Chocolate overnight oats are the perfect breakfast for busy mornings—creamy, rich, and ready in just 5 minutes. This vegan chocolate overnight oats recipe is made with unsweetened cocoa powder, your favorite non-dairy milk, and sweet cherries for a delicious chocolatey twist that tastes like dessert but is actually good for you.
If you’re anything like me i.e. someone who doesn’t enjoy spending precious morning time in the kitchen but also can’t imagine skipping breakfast, this is the perfect make-ahead breakfast. You can prepare it the night before and wake up to a delicious breakfast the next day, with hardly any effort.
Plus, the classic combination of creamy chocolate and juicy cherries makes this dish a dream for any chocolate lover. It’s a simple meal that satisfies your sweet tooth while still being nourishing and wholesome.
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What's needed to make cherry chocolate overnight oats
To make these vegan chocolate overnight oats, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Using the right ingredients ensures the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Ingredient notes and substitute suggestions
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. They absorb the liquid well and create creamy chocolate overnight oats without turning mushy. Quick oats will give a softer texture, while steel-cut oats need a lot of time to soften and remain chewy.
- Cherries: Use sweet cherries instead of tart ones for a naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Fresh cherries work great, but frozen cherries can also be used, just thaw them slightly before adding. You can also try fresh raspberries or other fruits for different flavors.
- Milk: I’ve used coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture, but any type of milk works well. Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk are all great options for making this a healthy vegan breakfast recipe.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder gives these oats their deep chocolate flavor. For added protein, you can also mix in a scoop of plant-based protein powder or vegan protein powders.
- Dairy free chocolate syrup: This adds extra chocolatey goodness and sweetness. You can also use melted dairy-free chocolate or skip it if you prefer a low-sugar version.
- Dairy free chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips add little bursts of chocolate in every bite. You can also use chopped dark chocolate or cacao nibs for a slightly less sweet crunch.
- Sweetener (agave / pure maple syrup / any natural sweetener): Adding sweetener is optional, as cherries and chocolate syrup already add sweetness. Avoid refined options like white sugar and adjust based on your taste.
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds help thicken the oats and create a creamy texture while adding fiber and healthy fats. You can also use hemp seed for variation.
Other ingredient details, exact measurements, and nutritional information are shared in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to make (step by step instructions)?
This easy breakfast comes together in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Add rolled oats to a jar or bowl.
Step 2: Add cocoa powder.
Step 3: Stir in chia seeds.
Step 4: Add chopped, pitted cherries.
Step 5: Pour in your choice of non-dairy milk.
Step 6: Add chocolate syrup and a little bit of maple syrup if needed.
Steps 7 and 8: Mix everything well until fully combined.
Step 9: Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Step 10: The next day, take out the jar.
Step 11: Stir well and adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed.
Step 12: Top with cherries, dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or seeds of your choice and enjoy!
Your creamy chocolate overnight oats are ready to serve.
How to enjoy it, hot or cold?
These vegan overnight oats can be enjoyed both ways:
- Cold: Eat straight from the fridge for a refreshing, grab-and-go breakfast
- Hot: Warm in the microwave for a few minutes if you prefer a cozy bowl of oatmeal
Add toppings like coconut yogurt, almond butter, or fresh fruits after heating.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Coconut milk is thicker than other non-dairy milk options, so adjust the quantity if using a lighter milk
- Taste before adding extra sweetener, chocolate syrup and cherries already add sweetness
- Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or nuts for crunch and extra healthy fats
- Experiment with different flavors like banana, strawberry, or peanut butter
- For extra protein, add plant-based protein powder
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cocoa powder is made from ground cacao beans and is completely vegan.
No, cocoa powder is pure and unsweetened, while chocolate powder often contains sugar and additives.
They stay fresh in the fridge for 2–3 days when stored in individual containers.
For best results, soak overnight (7–8 hours). However, they can be eaten after 4 hours if you’re short on time.
More vegan grab and go breakfast recipes
If you’re looking for more easy breakfast ideas that save time in the morning, try:
More vegan chocolate recipes
If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss these:
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Recipe
Chocolate cherry overnight oats
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup coconut milk or any milk of your choice
- ¼ cup cherries pitted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon agave/ maple syrup chocolate syrup is also very sweet so you can skip adding more sweetener
- 1.5 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for garnishing
- ¼ cup cherries
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or grated chocolate
- ½ teaspoon chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Put oats, milk, pitted and chopped cherries, cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, sweetener, and chia seeds in a jar.
- Mix everything. Put on the lid.
- Keep the jar in the fridge overnight or for atleast 4 hours.
- Take the jar out from the fridge. Mix everything once again.
- Top it with cherries, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Coconut milk is thicker than other non-dairy milk options, so adjust the quantity if using a lighter milk
- Taste before adding extra sweetener, chocolate syrup and cherries already add sweetness
- Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or nuts for crunch and extra healthy fats
- Experiment with different flavors like banana, strawberry, or peanut butter
- For extra protein, add plant-based protein powder
- More recipe tips, tricks, and variation suggestions are shared in the post above, please follow them to make this recipe.
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