Chocolate and cherries for breakfast? Absolutely.
These Black Forest Overnight Oats are inspired by the classic Black Forest combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries, but turned into an easy, nourishing breakfast you can prepare the night before.
Made with creamy oats, chia seeds, chocolatey cocoa, cherries, soy milk and high-protein soy Skyr-style yogurt, this is a breakfast that tastes a little bit like dessert while providing a useful combination of protein, fibre and plant foods.
And the best part? There’s no cooking required.
Simply mix everything together, pop it in the fridge overnight and breakfast is ready when you are.
As a vegan dietitian, I love overnight oats because they make it incredibly easy to build a balanced plant-based breakfast. Rather than focusing on whether a food is simply “healthy” or “unhealthy”, I like to look at what the overall meal provides. Here, oats and chia seeds contribute fibre, the soy yogurt and soy milk provide plant protein, and cherries and cocoa add flavour, colour and a variety of plant compounds.
This recipe is particularly useful for busy mornings, meal prep, or anyone who likes to have breakfast ready to grab straight from the fridge.
Dietitian’s take
A satisfying breakfast generally benefits from a combination of carbohydrates, protein, fibre and some fat, alongside foods that you actually enjoy eating.
These Black Forest Overnight Oats tick all of those boxes.
The oats provide carbohydrates for energy as well as fibre, while chia seeds add additional fibre and some plant-based protein. Using a high-protein soy yogurt such as Alpro Skyr Style and soy milk significantly increases the protein content of the breakfast.
One serving provides approximately 27g of protein when made with a high-protein soy yogurt and soy milk, although the exact amount will depend on the brands and quantities used.
The recipe is also naturally rich in fibre. With the oats, chia seeds, cherries, soy yogurt and soy milk, one serving provides approximately 12–13g of fibre, depending on the exact products and amount of cherries used.
That is a substantial contribution towards your daily fibre intake from just one meal.
I also love this recipe from a plant-diversity perspective. Oats, chia seeds, cherries, cocoa and soy all contribute different plant foods to your diet. Plant diversity isn’t about hitting a magic number at every meal, but regularly including a wide range of plant foods is a simple way to make your overall diet more varied.
And importantly, you don’t need to avoid chocolate or make breakfast boring to eat well. Cocoa and cherries can absolutely be part of a nutritious breakfast.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to prepare – There’s no cooking required. Mix the ingredients together, refrigerate and breakfast is ready the next morning.
- Tastes like dessert – Chocolate and cherries are a combination that works incredibly well, making this a breakfast that feels indulgent without needing to be complicated.
- High in protein – Using high-protein soy yogurt and soy milk makes this a protein-rich vegan breakfast, providing approximately 27g of plant protein per serving.
- High in fibre – Oats, chia seeds, cherries and soy ingredients help make these overnight oats particularly fibre-rich, with approximately 12–13g of fibre per serving.
- Great for meal prep – Make breakfast the night before or prepare several portions at once for an easy breakfast throughout the week.
- Plant-based – Every ingredient is vegan, making this a simple breakfast option for anyone following a vegan or plant-based diet.
- Easy to customise – You can adjust the sweetness, chocolate intensity, toppings and milk to suit your preferences.
Nutritional benefits
Oats for fibre and wholegrain goodness
Oats are a fantastic base for overnight oats because they provide complex carbohydrates, fibre and a range of vitamins and minerals.
They are particularly well known for their beta-glucan content. Beta-glucan is a type of soluble fibre found in oats that can contribute to maintaining normal cholesterol levels when consumed in sufficient amounts as part of a healthy diet.
Oats also help give overnight oats their characteristic creamy texture as they absorb the liquid while they sit in the fridge.
Chia seeds for fibre
Just one tablespoon of chia seeds adds a considerable amount of fibre to this breakfast.
Chia seeds also contain plant-based omega-3 fatty acid ALA, alongside protein, minerals and other plant compounds.
Because chia seeds absorb liquid, they also help thicken the oats and create a pudding-like consistency.
Soy for plant protein
Soy is one of my favourite ingredients to use when building a higher-protein vegan meal.
Soy milk and high-protein soy yogurt can make it much easier to increase protein intake without needing to rely on protein powders.
For this recipe, using 150g of a high-protein soy Skyr-style yogurt alongside soy milk gives the overnight oats a substantial protein boost.
Cherries for colour and plant compounds
Cherries provide natural sweetness, colour and flavour while also contributing fibre and a range of plant compounds.
Frozen cherries work particularly well in overnight oats and are a convenient option because they can be kept in the freezer and used whenever you need them.
You don’t need to use fresh produce for it to count towards your overall intake of fruit and vegetables. Frozen, canned and dried options can all be useful ways of increasing plant variety.
Cocoa for chocolate flavour
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives these oats their rich chocolate flavour without needing large quantities of added sugar.
Cocoa naturally contains polyphenols and other plant compounds. Choose unsweetened cocoa powder rather than a sweetened drinking chocolate powder if you want to keep the recipe focused on cocoa rather than added sugar.
Plant diversity
One of the things I particularly like about this recipe is that it brings together several different plant foods in one breakfast.
Depending on the exact ingredients and toppings you use, your plant foods could include:
- Oats
- Chia seeds
- Soy
- Cherries
- Cocoa
- Nuts or seeds used as toppings
I sometimes refer to these as “plant points” when talking about plant diversity. This isn’t a formal nutritional scoring system, but rather an easy way to encourage people to think about the variety of plant foods they are eating.
There is no need to obsessively count every plant food. Instead, think about how you can gradually increase variety across the week.
Ingredient swaps and substitutions
Oats
Use rolled oats or porridge oats for the best texture. Avoid instant oats if you prefer more texture, as they can become softer and more pudding-like.
For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free oats if required.
Chia seeds
If you don’t have chia seeds, you could use ground flaxseed instead. The consistency will be slightly different, but you will still add fibre and plant-based omega-3 ALA.
Soy yogurt
A high-protein soy yogurt or soy Skyr-style yogurt works particularly well here because it adds creaminess and protein.
You can substitute another unsweetened plant yogurt, but the protein content will vary considerably.
If you use a lower-protein yogurt, the overall protein content of the recipe will be lower.
Soy milk
Soy milk is my preferred choice for this recipe because it contributes additional protein.
You can substitute oat, almond, pea or another plant milk, but check the nutrition label because protein content varies significantly between products.
Cherries
Fresh or frozen cherries can be used.
Frozen cherries are particularly convenient and often much cheaper than fresh cherries. You can add them frozen and allow them to thaw overnight.
If cherries aren’t available, try raspberries, strawberries or a combination of berries.
Cocoa powder
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavour.
For an even more intense chocolate flavour, add a small amount of grated dark chocolate or a few dark chocolate chips.
Dietitian tips
Use a high-protein plant yogurt
If you’re looking to make vegan overnight oats higher in protein, the yogurt you choose can make a big difference.
A high-protein soy yogurt or soy Skyr-style yogurt is an easy way to increase protein without changing the recipe dramatically.
Choose soy milk
Soy milk generally provides considerably more protein than many other plant milks. If you’re using plant milk regularly as a nutritional staple, it’s worth checking the nutrition label rather than assuming all plant milks are nutritionally equivalent.
Don’t forget the fibre
Overnight oats are already a good opportunity to include fibre, particularly when you combine oats, chia seeds and fruit.
Rather than adding a separate fibre supplement, I prefer to build fibre into meals through whole plant foods wherever possible.
Make several portions
You can prepare multiple jars or containers at once and keep them refrigerated for easy breakfasts.
For the best texture, prepare them the night before or around 1–2 days ahead.
Adjust the consistency
If you prefer thinner overnight oats, add a little extra soy milk.
If you like them thicker and more pudding-like, reduce the milk slightly or add a little extra chia seed.
Remember that the oats and chia seeds will continue absorbing liquid while they sit.
Taste before adding extra sweetener
The cherries and plant yogurt may provide enough sweetness for you, particularly if you use a sweetened yogurt.
Taste the mixture before adding maple syrup or another sweetener, and adjust according to your preference.
Add toppings for texture
Overnight oats can be quite soft, so I love adding something crunchy just before eating.
Try chopped walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cacao nibs or toasted seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Are Black Forest Overnight Oats vegan?
Yes. These overnight oats are completely vegan when made with plant-based yogurt and soy milk.
Are overnight oats healthy?
Overnight oats can be a nutritious breakfast, but “healthy” isn’t simply a property of one food. What matters is the overall meal and diet.
This recipe combines wholegrain oats, chia seeds, fruit, soy milk and high-protein soy yogurt to provide protein, fibre and a variety of plant foods.
How much protein is in these Black Forest Overnight Oats?
When made with ½ cup oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 150g high-protein soy Skyr-style yogurt and soy milk, the recipe provides approximately 27g of protein per serving.
The exact amount will depend on the brands used, so check the nutrition information on your specific products if you need an exact figure.
How much fibre is in Black Forest Overnight Oats?
This recipe provides approximately 12–13g of fibre per serving when made with oats, chia seeds, high-protein soy yogurt, soy milk and cherries.
The precise amount will vary depending on the quantities and brands used.
Can I make overnight oats with soy yogurt?
Absolutely. Soy yogurt makes overnight oats creamy while also contributing plant protein.
A high-protein soy yogurt or soy Skyr-style yogurt is particularly useful if you’re looking to increase the protein content.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes. Frozen cherries are an excellent choice and make this recipe especially convenient.
Simply add them to the overnight oats and allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight.
How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
For the best texture and flavour, I recommend eating these within around 2–3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator.
If you are preparing them in advance, keep them refrigerated and use clean utensils when serving.
Can I make these Black Forest Overnight Oats gluten-free?
Yes. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be contaminated with gluten during processing.
If you need to avoid gluten, choose certified gluten-free oats and check the labels of your other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe without chia seeds?
Yes. You can replace the chia seeds with ground flaxseed or simply leave them out. You may need to reduce the liquid slightly because chia seeds absorb a significant amount of liquid and help thicken the mixture.
Are overnight oats good for meal prep?
Yes. That’s one of their biggest advantages. They can be prepared in advance and stored in individual containers so breakfast is ready to grab from the fridge.
Ingredients and how to make
Ingredients
For one serving:
- ½ cup rolled oats (approximately 40g)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 150g high-protein soy Skyr-style yogurt
- Approximately ½ cup (120ml) soy milk
- ½ cup cherries, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Optional: maple syrup or another sweetener, to taste
- Optional: dark chocolate, cacao nibs, nuts or seeds for topping
How to make Black Forest Overnight Oats
- Add the rolled oats, chia seeds and cocoa powder to a jar or airtight container.
- Add the soy yogurt and soy milk.
- Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined and there are no dry pockets of cocoa powder or chia seeds.
- Stir through the cherries. If using frozen cherries, they can be added straight from the freezer.
- Taste the mixture and add a little maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter breakfast.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- In the morning, stir well. Add a splash of soy milk if the oats have become thicker than you prefer.
- Finish with your favourite toppings and enjoy.
This recipe is…
- Vegan
- Plant-based
- High in fibre
- High in protein
- A source of wholegrains
- Meal-prep friendly
- No-cook
- Easy to make
- Suitable for breakfast
- Great for busy mornings
Variations
Black Forest chocolate cherry cheesecake oats
For a cheesecake-inspired version, add a layer of thick soy yogurt over the top and finish with cherries and a little grated dark chocolate.
Chocolate raspberry overnight oats
Replace the cherries with raspberries for a chocolate and raspberry combination. Raspberries are also particularly high in fibre.
Chocolate strawberry overnight oats
Swap the cherries for chopped strawberries and add a few slices on top before serving.
Double chocolate overnight oats
For serious chocolate lovers, add a few dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs to the mixture and finish with grated dark chocolate.
Nutty Black Forest oats
Top with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for extra crunch and flavour. Nuts and seeds are also a simple way to add additional plant variety.
Black Forest protein oats
For an even higher-protein breakfast, use a high-protein soy yogurt and choose a soy milk with a good protein content. You could also add a spoonful of peanut or almond butter, although this will change the flavour from the traditional Black Forest combination.
Serving suggestions
These Black Forest Overnight Oats are delicious straight from the fridge, but a few toppings can take them to the next level.
Try topping them with:
- Fresh or frozen cherries
- A spoonful of soy Skyr-style yogurt
- Cacao nibs
- Grated dark chocolate
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- A spoonful of nut butter
- Fresh berries
For extra plant diversity, mix and match your toppings rather than using the same combination every time.
If you’re making these for children, you can reduce the cocoa if they prefer a milder chocolate flavour and use finely chopped toppings appropriate for their age and stage of development.
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Made this recipe?
I’d love to know what you think!
If you make these Black Forest Overnight Oats, leave a rating and comment below and let me know what toppings you used.
You can also share a photo on Instagram or tiktok and tag me so I can see your creations.
And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it for your next meal-prep breakfast and share it with someone who loves chocolate and cherries as much as I do.
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