These quick and easy Black Forest Cake Overnight Oats have all the taste of the classic dessert in a gluten-free, protein-packed breakfast!
Here’s a dream breakfast for anyone who could use a little chocolate therapy in the morning. Based on the favorite chocolate-and-cherry Black Forest cake, they let me get all the joy of cake for breakfast while still letting me high-five myself for starting the day with fiber-rich oats and protein-packed yogurt. Plus they’re made ahead, so they’re already setting me up for morning success in more ways than one!
These oats have the same super-rich, deep-dark chocolatey goodness mingled with tart cherries that you find in the classic cake. The swirls of thick, creamy vanilla Greek yogurt will tingle your taste buds, while the oats leave you wanting to do the cake-for-breakfast dance. Plus, knowing that you have a delicious, feel-good breakfast waiting for you in the fridge is a great feeling to wake up to.
Are Black Forest Overnight Oats Healthy?
Each serving of these oats has a little over 11 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and almost 300 milligrams of calcium – pretty good for a breakfast that has total cake-like vibes! If you want to up the protein and calcium you can use regular dairy milk in place of almond milk. The dish is gluten-free if you check that your oats are marked as such, and considering this recipe is fairly low in fat as well, it’s a pretty reasonable start to your day.
How to Make Perfect Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a revelation for those of us craving feel-good make-ahead breakfasts. And once you know the rules you’ll find endless variations. A different flavor every week? Oh yeah!
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats or steel-cut oats won’t give you the same toothsome texture.
- Use equal parts liquid and oats. You can use a plant-based milk, dairy milk or even fruit juice if you like.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but longer is better. The oats will actually improve in flavor and texture for up to 2 or 3 days.
- Choose the right container to take oats on the road. Good leak-proof oat containers include pint-size mason jars or repurposed condiment jars. If you use a Tupperware-type container make sure it has a very good seal.
How To Make Ahead And Store
You can make and refrigerate the oats up to 3 days ahead. If you make them in glasses, make sure you cover the tops with plastic wrap. Taking them on the road with you? Airtight containers are better.
Serving Suggestions
Whipped cream or whipped coconut cream make a decadent topping for the oats. You could also sprinkle them with chopped nuts, cacao nibs, shredded coconut, or a crunchy granola. Can’t get enough overnight oats? Check out these FFF favorites: Protein Overnight Oats, Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats, Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds, and Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup red tart cherries packed in water drained
- 2 tablespoons honey divided
- 1 cup rolled, old fashioned oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Instructions
- Divide the Greek yogurt between two large glasses.
- In a small bowl, gently stir the cherries with 2 teaspoons of the honey, reserving the rest for later. Divide between the two glasses, on top of the yogurt.
- In a large bowl, stir together the oats and cocoa powder. Add in the almond milk and the remaining 4 teaspoons of honey and mix well. Divide between the two glasses.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight. Garnish with whipped cream if desired, and then devour.
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