Cherry Overnight Oats Recipe

Enjoy the classic taste of cherry pie for breakfast with these Cherry Overnight Oats. Creamy, chilled oats are layered with a bright cherry compote for a summery, breakfast-ready treat. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and ideal for meal prep—prepare jars in advance for quick grab-and-go mornings.

Overnight oats are a versatile, no-cook breakfast that softens and thickens in the fridge. For these Cherry Overnight Oats, I layer creamy oats thickened with chia seeds and almond milk with a simple cherry compote for a flavor that recalls cherry pie—without baking. If you prefer an even quicker version, swap the compote for fresh pitted cherries and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Creamy, layered oats and cherry compote deliver a breakfast that tastes like cherry pie without the fuss.
• Chia seeds thicken the oats while adding fiber and plant-based protein.
• Quick to prepare and perfect for batch-making—make several jars at once for the week.
• Dairy-free and gluten-free when made with your preferred non-dairy milk and certified oats.

Recipe ingredients

• Cherry compote. Use the prepared compote for concentrated cherry flavor, or substitute 1 cup pitted, halved fresh cherries plus 3 tablespoons maple syrup to sweeten the oats.
• Old fashioned rolled oats. 2 cups—these give the best texture for overnight oats. (Steel-cut oats require different prep.)
• Chia seeds. 2 tablespoons to thicken the oats and boost fiber and protein. If you omit chia, reduce the milk amount to keep a thicker consistency.
• Unsweetened almond milk. 2½ cups. Use any dairy or plant milk you prefer.
• Optional flavorings. A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for extra depth.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to make overnight oats with cherries

These overnight oats come together in minutes. The cherry compote takes about 10–15 minutes to make and can be prepared ahead of time. If you use fresh cherries instead, the prep is even faster.

Advance tip: Make the cherry compote a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator to speed up assembly.

1. Prepare the cherry compote and let it cool completely. (Alternatively, pit and halve 1 cup fresh cherries and toss with 3 tablespoons maple syrup.)
2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, and 2½ cups unsweetened almond milk. Add a splash of vanilla if desired.
3. Stir well to combine, cover, and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight so the oats soften and thicken.
4. Divide the chilled oats between 6 smaller jars or 4 larger containers. Spoon cherry compote over the oats—about 2 heaping tablespoons compote per ½ cup oats is a good guideline—and layer as you like.
5. Add any toppings just before serving, such as nuts, coconut flakes, or a dollop of yogurt.

Recipe FAQs

Serving suggestions

• Top with sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or toasted coconut for crunch.
• Sprinkle mini dark chocolate chips for a black-forest-inspired twist.
• Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
• Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to brighten the cherry flavor.

Recipe notes

• Make-ahead: Cherry compote keeps 1–2 days refrigerated—handy for quick assembly.
• If you omit chia seeds, reduce the almond milk to 2 cups so the oats remain thick.
• Serving sizes depend on jar size; aim for roughly ½ cup oats per serving with 2 heaping tablespoons compote.
• Store finished jars in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Did you try this recipe? If you made these Cherry Overnight Oats, share how you served them and any customizations you loved.