Cherry Almond Overnight Oats with Yogurt

Name: Cherry Almond Overnight Oats with Yogurt
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats (NOT quick-cooking); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1 Tablespoon chia seeds; 2 teaspoon granular monk fruit sweetener; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; pinch of salt; 1/2 cup fresh cherries (pitted and halved (can also use frozen cherries)); Optional: 1 Tbsp. sliced or chopped almonds

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This Cherry Almond Overnight Oats recipe is made with simple, clean ingredients making it a fantastic healthy breakfast. Loaded with protein and fiber, these cherry overnight oats with yogurt will keep you full well through lunch!

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Cherry overnight oats in a clear glass topped with sliced almonds and fresh cherries.

Cherry overnight oats: The Perfect Make-Ahead Healthy Breakfast

Anytime I’m looking to meal prep breakfast or have some quick on-the-go breakfast recipes in the fridge, overnight oats are always at the top of my list. Overnight oats make for an ideal healthy breakfast, as they prioritize fiber and added protein. Perfect for helping you feel full and satiated.

The best part of making overnight oats is the fact that they just take 5 minutes to stir together before going to bed. Once you wake up in the morning, you’ve got a healthy, protein-packed breakfast ready to go!

Here’s some helpful tips to making these Cherry Overnight Oats with Yogurt:

Ingredients for cherry overnight oats; whole, fresh cherries, rolled oats, Greek yogurt, milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract and honey.

The ingredients you’ll need for Cherry Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt:

For the full recipe with exact ingredients and directions be sure to refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, NOT instant oats
Plain Greek yogurt, I prefer full-fat Greek Yogurt, like Fage 5%
Milk – diary or plant-based milk
Chia Seeds
Honey – you can also use granular Keto-friendly sweeteners, like Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener with Erythritol, Swerve Erythritol Granular Sweetener, or Monkfruit in the Raw.
Vanilla Extract
Fresh cherries, pitted and sliced in half
Salt

What kind of oats do you use for overnight oats?

The best oats for making overnight oats is old-fashioned rolled oats. These will provide the best texture and hold up well in the liquid.

You can also use steel-cut oats, but keep in mind the oats will be more chewy. They will also benefit fromr a little extra liquid (2-3 Tbsp more milk) and a few extra hours in the refrigerator. I do NOT recommend instant oatmeal, as the oats consistency will quickly turn to mush.

What type of yogurt should I use for overnight oats with yogurt?

I recommend plain Greek yogurt when making overnight oats with yogurt. It does not have added sugar or sweeteners, and the thick consistency is great for overnight oats. It also has a good amount of protein, making it a healthy choice for breakfast.

I do not recommend fruity-yogurt, as these have quite a bit of added, refined sugar.

Love recipes using yogurt? Check out my recipe for Chocolate Protein Pudding, that uses Greek yogurt.

Stirred oats with fresh pitted cherries, with cherry pitter on side.

How do I make overnight oats?

There are very few steps to making overnight oats. You’ll start by combining the wet ingredients; yogurt, milk, vanilla and honey. Stir together until smooth. Then add the oatmeal, chia seeds and salt. Stir together well. Lastly, add the cherries.

To make pitting cherries easy, I got this OXO Cherry Pitter a while back. Not only is it a huge time saver, but you can also use it for olives!

If you are adding sliced almonds to your cherry almond overnight oats, I would recommend stirring it in until just before you eat it. The almonds will stay crunchy when adding to your oats as a topping.

Overhead shot of overnight oats in mason jar, with fresh pitted, cherry halves on top.

FAQ’s for making overnight oats:

Can you eat raw oats with yogurt?

You can eat raw oats with yogurt. The oats do not have to be cooked, and can be consumed raw.

Can you heat overnight oats with yogurt?

Overnight oats can be heated. If you would prefer overnight oats hot, instead of cold, simply heat in the microwave on :30 second increments, stirring each time. It will take approximately 60-90 seconds to heat thoroughly.

Can you leave overnight oats at room temperature?

You cannot leave overnight oats at room temperature. Because overnight oats contain yogurt and milk, they need to be kept refrigerated after mixing.

Do overnight oats have to be refrigerated?

Because overnight oats contain yogurt and milk, they need to be refrigerated.

What is the ratio for overnight oats?

The ratio to making overnight oats is equal parts of the following: 1 part plain Greek yogurt: 1 part Old Fashioned rolled oats: 1 part Milk.

Can I use frozen fruit in overnight oats?

Using frozen fruit is a great alternative to fresh fruit. Using frozen fruit is a great option when certain fruits are out of season. It is also a more affordable option.

Overhead shot of cherry almond overnight oats, with spoonful of oats coming out of the jar.

Best toppings for overnight oats:

The possibilities are endless when topping your cherry almond overnight oats. Here’s a list of possible toppings and mix-in’s for your oats:

Fresh or frozen cherries
Almonds, sliced or chopped
Almond, cashew or pecan butter
Granola
Chia seeds

Jar of cherry overnight oats, topped with fresh cherry halves and sliced almonds.

If you loved this healthy make-ahead breakfast recipe, check out some of my other similar recipes:

Love fresh cherries? Here’s a few of my favorite cherry recipe:

Bowl of cherry overnight oats, topped with additional fresh cherries, sliced almonds, chia seeds and a sprinkle of dry oats.

Here’s the recipe for my Cherry Overnight Oats with Yogurt:

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Cherry overnight oats with sliced almonds and pitted cherries on top. Whole, fresh cherries garnished on the side.

Cherry Almond Overnight Oats with Yogurt

Erin Indahl-Fink

A healthy, easy make-ahead breakfast idea! This Cherry Overnight Oats with Greek yogurt is made with clean ingredients, protein-rich and the perfect way to start your day!

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 399 kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats NOT quick-cooking
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk dairy or plant-based
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
2 teaspoon granular monk fruit sweetener
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
pinch of salt
1/2 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved (can also use frozen cherries)
Optional: 1 Tbsp. sliced or chopped almonds

Instructions

In a pint-sized mason jar or any resealable container, add the yogurt, milk, vanilla and sweetener. Stir together well. Add the oatmeal, chia seeds and salt. Mix together until combined.
Stir in the halved cherries until just combined.
Place a lid on the container and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
Once ready to eat, top with almonds (if desired) and additional fresh cherries. Will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Notes

Refrigeration time is 6 hours or overnight. This will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Sweetener substitutes: maple syrup, honey or any other granular sweeteners, like monk fruit extract, Swerve or Lakanto brand sweeteners.

If fresh cherries are out of season, feel free to use frozen cherries. I would NOT recommend maraschino cherries or cherry pie filling, as these are high in refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring.