Can You Put Cherries in Overnight Oats?

Absolutely—cherries are one of the best fruits to use in overnight oats. Frozen sour cherries, in particular, offer a bold, tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the creaminess of oats. In this sour cherry overnight oats recipe, gently cooking the cherries transforms them into a soft, jammy topping. You’ll enjoy richer flavor, improved texture, and a gently warm contrast to the oats below. If you're using fresh cherries, don't forget to pit them first.

What Not to Add in Overnight Oats?

Some ingredients just don’t belong in a cold or gently warmed oat jar. Avoid high-acid fruits like citrus, which can cause separation or bitterness. Skip highly processed syrups or sweetened yogurts—they overpower the natural taste of cherries and blueberries. Also steer clear of nuts or seeds that aren't pre-soaked, as they can become gritty or dry. This recipe avoids all those issues by focusing on balance, warmth, and texture—making your sour cherry overnight oats rich but not heavy.

Are Overnight Oats Actually Healthy?

They absolutely can be, especially when built with whole, nutrient-rich ingredients. Rolled oats offer fiber and sustained energy. Cherries and blueberries bring antioxidants and natural sweetness. Soy milk adds plant-based protein and creaminess. By keeping added sugars low and using toppings like dark chocolate in moderation, this breakfast delivers lasting fuel without any crash. Plus, the fact that it can be prepped ahead makes it easier to eat healthy on busy mornings.

What Fruit Is Best for Overnight Oats?

Berries are consistently top picks for a reason—they blend well, soften overnight, and pair with a wide range of flavors. Sour cherries are especially underrated; their tartness contrasts beautifully with oats and chocolate. Other top contenders include bananas, diced apples (pre-cooked), raspberries, or figs. For more ideas, explore fruity options from our main recipe collection and keep your jars fresh and exciting.

Bonus Tips for Serving & Storage

This dish tastes best when served warm, but it also holds up well if you need to pack it for work or school. Store in an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm it up in a pan or microwave with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture. Use wide-mouth mason jars or glass bowls for easy mixing and serving. And don’t skip the final toppings—they add contrast, crunch, and make every bowl feel crafted, not rushed.

Sour Cherry Overnight Oats: 1 Bold & Cozy Morning Jar

Description

A cozy and tangy bowl of sour cherry overnight oats topped with warm berries, melty dark chocolate, and crunchy granola. This easy, nourishing breakfast can be prepped the night before and gently warmed for extra comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

5 tbs rolled oats

1 cup soy milk (or other)

1 handful frozen sour cherries

1 handful frozen forest blueberries

2 ts chopped dark chocolate

quinoa puffs or granola to top

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Instructions

1. Put rolled oats and non-dairy milk into an air-tight container and mix well. Store in fridge overnight.

2. In the morning, pour the oats into a pan and cook on low just enough to warm the oats, stirring often to prevent the oats and milk sticking to the pan. If the oats get too thick, add more vegan milk as needed.

3. In a separate pan, add blueberries and sour cherries and cook on medium, until the fruit softens and releases the juice. You can also smash it a bit with a fork to get a more jam-like mixture.

4. When the oats are warm and soft, put it into a bowl and top with the cooked berries and sour cherries.

5. Stir the mixture into the oats and top with granola or quinoa puffs and some finely chopped dark chocolate. Let it melt into the oats. Serve warm.

Notes

Best served warm, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Use frozen berries for best texture and year-round availability.

Dark chocolate melts better if added just after heating.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop + No-cook prep
Cuisine: Vegan Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 310
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg