A delightful summer breakfast, these cherry overnight oats have all the cherry pie flavours and are so easy to make! Made without yogurt for a vegan recipe, they are creamy and delicious and perfect for a meal prep breakfast.
There's something about cherries that feels quite indulgent, and so perfect for summer. I know my family loves them, which is why they are always happy when I make recipes such as my cherry chia pudding, cherry caprese salad and the indulgent dessert of cherry blueberry crisp or cherry mango popsicles.
These cherry almond overnight oats are full of fruity flavour, and such a treat in the morning. Or as a healthy snack - they are very versatile! Combining the cherries with almonds gives that cherry bakewell flavour, so it's like eating dessert for breakfast, and what could be better than that!
Simple to make, they combine all pantry staples other than the fruit. Whip up a batch and an hour later (or overnight if that works for you) breakfast is served. I think these overnight oats will go down well with all the family, from adults to kids to babies. It's quite a crowd-pleaser!
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Why this recipe is so good
Cherry pie flavours. The combination of cherries with almonds, and the creamy oats feels like dessert for breakfast (making it very kid-friendly I think!).
No cook time. This is a very easy recipe with very little 'hands on' time, and no bake time either. Simply combine the ingredients and give them a stir.
Pantry staples. Although you do need fresh cherries (and blueberries if using), all the other ingredients are pantry staples you will always find in most kitchens and on my shopping list too!
Ingredients
All the ingredients and their quantities are set out in the recipe card below, but some notes on a few of them:
- Cherries - if using fresh cherries you want fresh, unbruised produce. You can also use frozen cherries, but it's better to thaw them for around 20-30 minutes before use.
- Oats - I suggest using rolled oats that hold together and still have some 'bite' rather than the very fine quick cook oats.
- Chia seeds - be sure to use whole chia rather than milled chia. The latter will overly thicken the oats in my opinion.
Swaps and substitutions
Swap blueberries for more cherries. I like the addition of blueberries, but if you want oatmeal with cherries alone, then simply add more!
Use the type of milk that works best or you. Each of us like, or in the case of my low histamine readers, tolerate different types of milk. Use the type most suitable for you.
Step by step instructions
A very simple recipe that requires very little prep time and no cook time at all!
Step 1
Prepare the cherries. Use a cherry pitter to remove the stones, then remove any stems and cut the cherries into quarters (image 1).
Step 2
Combine ingredients. Add all the ingredients to a bowl or a container that can be covered or sealed (image 2).
Step 3
Pour on the milk. Give the oats a very good stir so they are all soaked in the milk (image 3).
Step 4
Place in the fridge. Cover or seal your container and add the oats to the fridge for at least an hour or overnight. The oats and chia seeds will absorb the milk and thicken in texture (image 4).
When ready to serve, give the oats a good stir and loosen with a touch more milk to preference. Then top with cherries and almonds and enjoy!
Recipe tips and notes
- Be sure to stir the oats well so they are well soaked in the milk. This helps them soften and go all creamy and delicious.
- I suggest not adding much more than half a teaspoon of chia seeds as it can overly thicken the oats and give a more 'earthy' taste.
- If using frozen cherries it is best to let them thaw slightly before making the oats.
Frequently asked questions
Frozen cherries work well for overnight oats, but it's best to thaw them for 20-30 minutes before combining with the other ingredients.
You can eat overnight oats hot or cold. If serving hot, warm through in a pan or microwave. You may need to add a little milk to loosen.
If you want to add some fun toppings to your overnight oats you can choose from fruit, nuts, seeds or a nut or seed butter as tasty options.
Equipment needed
Bowl or tupperware container - to make the overnight oats.
Cherry pitter - to remove the stones from the cherries.
A note for my low histamine readers
Cherries are one of the foods that are a little debated in terms of histamine. The SIGHI list rates them as 0, so low histamine, but with a note that simply says 'controversial'.
However, other lists are completely all over the place! Some rate as low histamine, while others as high histamine. So it's a bit tricky. As always, only try the recipe if you know you tolerate cherries well. There are lots of other low histamine recipes to try here if this one doesn't work for you!
In terms of 'fridge' time I would suggest that my low histamine readers would want to avoid placing them in the fridge overnight due to histamine formation. Instead, an hour in the fridge would be better. Note that this may be too long for some people, so be conscious of personal sensitivities.
More easy breakfast ideas
If you are pushed for time in the morning, these easy breakfast recipes are simple and delicious!
I'm always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes! And please do leave a star rating if you tried the recipe!
Recipe
Cherry overnight oats
Equipment
- Bowl or tupperware container
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup cherries stems and stones removed, quartered
- ¾ cup non-dairy milk
- ¼ cup blueberries optional, halved
- 2 tablespoon flaked almonds
- ½ teaspoon chia seeds
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- pinch salt optional
Instructions
- Remove the stems and stones from the cherries, and cut into quarters. Halve the blueberries, if using.
- Add all the ingredients, except 1 tablespoon of the almonds and a few cherries, to a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight.
- Spoon into your serving bowl, top with the reserved cherries and almonds, and enjoy!
Notes
- Stir the oats very thoroughly so they are well coated in the milk. This ensures they soak up the liquid and become thick and creamy.
- I suggest not being tempted to add much more in the way of chia seeds as it can overly thicken the oats and give a more 'earthy' taste.
- If using frozen cherries it is best to let them thaw for 20-30 minutes before combining with the other ingredients.
- The blueberries are optional, leave out and use more cherries if you prefer!
- cherries score 0, but there is a note stating 'controversial'. Other lists vary widely, with some giving cherries as low histamine, others as higher. Only use if you know they are suitable for you.
- almonds score 1.
- non-dairy milk has variable scores.
Faith says
Tysm for this fantastic recipe!!!
Claire says
Glad you liked it!