Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Name: Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats; 1/4 cup plant-based vanilla protein powder; 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk; 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted; 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut yogurt; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Published: January 3, 2026

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a healthy breakfast without the hassle.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, these overnight oats will keep you full and energized.
Customizable Flavors: Feel free to swap out cherries for your favorite fruits or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make several jars at once, and you’ll have ready-to-eat breakfasts for the week ahead.
Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them cold or warm them up; they’re great any time of day!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing these Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam easy and fun.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mason jar or airtight container
Mixing bowls
Fork or potato masher
Microwave

Importance of Each Tool

Mason jar or airtight container: Ideal for storing your overnight oats, keeping them fresh and portable for on-the-go meals.
Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients thoroughly before layering them into your jar.
Fork or potato masher: Perfect for mashing the cherries quickly to create a smooth jam-like consistency.

Ingredients

A delicious and healthy overnight oat recipe with cherry chia seed jam. Vegan, gluten free, and healthy!

For the Oats

3/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
1/4 cup plant-based vanilla protein powder of choice
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut yogurt (or greek yogurt)
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (depending on preferred sweetness)
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

For the Cherry Chia Seed Jam

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Chia Seed Jam

In a small bowl, add the cherries.
Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Mash with a fork or masher until cherries are broken apart into small pieces. Ensure there is plenty of juice in the bowl.
Stir in the chia seeds, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Set in the fridge to thicken.

Step 2: Combine the Oats Mixture

In a large bowl, add the gluten free rolled oats, plant-based protein powder, unsweetened almond milk, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3: Layer in Jars

To a mason jar (or split between two jars), add half of the oats mixture.
Layer with half of the cherry chia jam.
Add in the remaining oats mixture on top.
Top with the rest of the cherry jam and finish with a tablespoon of almond butter.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Close the jar tightly and place it in the fridge overnight.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

In the morning, remove from the fridge.
Sprinkle with slivered almonds or hemp seeds if desired.
Enjoy your Healthy Overnight Oats cold or warm them up in the microwave as preferred!

How to Serve Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Serving your Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam can transform a simple dish into an exciting meal. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this nutritious breakfast.

Add Fresh Fruits

Bananas: Sliced bananas add a sweet and creamy texture, enhancing the overall flavor.
Berries: Top with fresh blueberries or strawberries for an extra boost of antioxidants and color.
Peaches: Diced peaches provide a juicy sweetness that complements the cherry chia jam beautifully.

Incorporate Nuts and Seeds

Almonds: Slivered almonds offer a crunchy texture and healthy fats to keep you full longer.
Chia Seeds: Sprinkle additional chia seeds for an extra dose of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts introduce a rich flavor and crunchy bite.

Drizzle with Nut Butters

Peanut Butter: A drizzle of peanut butter adds creaminess and protein, making the oats even more satisfying.
Sunflower Seed Butter: This is a nut-free alternative that still provides healthy fats and protein.

How to Perfect Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Perfecting your Healthy Overnight Oats can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

Use quality oats: Choose gluten-free rolled oats for optimal texture and flavor.
Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of maple syrup based on your personal taste preference.
Experiment with milk alternatives: Try different plant-based milks like oat milk or coconut milk for varying flavors.
Mix in spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile without adding calories.
Layer it well: Ensure even distribution of cherry chia jam among the oats for balanced sweetness in each bite.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy Overnight Oats can create a more balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Greek Yogurt: A serving of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and additional protein, enhancing the nutritional value.
Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl packed with greens or fruits can complement the oats nicely.
Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings freshness and variety, perfect for a light side dish.
Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars provide crunch and energy, making them ideal for on-the-go snacking.
Nut Mixes: A handful of mixed nuts offers healthy fats and sustains energy throughout the morning.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese is a protein-rich option that pairs well with sweet toppings like honey or berries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the chia seed soak: Not allowing chia seeds to thicken can result in a runny jam. Always let them sit in the cherry mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Using sweetened almond milk: This can overly sweeten your dish. Opt for unsweetened almond milk for better control over sweetness.
Ignoring the oats-to-liquid ratio: Too much liquid can make your oats soggy. Stick to the recommended measurements for perfect consistency.
Not adjusting sweetness: Maple syrup is optional based on your taste. Start with less and add more if needed after mixing all ingredients.
Overcooking or undercooking the jam: Heating cherries too long can make them mushy. Just warm them enough to release their juices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the cherry chia jam separate if possible for best texture.

Freezing Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cherries with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. Just follow the same process!

How do I make this recipe nut-free?

To make it nut-free, replace almond milk and almond butter with oat milk and sunflower seed butter.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge.

What are some toppings I can use?

You can top your oats with fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, or coconut flakes for added flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep since it stores well and stays delicious throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam is a versatile breakfast option that combines nutrition and flavor effortlessly. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite fruits or toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious start to your day!

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