If you love cherry cheesecake, you are going to flip for these cherry cheesecake overnight oats! This dreamy breakfast takes just 5 minutes to prep and makes 1 to 2 servings. You get all the creamy, fruity flavor of cheesecake with zero baking required.

This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick and satisfying. Just stir everything together the night before, pop it in the fridge, and wake up to a breakfast that feels like dessert. It is that simple and that delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No cooking needed: Everything comes together in one jar with zero heat.
  • Tastes like dessert: The cream cheese and cherry combo is rich, tangy, and sweet all at once.
  • Meal prep friendly: Make a few jars at once for the whole week.
  • Filling and nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and whole grain goodness.
  • Easy to customize: Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • Kid approved: Even picky eaters love the cheesecake flavor.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen!

  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or coconut milk all work great)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (sub with dairy-free yogurt to keep it vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (use low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cherry pie filling or fresh cherries (frozen cherries work great too, just thaw them first)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, but they add thickness and extra fiber)
  • 2 to 3 graham cracker squares, crushed (for topping, gives that real cheesecake vibe)

For the cherry topping, you can use canned cherry pie filling for convenience or make a quick cherry compote with fresh or frozen cherries, a little sugar, and lemon juice.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

  1. Mix the cream cheese base: In a small bowl or jar, stir together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the oats and milk: Stir in the rolled oats and milk until everything is well combined. Add chia seeds now if you are using them.
  3. Layer your jar: Pour the oat mixture into a mason jar or airtight container. Spoon half of the cherry topping over the oat mixture.
  4. Refrigerate overnight: Cover the jar with a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and get thick and creamy.
  5. Add toppings and serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add the remaining cherry topping and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top. Enjoy cold, straight from the jar!
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Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

  • Soften your cream cheese first: Room temperature cream cheese blends in much more smoothly than cold cream cheese. Let it sit out for 10 minutes before mixing.
  • Use old-fashioned oats, not instant: Instant oats get mushy overnight, while old-fashioned oats keep a pleasant chewy texture.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness: Cherry pie filling is quite sweet on its own, so you may want to cut back on the maple syrup.
  • Wait the full time: The longer the oats soak, the creamier they get. Overnight is ideal, but 6 hours is the minimum.
  • Add crackers right before eating: Crushed graham crackers go soft quickly, so wait to add them until you are ready to dig in.
  • Stir before adding toppings: Give the oats a good stir in the morning to make sure the texture is even throughout.

Flavor Variations

This recipe is super flexible. Here are some fun ways to switch things up and keep breakfast exciting all week long.

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats: Swap the cherries for fresh or frozen strawberries and add a little strawberry jam for extra flavor.
  • Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats: Use blueberry pie filling or fresh blueberries for a slightly tart and sweet twist.
  • Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake: Stir 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder into the oat mixture for a black forest inspired version.
  • Lemon Cherry Cheesecake: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up.
  • Protein Packed Version: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the mix and use high protein Greek yogurt for an extra boost.
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Storage Tips

These overnight oats store really well, making them ideal for meal prepping ahead of time.

  • In the fridge: Store covered jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture stays great the whole time.
  • Do not freeze: Freezing is not recommended because the dairy ingredients can separate and become grainy when thawed.
  • Keep toppings separate: Store the crushed graham crackers in a small zip-lock bag and add them fresh each morning so they stay crunchy.
  • Make a batch: You can easily double or triple this recipe to prep 4 to 6 jars at once for the whole week.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition estimates are based on 1 serving using 2 percent dairy milk, regular cream cheese, and canned cherry pie filling.

  • Calories: Approximately 380 to 420 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 14 to 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 52 to 58 grams
  • Fat: 12 to 14 grams
  • Fiber: 5 to 6 grams
  • Sugar: 22 to 26 grams (naturally occurring and added)

These numbers are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Using low-fat dairy or a sugar-free cherry topping will reduce the calorie count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cherry cheesecake overnight oats without Greek yogurt?

Yes, absolutely! You can leave out the Greek yogurt and just add a little extra milk to get the right consistency. The result will be slightly less thick and creamy, but still delicious. Dairy-free coconut yogurt is also a great swap if you need a vegan option.

Do overnight oats need to be eaten cold?

Nope! If you prefer warm oats, you can heat them in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Just add your cherry topping and graham cracker crumbles after heating. The flavor is just as good warm as it is cold.

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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture will be much softer and more porridge-like after soaking all night. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice here because they hold their shape and give a satisfying chew. Steel cut oats can also work but need a longer soaking time of at least 8 hours.

Is this recipe good for weight loss?

Overnight oats can absolutely be part of a balanced, healthy diet. To lighten this recipe up, use low-fat cream cheese, non-fat Greek yogurt, and a small amount of fresh cherries instead of pie filling. That will cut back on sugar and calories while keeping you full and satisfied all morning.

How do I keep the graham crackers from getting soggy?

The trick is to add them right before you eat! If you stir them into the oats the night before, they will be completely soft by morning. Keep them in a small sealed bag on the side and crush them fresh over the top when you are ready to enjoy your breakfast.

These cherry cheesecake overnight oats are truly one of those recipes that feel indulgent but are actually good for you. With just 5 minutes of prep and ingredients you probably already have, there is no reason not to make a jar tonight. Give this recipe a try and let us know in the comments how it turned out for you!