Description
This Layered Black Forest Overnight Oats recipe offers a delightful and nutritious breakfast option combining creamy Greek yogurt, cocoa-infused oats, and fresh cherries. Prepared the night before, it’s a no-cook, quick-to-serve meal that’s perfect for busy mornings or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Overnight Oats Mixture
- 1 cup rolled oats (divided into 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, divided into 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (divided into 1/4 cup + 1/4 cup)
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (divided into 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (divided into 1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon)
Fruit Layer
- 1/4 cup cherries, chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
Optional Toppings
- Extra cherries
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the oat mixture: In a jar or bowl, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. Mix well until the ingredients form a smooth mixture.
- Layer the oats: Spoon half of the oat mixture into your serving jar or container, creating the first layer.
- Add cherry layer: Evenly add the chopped cherries on top of the oat mixture layer to create a fruity contrast.
- Top with remaining oats: Spoon the remaining oat mixture over the cherry layer, creating a layered effect.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the jar or container tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally 8 hours, to allow the oats to soften and flavors to meld.
- Serve and garnish: In the morning, gently stir the oats to combine the layers or enjoy the layers as is. Optionally, top with extra cherries or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan or dairy-free version.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Fresh or frozen cherries can be used; if using frozen, thaw before layering.
- Prep can be doubled for multiple servings.
- This recipe is best stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days.
