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Spiced Cherry Overnight Oats

This recipe is gluten-free, can be made vegan, and is endlessly adaptable. Full of flavor, loaded with fiber and healthy fats to keep you full and your blood sugar balanced! Double or triple the ingredients for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost (about 15-20g per scoop).
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine Gluten-free, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian
Servings 1
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Non stick pan/skillet
  • Glass jar or container with tight-fitting lid (plastic not recommended since hot water will be added)

Ingredients
  

For Oats

  • 5-6 fresh cherries pitted and chopped
  • ¼ cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp millet* see notes
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 tbsp buckwheat groats* toasted or raw see notes
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 5-6 chopped almonds if toasted skip step 2 below (or pecans/walnuts)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tsp honey or agave nectar for vegan, coconut sugar, or stevia to taste
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Garnish:

  • 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt for vegan
  • 2 almonds toasted and chopped
  • 1-2 fresh cherries
  • 1 tsp grated unsweetened coconut
  • 1 tsp cacao nibs or chocolate chips optional, for chocolatey flavor, not included in macros
  • Splash of non-dairy milk optional, for serving

Instructions
 

The Night Before (or 4+ Hours Ahead):

  • Bring 1 cup water to a boil.
  • In a small non-stick pan over medium heat, toast the almonds until golden and fragrant (optional, you can use pre-toasted instead).
  • In a container with a tight-fitting lid, combine oats, millet, chia seeds, flaxseed, buckwheat groats, toasted almonds, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and sea salt. Secure the lid and shake well to mix.
  • Add boiling water, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
  • Toss in chopped cherries and stir briefly. Seal the container and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).

In the Morning:

  • Transfer the oats to a serving bowl.
  • Garnish with a dollop of yogurt, chopped almonds, a fresh cherry, grated coconut, and cacao nibs if using.
  • Add a splash of non-dairy milk for a cereal-like texture, if desired. Enjoy cold or gently warmed!

Notes

Substitutions: No millet or buckwheat? Use more oats for a similar texture. Swap almonds for other nuts or omit for nut-free.
Meal Prep: Double (for 2 servings) or triple (for 3 servings) the recipe. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder with the dry ingredients for 15-20g extra protein per serving.
Texture Tip: For thicker oats, reduce water to ¾ cup. For thinner, add a splash more in the morning.
Nutritional Highlights (Without Protein Powder)
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbs: ~40g (mostly complex carbs)
Fiber: 11g
Fat: 12g (healthy fats from nuts, seeds)
Sugar: 8g (natural from cherries, minimal added)
*Adding protein powder bumps protein to ~20-25g per serving, making it a great post-workout option.
Keyword No Bake, Overnight Oats