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In this recipe, we need a few simple ingredients to make Cherry Almond Overnight Oats. Each one adds its own unique flavor and texture. - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 ½ cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice) - ½ cup cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons almond butter - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ teaspoon almond extract - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - ¼ teaspoon cinnamon - Fresh cherries and slivered almonds for garnish Using rolled oats is key. They soak up the milk well, giving a creamy texture. Almond milk is my favorite, but feel free to use any milk you enjoy. Cherries add a sweet and tart flavor. You can use fresh cherries in season or frozen ones when they are not available. Almond butter gives richness and a nutty taste. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the oats just right. Vanilla and almond extracts enhance the flavor, making it more special. Chia seeds are a great addition, as they help thicken the mix and add nutrients. Finally, a sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth. When serving, fresh cherries and slivered almonds create a beautiful look, plus they add crunch to each bite. This combination is not just tasty; it's also a healthy way to start your day. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Mixing the base ingredients Start with a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats. Pour in 1 ½ cups of almond milk. Then, add 2 tablespoons of almond butter. If you want some sweetness, include 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. For flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract. Don’t forget the nutrition boost—add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Use a whisk to blend everything well. 2. Incorporating the cherries Take ½ cup of pitted and halved cherries. Gently fold them into the oat mixture. Be careful not to break the cherries. This step adds a fresh burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the almond notes. 3. Distributing into jars Now, grab two jars or airtight containers. Evenly distribute the mixture into each jar. Make sure each jar has the same amount. This way, you’ll enjoy the same great taste in each serving. 4. Refrigeration time Seal each jar tightly with its lid. Place the jars in the fridge to chill overnight. If you’re in a hurry, let them sit for at least 4 hours. This time lets the oats and chia seeds soak up the almond milk, making them soft and creamy. - How to garnish In the morning, take your jars out of the fridge. Stir the oats well. If they feel too thick, add a splash of almond milk. Top each jar with fresh, halved cherries for color and flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle some slivered almonds on top for a nice crunch! - Pairing with other breakfast items These cherry almond overnight oats are great on their own. But they also pair well with yogurt or a smoothie. You can enjoy them with a slice of whole-grain toast too. This way, you get a complete and balanced breakfast! Soaking time is key for great overnight oats. I recommend letting your oats sit overnight. This gives the oats and chia seeds time to soak up the almond milk. This process makes the oats soft and creamy. If you are short on time, soak them for at least four hours. You can adjust the consistency with almond milk. If your oats are too thick in the morning, just add a splash of almond milk. Stir it in until you reach the texture you like. To boost the flavor, consider adding spices. Cinnamon works well in this recipe. You can also try nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. For sweetness, honey or maple syrup are great options. You can adjust the amount to fit your taste. If you want a lower-calorie choice, use a sugar substitute. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cherries: If possible, opt for fresh cherries as they provide a vibrant flavor and texture compared to frozen ones. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before refrigerating and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some cherries can be sweeter than others. Chill Time Matters: Allowing the oats to sit overnight is crucial for optimal texture—don’t rush this step! Creative Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like nuts, seeds, or even a dollop of yogurt for added flavor and nutrition. {{image_4}} You can easily swap the almond milk for other types of milk. Try oat milk or coconut milk for a creamy taste. If you need it nut-free, use rice milk or soy milk. Each option brings its own flavor, so choose what you like best. Mix up the fruit for a fresh twist. Use blueberries in summer or apples in fall. You can also try other nut butters. Sunflower seed butter works well if you want a nut-free choice. Each new flavor makes your oats exciting and different. You can store cherry almond overnight oats in the fridge for up to five days. Keep them in airtight jars or containers. This helps to keep the oats fresh and tasty. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see mold or notice an off smell, toss them out. Yes, you can freeze overnight oats! However, the texture may change. To freeze, pour the oats into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, move the oats to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also warm them in the microwave. Just add a splash of almond milk to regain creaminess. Enjoy your healthy breakfast! Overnight oats are a great start to your day. They are packed with fiber. This fiber helps keep you full longer. Oats also offer vitamins and minerals. These nutrients support heart health. Chia seeds add omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your brain. Cherries provide antioxidants that boost your immunity. You get a balanced meal that is easy to digest and low in sugar. You can use quick oats, but they will make your overnight oats mushy. Steel-cut oats are chewier and need more time to soak. If you prefer steel-cut oats, soak them longer, at least 8 hours. Quick oats work well if you want a faster option. Rolled oats are still the best choice for the right texture. To meal prep, simply double or triple the recipe. Mix all your ingredients in one bowl. Then distribute them into jars. Store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Each morning, grab a jar and enjoy. Adding fresh toppings each day keeps it exciting! Almond butter adds a rich flavor and creaminess. However, you can skip it if needed. You can also use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. These options still give you healthy fats. The oats will taste good even without nut butter. Yes, this recipe is easy to make vegan. Simply use maple syrup instead of honey. Almond milk is already vegan, so you're set there. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based. Enjoy this tasty breakfast while sticking to a vegan diet! Overnight oats are an easy and tasty breakfast option. We covered the key ingredients, from rolled oats to fresh cherries. You learned how to prepare them step by step and enjoyed ideas for serving. Tips helped you get the best texture and flavor, while variations showed you fun swaps for different diets. Lastly, I shared how to store them safely. With this guide, you can enjoy delicious cherry almond overnight oats any time. You're now ready to start your day with a healthy meal!

Cherry Almond Overnight Oats

A delicious and nutritious overnight oats recipe featuring cherries and almond flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 8 hours
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1.5 cups almond milk
  • 0.5 cup cherries, pitted and halved
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
  • to taste fresh cherries and slivered almonds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by taking a medium mixing bowl and adding the rolled oats, almond milk, almond butter, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, almond extract, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Use a whisk or spoon to stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
  • Carefully fold in the halved cherries with a spatula, ensuring each cherry piece is evenly mixed into the oat mixture without breaking them apart.
  • Once blended, evenly distribute the mixture into two jars or airtight containers. Ensure that each jar has an equal amount of the mixture.
  • Securely seal the jars with their lids and place them in the refrigerator. Let them chill overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to give the oats and chia seeds time to absorb the almond milk and soften.
  • The next morning, retrieve your jars from the fridge. Stir the contents well; if the oats appear too thick, add a splash of almond milk until you achieve your preferred consistency.
  • For serving, top each jar with a handful of freshly halved cherries and a sprinkle of slivered almonds, adding a delightful crunch and burst of flavor to each bite.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste with honey or maple syrup.
Keyword breakfast, healthy, overnight oats