Black Forest Cake Overnight Oats

If you love the rich flavor of Black Forest cake, these Black Forest cake overnight oats bring all those classic flavors into a wholesome make ahead breakfast. A decadent chocolate cherry oat layer forms the base, followed by a sweet homemade cherry jam center, and finished with creamy vanilla oats topped with chocolate chips. Every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of chocolate, cherries, and creamy oats, making breakfast feel like dessert.

Serving size: Three Jars

Ingredients

Chocolate Cherry Oat base (Bottom Layer)

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder

• 1 cup chocolate almond milk

• ¼ cup yogurt

• 1 banana (mashed)

• 1 tsp almond extract

• ⅓ cup cherries (diced and pitted)

Cherry Jam (Middle Layer)

• 2 cups pitted cherries

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp water

• 2 tbsp sugar replacement

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

Vanilla Oat Base (Top Layer)

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

• 1 cup almond milk

• ¼ cup yogurt

• ⅓ cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Make the Jam. Add all jam ingredients to a medium size pot. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly.

2. When it seems the cherries are mostly cooked down you can mash them up and remove from heat. I recommend putting the jam in a bowl to help cool down faster and to prevent sticking to the pot.

3. Once removed from heat, add 1 tbsp of chia seeds to the jam and mix it together, add an optional teaspoon of honey as well.

4. To cool the jam, leave it on the counter for 30 minutes, then place in the fridge for an hour before using in oats. While the jam is cooling, make the oat mixture.

5. Chocolate Cherry Layer. In a medium sized mixing bowl, mash the banana. Add remaining oat base ingredients to the mixing bowl and stir until combined. Divide this mixture evenly between three jars.

6. Vanilla Oat Layer. Add all vanilla oat layer ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir until combined. Divide this mixture evenly between the three jars.

7. Let the oats sit in the refrigerator overnight or up to three days before eating.

8. When ready to serve, top with walnuts and almonds or other optional toppings of choice.

Helpful Tips

• I used fresh cherries for this recipe, but frozen would work just as well.

• If chocolate protein powder isn't available, use cocoa powder instead.

• To make these oats dairy free, omit the yogurt or use Silk yogurt instead.

• If omitting yogurt, I like to add a mashed banana to maintain a creamy texture.

• I prefer rolled oats, but quick oats may be used as well for a softer consistency. Avoid using steel-cut oats, they will remain firm and chewy without cooking.

• To save time you can always make a cherry yogurt puree in place of the jam. Just blend cherries, & yogurt in a food processor until combined.

• For a more decadent vibe, top these oats with chocolate shavings.

• Vanilla or plain almond milk works as a perfect substitute for chocolate almond milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Inspired by classic Black Forest cake. With layers of chocolate and cherry flavor.

• Perfect for meal prep. Make it the night before for a breakfast that is ready when you are.

• Naturally sweet and satisfying. Thanks to juicy cherries and homemade cherry jam.

• Multiple delicious layers. Creates a fun and indulgent breakfast experience.

• Chocolate chips. Add just the right amount of sweetness and texture.

• Easy to customize. Use your favorite milk, yogurt, or protein powder.

• Tastes like dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients.