Black forest overnight oats with creamy dark chocolate oatmeal and dark sweet cherries are an easy, healthy make-ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert! (gluten-free, vegetarian)

black forest overnight oats in a glass jar with a cherry and cacao nibs on top and a black spoon in it.

Make ahead breakfasts are the name of the game for me. With two young toddlers at home, long gone are the days when I could make a fresh bowl of oatmeal from scratch or a healthy omelette each morning. Now, if I want to eat something other than cereal for breakfast, it had better be made ahead. That's why I love overnight oats! They're so easy, and come in endless flavor combinations - like this delicious Black Forest version.

Why You'll Love Black Forest Overnight Oats

These black forest overnight oats are so delicious for summer when sweet cherries are in season. Because let's be honest, who doesn't want to eat dessert for breakfast? Creamy dark chocolate oatmeal lightly sweetened with honey, combined with dark sweet summer cherries is healthy and filling, but tastes like dessert! And the best part is that you can whip up 2 or 3 jars at night and have a nutritious breakfast for a few days waiting for you in the refrigerator.

How To Make Black Forest Overnight Oats

three image collage showing steps for making Black forest overnight oats.

Whisk yogurt, milk, cocoa, honey and salt in a jar or other container with a lid until it's well blended.
Add the oats and cherries and stir to combine or close the lid and shake.
Refrigerate, covered, overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Enjoy cold or warm in the morning.

two glass jars with black forest overnight oats topped with cherries on a white background.

How To Heat Overnight Oats

If you prefer overnight oats warm, simply heat them in the microwave for about 60 seconds (microwaves vary, so you may need more or less time).

Recipe Variations

Maple syrup can be used in place of honey.
If it's not cherry season, you can use frozen cherries. They will thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
For an extra boost of healthy fats, you can add a teaspoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed.
Top with any toppings you like, such as cacao nibs, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Love overnight oats as much as I do? Then you'll love this roundup of healthy overnight oats recipes!

angled overhead view of black forest overnight oats in a jar topped with cacao nibs and cherries with a black spoon.

If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating in the comments!

Healthy Black Forest Overnight Oats

black forest overnight oats in a glass jar with a cherry and cacao nibs on top.

Print Recipe

Black forest overnight oats with creamy dark chocolate oatmeal and dark sweet cherries are an easy, healthy make ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert! (gluten-free, vegetarian)

Author: Kaleigh
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: breakfast
Method: no bake
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup milk of choice
2 tsp dark cocoa powder (I like Dutch processed)
1 tsp honey (more or less to taste)
pinch fine sea salt
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup dark sweet cherries, pitted and halved

Instructions

In a jar or other container with a lid, whisk yogurt, milk, cocoa, honey and salt.
Add oats and cherries. Stir or close the lid and shake.
Place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours.

Notes

Oats will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To enjoy warm, simple heat in the microwave for about 60 seconds.
Maple syrup can be used in place of honey.
If it's not cherry season, you can use frozen cherries. They will thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
For an extra boost of healthy fats, you can add a teaspoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed.
Top with any toppings you like, such as cacao nibs, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Keywords: black forest overnight oats, healthy cherry chocolate overnight oats

This post was originally published July 2018 and has been updated.