Cherry Almond Crumble Overnight Oats

These Cherry Almond Crumble Overnight Oats bring together sweet cherries, warm almond flavor, and a buttery graham cracker crumble in one delicious jar. Creamy overnight oats are made with vanilla protein powder, ground flax, almond extract, and cherries, then layered with homemade cherry jam and a graham cracker crumble for a dessert-inspired breakfast that still feels wholesome and satisfying.

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Pictured: 2 jars

Makes: 3 jars

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust (Base Layer)

• 4 graham cracker sheets

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Cherry Oats (Bottom & Top Oat Layer)

• 2 cups rolled oats 

• 1¾ cups almond milk

• 4 tbsp ground flax

• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder

• ¼ cup yogurt

• 1 cup cherries (diced small)

• 1 tsp almond extract

Homemade Cherry Jam (Middle Layer)

• 3 cups cherries (stemmed & pitted)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp water

• 2 tbsp sugar replacement

• 4 tbsp chia seeds

Directions

1. Make the jam on the stove first. Add all jam ingredients to a medium size pot. Turn the heat to medium, you will want to keep a close eye on the jam, stir constantly. 

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

3. Add chia seeds to the jam and mix it together.

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 and place in fridge until ready to assemble jars.

5. Make the graham cracker crumble. Blend the graham crackers with coconut oil in a food processor until they are crumbs. Divide evenly between three jars.

6. Cherry Oats:  Add all cherry oat ingredients to a medium sized mixing bowl, stir until combined. Set aside.

7. Assemble the jars: To create the layered look, start by dividing half of the oat mixture evenly between 3 jars. Next add ½ of the jam to each jar. Top jars with remaining oat mixture. Top jars with remaining jam.

8. Let sit in the fridge overnight: Or up to five days before eating.

9. When ready to eat: Serve with almonds, fresh cherries and or granola.

Sam's Kitchen Favorites

• For this recipe, I used these 16 ounce overnight oat jars with lids.

• I love these silicone mixing spoons. No more scraping the bowl, and the food doesn't stick to them!

• My go-to angled liquid measuring cup . After multiple runs through the dishwasher, the numbers have not worn off.

• For permanently engraved measurements, these measuring cups are fantastic!

• For a more professional yet affordable mixing bowl, these stackable bowls with measurements marks work perfectly.

• Cherry Pitter. A handy little kitchen tool that makes removing cherry pits quick and easy.

• Food Processor. I recommend this for quickly turning graham crackers into fine crumbs, chopping nuts, blending ingredients, making sauces, and so much more.

Helpful Tips

• What type of fruit should I use? For this recipe I used frozen cherries. Frozen cherries work really well for the jam because they break down easily and create a thicker, softer texture. Fresh works perfectly as well. Just remember to remove pits and stems. See my recommended Cherry Pitter, makes this task much easier!

• Choose fresh cherries when in season: While frozen cherries are great for making the jam, fresh cherries create the best texture in the oat layer. Frozen fruit can become mushy and release excess liquid as they thaw.

• Jam Shortcut Option: While canned cherry pie filling will work if you're short on time, I highly recommend making your own cherry jam. It has a fresher cherry flavor and creates a lighter breakfast with less added sugar than traditional pie filling. Plus, you can easily adjust the sweetness to your taste.

• 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.

• What types of oats are best? 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.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Cherry-packed. Fresh cherries and homemade cherry jam give these oats plenty of sweet, juicy cherry flavor.

• Dessert-inspired. The graham cracker crumble adds a classic crumble-like layer that makes breakfast feel a little extra special.

• Almond flavor. A touch of almond extract pairs beautifully with the cherries and adds that familiar cherry almond combination.

• Protein-rich. Vanilla protein powder adds protein while also giving the oats a naturally sweet vanilla flavor.

• Satisfying. Ground flax and protein help make these overnight oats filling enough to keep you satisfied throughout the morning.

• Easy to customize. You can adjust the amount of cherry jam or crumble depending on how dessert-like you want your oats to be.