re quick to throw together the night before, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and best of all – they taste just like dessert for breakfast while still keeping things on the healthier side.

What Kind of Cherries Should I Use?

Fresh sweet cherries are perfect for this overnight oats recipe, with Bing cherries being the most common variety you’ll find at the grocery store. Dark sweet cherries like Bing, Sweetheart, or Rainier all work great – just pick whichever looks freshest at your market. If fresh cherries aren’t in season, you can definitely use frozen cherries instead – just thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid. When selecting fresh cherries, look for firm, shiny fruit with green stems still attached, and avoid any that are soft or have brown spots. Remember to pit your cherries before using them (a cherry pitter makes this job much easier, but you can also use a straw or paperclip in a pinch).

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is pretty flexible and you can make several easy swaps depending on what you have in your kitchen:

• Fresh cherries: If fresh cherries aren’t in season, frozen cherries work just as well – just thaw them first. You could also try other fruits like berries, peaches, or plums for a different twist.
• Almond milk: Any milk works here! Try coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly with each option.
• Kefir/Greek yogurt: These are interchangeable with each other, but you can also use regular plain yogurt, dairy-free yogurt alternatives, or even cottage cheese (blended smooth) for extra protein.
• Maple syrup: Feel free to swap this with honey, agave nectar, or your preferred sweetener. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
• Traditional oats: While old-fashioned rolled oats work best for overnight oats, you can use quick oats in a pinch – just know they’ll be softer in texture. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended as they won’t soften enough overnight.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when preparing overnight oats is using quick-cooking or instant oats instead of traditional rolled oats – these will turn mushy and lose their pleasant texture by morning, so stick with old-fashioned oats for the best consistency.

Getting your liquid-to-oat ratio wrong can make or break this recipe – too much liquid creates soup, while too little leaves you with dry, hard oats, so measure carefully and stick to the 1:1 ratio of liquid (combining your almond milk and kefir) to oats.

When adding the fresh cherries, avoid cutting them too small or mashing them into the mixture right away – instead, fold them in gently and save some for topping just before eating to prevent your oats from turning an unappetizing grey color.

For the creamiest results, let your oats chill for at least 6 hours, and give them a good stir before serving to redistribute any settled liquid and achieve that perfect, pudding-like consistency.

What to Serve With Cherry Pie Overnight Oats?

Since these overnight oats already pack a good mix of protein and carbs, you really just need some simple add-ons to make it a complete breakfast. A handful of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans adds a nice crunch and some healthy fats – I usually keep a small container of them ready to sprinkle on top in the morning. For extra protein, I sometimes add a spoonful of almond or peanut butter, which tastes amazing with the cherry pie flavors. If you’re having this as a post-workout breakfast, pair it with a hard-boiled egg or two on the side for an extra protein boost.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These cherry pie overnight oats are perfect for meal prep! Pop them in airtight mason jars or containers and they’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit, making them even tastier on day 2 or 3.

Prep Ahead: Want to save some morning time? Mix up several portions on Sunday night for the week ahead. You can prepare the base oat mixture and store the fresh cherries separately if you prefer them to maintain their texture. Just top your oats with the cherries when you’re ready to eat.

Serving Tips: These oats are meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, but if you prefer them warm, you can heat them up for about 45 seconds in the microwave. Just give them a good stir before eating, as the liquid might settle at the bottom overnight.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	600-615 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 900-1050
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-180 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound pitted fresh cherries
• 1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup plain kefir (or plain greek yogurt as an alternative)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 cups traditional oats

Step 1: Blend the Ingredients

Add cherries, almond milk, vanilla extract, kefir, and maple syrup into a blender.

Blend the ingredients together until they become a smooth mixture.

This will be the flavorful base for your overnight oats.

Step 2: Combine with Oats

Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl.

Add oats to the bowl and mix until they are thoroughly combined with the liquid ingredients.

Ensure the oats are completely submerged in the blended mixture so they can absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the bowl and place it into the refrigerator to let the oats soak and soften overnight.

This will allow the flavors to meld together for a delicious breakfast.

Step 4: Stir and Serve

Before enjoying your overnight oats, give them a good stir to incorporate everything evenly.

Serve cold right out of the refrigerator, or allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer a slightly warmer dish.