Black Forest Overnight Oats
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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 lightly sweetened with maple syrup. And instead of yogurt, I like to use coconut cream to thicken the oats – and make them super creamy. 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!), is 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! And this is true for all my overnight oats recipes. Even the caramel banana overnight oats are just as good!
Easy Prep Steps
Start with the chocolate milk first (the kid in me just got excited! 🙂 ). Add the milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cocoa (natural or Dutch process are fine), and salt to a mixing bowl. Mix well until combined.
Tip! I like to use oat milk to match the flavor of the oats, but any milk will work. I often use carton coconut milk because we always have that in the refrigerator.
Add the oats. For best results, use rolled oats. They have the best texture to keep a little bite when soaked in milk. Quick oats will get mushy and steel cut oats don’t absorb liquid well.
Tip! Oats are naturally gluten free, but if you need to be 100% that they are, look for a ‘gluten free’ label on the bag.
Give the oats a good mix – and try not to eat them right away! They need at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to soak, but overnight is best (hence, the name 😉 ). Cover with plastic wrap to refrigerate. They will be good for about 3 to 5 days – making them a fantastic grab-and-go breakfast.
Tip! I see this question a lot – can overnight oats be heated? And the answer is yes! Microwave for 30 to 90 seconds, or until warm.
Now it’s time to make the cherry compote. You have a couple of options – you can simply chop up some cherries and mix them with a little maple syrup and lemon juice. Or, my preferred method – cook them down slightly with maple syrup so they release their juices and soften.
Tip! Frozen cherries will also work. If you are not going to cook the cherries, thaw and drain them. If you are going to cook the cherries, no need to thaw.
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
- ¾ cup oat milk (or any milk)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened canned coconut milk or cream, full fat (refrigerated overnight; only the cream in the can)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or any sweetener; sweeten to taste)
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch process
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
- 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 the milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until creamy.3/4 cup oat milk, 1/3 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk or cream, full fat, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch process, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 pinch salt
- 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!
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.
- Sweetener – Any sweetener of choice can be used, and I recommend taste testing along the way to reach your desired sweetness.
- 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 …
Hi, I’m Erin! 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 every one of the 300+ recipes on my website. And even had some of my desserts featured on Taste of Home, The Spruce Eats, ELLE, Parade, and more! From traditional to gluten free desserts for two, I have the recipe for you.
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