I think even the simplest breakfast should be pretty. Case in point – my strawberry milk overnight oats. And these black forest overnight oats are no different. The beloved chocolate and cherry combo is on full display in this wholesome make-ahead breakfast.
Rolled oats soak in chocolate dairy-free milk, thickened with coconut cream, and sweetened with maple syrup. The literal cherry on top is a simple cherry compote – and of course – dairy free whipped cream. With only 20 minutes of prep time, and all the makings of a delicious batch of black forest cupcakes, this is one breakfast you’ll look forward to every morning!
I mean really, these chocolate can cherry overnight oats are pretty enough to be a screen saver. And while I’m all about lovely small batch desserts, there’s something about an indulgent breakfast to look forward to.
If you’re like my husband, the first time he saw these breakfast oats, he asked if we were having dessert for breakfast. Which I thought was a great way to describe this treat – good enough for dessert. And, I’ve done this before with other recipes. The black forest chia seed pudding which features all the same flavors, doubles as an any time of day meal.
The best part (like it can get any better!), if you break down the ingredients in this recipe, you’ll be delighted to see that the oats are gluten, dairy, and refined sugar free!
Easy Prep Steps
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder (natural or Dutch process), coconut cream, and maple syrup.
Tip! Any milk will work. I like to use oat milk to complement the flavor of the oats but I also like to use carton coconut milk because it is extra creamy.
- Taste test the liquid mix and add a little more maple syrup (or any sweetener of choice) to get to your desired sweetness.
- Save the leftover coconut cream to whip into a whipped cream when ready to serve. Add a little sweetener and mix with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Tip! For best results, refrigerate the coconut milk can overnight so the coconut solids and liquid will separate.
- Stir rolled oats into the liquid mixture. Cover and refrigerate the oats for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferred so the oats can get tender and soak up the chocolate flavor.
- Make the cherry compote – add chopped cherries to a small sauce pan with a little maple syrup and lemon juice. Heat over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes for the cherries to break down slightly and release their juices. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tip! Rolled oats are the best to make overnight oats because they will retain a soft texture when soaked overnight. Instant oats will get mushy and steel cut oats don’t absorb liquid well.
When you’re ready to serve, transfer the oats to serving glasses or bowls. Top with a spoonful (or two) of the cherry compote and a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with a fresh cherry and chocolate shavings for the prettiest presentation!
Do you like fancy breakfast too? I feel pretty boujee when I eat these overnight oats. Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you! 🍒
Black Forest Overnight Oats
EQUIPMENT
- Serving Glasses
INGREDIENTS
Chocolate Overnight Oats
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch process
- ½ cup unsweetened canned coconut milk or cream, full fat (refrigerated overnight; only the cream in the can)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or any sweetener; sweeten to taste)
- 1 cup oat milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 ¼ cups rolled oats
Cherry Compote
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or any sweetener; sweeten to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Plan Ahead – Refrigerate the can of coconut milk overnight. We are only using the coconut solids from the can.
Chocolate Overnight Oats
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the milk, cocoa powder, coconut cream, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch process, 1/2 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk or cream, full fat, 3 to 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 cup oat milk
- Sprinkle the oats into the liquid and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate the oats, at least overnight.1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- Whipped Coconut Cream Topping – You can whip up the remaining coconut solids from the can to make whipped cream. Add the coconut cream and 1 tablespoon maple syrup to a small mixing bowl and using a hand held mixer, whip on medium high speed until soft, fluffy, and medium peaks form.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to assemble the oats.
Cherry Compote
- In a small saucepan, add the cherries, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Heat over medium-low heat until the cherries start to break up and their juices release. About 10 minutes.1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- Transfer the cherry compote to bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to assemble the oats. Note – You can add extra fresh cherry halves to the compote to give it more texture.
- Assemble the Oats – Portion equal amounts of the Chocolate Overnight Oats into your serving glasses. Top with equal amounts of Cherry Compote, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings (optional), and a fresh cherry on top. Enjoy!
RECIPE NOTES
- Serving Size – This recipe will yield 2 healthy portions or 4 smaller ones. It is easily doubled.
- Oats – Use rolled oats for their size, taste, and texture. You don’t have to use ‘Gluten Free‘ labeled oats if the recipe does not need to be gluten free.
- Oat Milk – The oat milk is a nice flavor complement to the oats, although any milk will work.
- Coconut Milk/Cream – To make the overnight oats creamy AND to make successful whipped cream – the can of coconut milk should be refrigerated overnight. You can swap the coconut cream with yogurt in the overnight oats, and omit the whipped cream topping if you prefer.
- Heating – You can heat the oats! Microwave for 30 to 90 seconds.
- Storage – Cover and refrigerate the oats for 3 to 5 days.
NUTRITION ESTIMATES
about the author ...
With years of experience baking for two in my own small household, I know about the love for desserts without the leftovers! I’ve tested, written, and photographed the hundreds of small batch dessert recipes on my website. From traditional to gluten free desserts for two, I have the recipe for you!