Looking for a healthy, vegan, and high-protein breakfast option that's easy to make ahead of time? Try these delicious Cherry Overnight Oats with chia seeds. They're easy to make ahead of time and require no yogurt.
Made with plant-based goodness, this creamy cherry chia oatmeal comes together in minutes for a perfect meal prep recipe using fresh or frozen cherries.
If you love cherries, you won't want to miss my chocolate cherry smoothie and pineapple and cherry smoothie - a delightful way to enjoy this antioxidant-rich fruit!
These cherry overnight oats prove that nourishing breakfasts can be quick, easy, and incredibly tasty! Whip them up in minutes and enjoy a filling grab-and-go meal all week.
Juicy cherries add a lovely burst of summery sweetness and bright and refreshing flavor to this oatmeal recipe. Isn't it a blessing that God provides such nutritious and delicious food in all seasons?
If you love quick overnight oats recipes that taste like a dessert, check out my strawberry banana overnight oats, mango overnight oats, or frozen fruit overnight oats recipe for more fruity inspiration.
For a flavorful protein punch, don’t miss my overnight oats with banana and chia seeds!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: You can use fresh or frozen cherries, plus endless add-ins and toppings.
- Dietary-friendly: Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants for a healthy start to your day.
- Portable: Grab-and-go breakfast or snack, perfect for busy mornings.
- Convenient: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats): For the creamiest texture, use old-fashioned oats. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but they'll create a softer, mushier consistency.
- Sweet cherries: Fresh or frozen, red or yellow - any cherries you love work here. Make sure to pit the cherries before using them.
- Chia seeds: These tiny powerhouses add fiber and thicken the oats for a pudding-like texture. Swap them with ground flaxseed for similar benefits. Check out my no-chia overnight oats for a yummy alternative.
- Almond milk: Feel free to use your favorite plant-based milk like oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
- Plant-based protein (optional): Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder (I used vanilla flavored) for an extra protein boost.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener to complement the cherries. Agave nectar, date syrup, or any sweetener you like can be used as alternatives.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warm vanilla flavor. You can also substitute with almond extract for a different twist.
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
How To Make Cherry Overnight Oats Without Yogurt
Mix dry ingredients. In a jar or bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, and plant-based protein powder.
Add wet ingredients. Add almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pitted cherries. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined.
Chill and enjoy. Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. In the morning, stir well, add any desired toppings, and enjoy!
Variations and Topping Ideas
- Chocolate Cherry: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a few dark chocolate chips to the mix for a decadent twist.
- Almond joy: For a nutty and tropical twist, stir in a spoonful of almond butter and a sprinkle of shredded coconut and chopped almonds.
- Cherry berry: Mix in some fresh or frozen berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cherry peanut butter: Add a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Cherry banana: Make it naturally sweet and creamy with sliced banana.
- Add nuts: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch and protein.
- Add seeds: Sprinkle in some hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added texture and nutrients.
- Granola topping: Finish with a sprinkle of granola for a satisfying crunch.
Storage
Store your prepared overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer-term storage, freeze your overnight oats in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. See my dedicated post for freezing overnight oats here.
Top Tips
- Use sweet ripe cherries and halve large ones for extra juicy flavor in every bite.
- Taste your oats. If they're too thick, add milk for desired consistency; for extra sweetness, add more maple syrup.
- Double or triple the recipe for easy grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
- Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Overnight oats are a nutritious breakfast option packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. They provide a sustained release of energy throughout the morning, making them ideal for starting your day. By incorporating wholesome ingredients like oats, fruit, nuts, and seeds, overnight oats can support a balanced diet and promote overall health and well-being.
Yes, you can use dried cherries in your overnight oats. They're chewier and sweeter than fresh, so reduce the amount used and adjust maple syrup for your desired sweetness.
Yes! You can use water for a lighter oatmeal option. Check out my overnight oats without milk for inspiration.
To make overnight oats more filling, stir in protein powder, chia seeds, or nut butter for extra protein and healthy fats. Don't forget about toppings - nuts, seeds, or a dollop of Greek yogurt add satisfying texture and richness.
Yes, you can warm up overnight oats in the microwave or on the stovetop. See my post for heating overnight oats for detailed instructions.
More Overnight Oat Recipes
- Quinoa overnight oats
- Healthy Nutella overnight oats
- Overnight oats with applesauce
- Cinnamon roll overnight oats
- Chocolate protein powder overnight oats
- Apple cinnamon overnight oats
- Vegan peach pie overnight oats
- Lemon blueberry overnight oats
More Healthy Oatmeal Recipes
📖 Recipe
High Protein Cherry Overnight Oats (No Yogurt)
Equipment
- 1 jar or bowl
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup sweet cherries pitted
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder or your favorite protein (optional)
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk or any dairy-free milk
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, and plant-based protein powder.
- Add almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pitted cherries. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined.
- Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. In the morning, stir well, add any desired toppings, and enjoy!
Notes
- Store your prepared overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Use sweet ripe cherries and halve large ones for extra juicy flavor in every bite.
- Taste your oats. If they're too thick, add milk for desired consistency; for extra sweetness, add more maple syrup.
- Double or triple the recipe for easy grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
- Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- See the post above for more substitutions, variations, and topping ideas.
Nutrition
If you try these cherry chia overnight oats, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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