Cherry Almond Overnight Oats

Short answer: Cherry almond overnight oats are rolled oats soaked overnight in milk and Greek yogurt with chia seeds, maple syrup, almond extract and tart cherries, then topped with toasted almonds. Five minutes of prep the night before gives you two ready-to-eat breakfasts.

Tart cherries and almond are a classic pairing. Cherries and almonds are botanical cousins, which is why a few drops of almond extract make cherries taste even more like cherries. This jar breakfast is an easy way to celebrate National Cherry Month every morning in February.

At a glance

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Chill time: at least 6 hours or overnight

• Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup frozen tart cherries, chopped, or 1/4 cup dried tart cherries

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

Instructions

1. Mix the base. In a bowl or large jar, stir together the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, almond extract and salt until smooth.

2. Add the cherries. Fold in the tart cherries. Frozen cherries can go in straight from the freezer; they thaw overnight.

3. Divide and chill. Spoon into two jars or containers, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

4. Top and serve. In the morning, stir, add a splash of milk if it's too thick, and sprinkle with toasted almonds. Eat cold, or warm it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

Tips

• Use old-fashioned oats. Quick oats turn mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too firm without cooking.

• Toast the almonds. Two or three minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat makes them crunchier and more fragrant. Add them right before eating so they stay crisp.

• Make a week's worth. Double or triple the batch and portion it into jars for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Frequently asked questions

How long do overnight oats last?

Up to 4 days covered in the refrigerator. Add the almonds just before eating.

Can I use dried cherries instead of frozen?

Yes. Use 1/4 cup of dried tart cherries. They soften overnight and add a chewier, sweeter bite.

Can I leave out the chia seeds?

Yes. The oats will be a little thinner, so reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons.

Want more? Browse all our cherry recipes or get the free cherry cookbook.

About the author: Andy LaPointe founded NationalCherryMonth.com and co-founded Traverse Bay Farms, a family-owned Northern Michigan tart cherry company, in 2001.