If you love waking up to a breakfast that’s already made, creamy, and naturally flavorful, these Cherry Almond Overnight Oats will quickly become a go-to option. This easy make-ahead meal is loaded with sweet-tart cherries, crunchy almonds, and wholesome rolled oats for a satisfying start to the day. Even better, this recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and incredibly customizable, making it ideal for busy mornings, warm weather, or anytime you want something nourishing without effort.

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Overnight oats are one of my favorite meal-prep breakfasts because they only require a few minutes of prep the night before. With the simplest ingredients and a short mix-and-chill process, they deliver a creamy, filling breakfast that tastes like a treat but fuels you for hours. If you’ve been wanting a reliable, flavorful overnight oats recipe, this cherry-almond version is the perfect place to start.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Almond Overnight Oats

These Focus Keyword overnight oats are:

• Naturally sweetened
• Packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats
• Easy to customize
• Ready in minutes
• Ideal for grab-and-go mornings

The blend of cherries and almonds creates a classic pairing—tart fruit, nutty crunch, and a subtle marzipan-like aroma when you add a drop or two of almond extract. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You Need for Cherry Almond Overnight Oats

You only need a handful of pantry staples to put this together. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making this recipe even more convenient.

Rolled Oats (Gluten-Free if Needed)

Rolled oats are always my first choice for overnight oats because they soften beautifully while maintaining a pleasant texture. They absorb liquid without turning mushy and create that creamy consistency everyone loves.

Chia Seeds (Optional but Recommended)

Chia seeds bring plant-based protein, omega-3 fats, and extra creaminess. They help thicken the oats naturally, creating a pudding-like texture. If you prefer not to use them, you can skip them, but your oats may be slightly less creamy. A mix of half yogurt and half milk also helps thicken the base if you omit chia seeds.

A Pinch of Salt

Just a tiny pinch transforms the flavor of the oats—it keeps the mixture from tasting dull and helps enhance the natural sweetness of the maple syrup and cherries.

Pure Maple Syrup

Use as much or as little as you like. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness without overpowering the cherries. I typically use 1 teaspoon, but you can adjust based on taste.

Any Milk You Prefer

Because this recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free, plant-based milk works beautifully—almond, oat, coconut, cashew, or soy. However, any milk you drink will work well. Use more or less depending on how thick you want your overnight oats.

Fresh or Dried Cherries

Fresh cherries are incredible in season—juicy, tangy, and bursting with flavor. When they’re not available, dried cherries offer a delicious substitute. Unsweetened dried cherries work best to keep the recipe from becoming too sweet.

Sliced or Chopped Almonds

Almonds add crunch, healthy fats, and protein. I like adding half to the mixture and saving the rest for topping so you still get that crunch after everything sits overnight.

Almond Extract or Vanilla Extract

A drop or two of almond extract enhances the cherry-almond combination beautifully. If you prefer vanilla, that works too.

Fun Ways to Customize This Recipe

One of the best parts of overnight oats is how versatile they are. Here are some simple ways to switch things up:

Use Fresh Cherries When in Season

Fresh cherries make these oats taste extra vibrant. Use chopped sweet or tart cherries for a burst of juicy flavor.

Add Almond Butter

A spoonful of almond butter adds richness and even more almond flavor. Stir it in before serving or swirl it on top.

Toast the Almonds

Toasting almonds takes just a couple of minutes and adds depth and nuttiness. A quick dry-toast in a skillet enhances the crunch and flavor significantly.

FAQ + Helpful Tips for Perfect Overnight Oats

What Containers Work Best?

Any jar or container with a lid works well. Wide-mouth jars or small glass containers make stirring and storing easier, and they’re perfect for prepping multiple breakfasts at once.

Do You Eat Overnight Oats Cold or Warm?

Most people enjoy overnight oats cold, but warming them is totally fine. Microwave them for about a minute or warm gently in a saucepan. If heating, add extra milk and wait to add fruit until after warming.

How Long Do They Last in the Fridge?

Overnight oats typically keep well for 2–3 days. If prepping several portions in advance, add only half the fruit and nuts to the mixture and save the rest for topping to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Are These Oats Gluten-Free?

They are naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Many oats are processed in facilities that also handle wheat, so certified GF oats are essential if you are sensitive.

Can You Swap the Oats?

• Quick oats: Softer, and may become mushy after a couple of days.
• Steel-cut oats: Stay chewy and don’t soften as much.

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