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Creamy Overnight Oats Recipe: Easy Cherry Almond Breakfast for Busy Mornings

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This creamy overnight oats recipe combines velvety oats, sweet-tart cherries, and crunchy toasted almonds for a comforting, grab-and-go breakfast. It’s quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy mornings or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond milk)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or coconut/soy yogurt for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted and halved)
  • 1/3 cup sliced or chopped almonds, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Toast the almonds: Place sliced or chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the cherries: Pit and halve fresh cherries, or thaw frozen cherries slightly and chop. Reserve a few for topping if desired.
  3. Mix the base: In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, and yogurt. Stir in chia seeds (if using), honey or maple syrup, almond extract, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Add the cherries: Chop half the cherries and stir them into the oat mixture. Mash a few for extra cherry flavor. Fold in half the toasted almonds.
  5. Jar it up: Spoon the mixture evenly into 2-3 jars or containers (about 1 cup per serving). Press down gently to remove air pockets, then top with reserved cherries and almonds.
  6. Chill: Cover tightly with lids and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours, up to 24).
  7. Morning check: Open a jar and give it a quick stir. If too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, add a spoonful of oats and let sit for 10 minutes.
  8. Serve: Enjoy straight from the jar, or spoon into a bowl. Garnish with extra cherries and almonds.

Notes

Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version. Swap Greek yogurt and milk for plant-based alternatives for dairy-free. Adjust sweetness to taste. Chia seeds thicken the oats; use less or omit for a looser texture. Oats keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Layer ingredients for a pretty presentation. Microwave for 30–45 seconds to enjoy warm.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight oats, cherry almond oats, creamy oats, easy breakfast, healthy breakfast, meal prep, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, oats recipe