Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats

Some mornings you just don’t want “healthy food”. You want something comforting, chocolatey, a little indulgent… something that feels like a reward for waking up early. That’s exactly where this Black Forest–inspired overnight oats recipe fits in.

If you’ve ever loved Black Forest cake — the deep chocolate flavor, the slightly tart cherries, that creamy bite — this recipe will feel weirdly nostalgic. It tastes like dessert, but it’s actually made with ingredients that keep you full and energized instead of sending you into a sugar crash by 10 a.m.

I started making this when I was craving sweets for breakfast but didn’t want to ruin my whole day nutritionally. And honestly, now it’s one of those recipes that just stays in rotation. It’s easy, forgiving, and feels a little special even on boring weekdays.

No oven. No stove drama. No complicated steps. Just mix, chill, and wake up to something really good.

Why This Recipe Feels Different (and Why I Keep Making It)

There are a lot of overnight oats recipes online. A LOT. Most of them are fine… but also kinda boring after a while. This one hits different because of the flavor contrast. The chocolate is rich but not overly sweet, and the cherries add that tangy bite that makes every spoonful interesting.

Here’s why I actually love this recipe and don’t get bored of it:

• It tastes like dessert but doesn’t feel heavy

• Chocolate + cherry combo never fails

• Keeps me full till lunch on most days

• No cooking in the morning (huge win)

• Easy to prep for multiple days

• Feels fancy but takes like 10 minutes

Also, it looks really pretty layered in a jar, which somehow makes it taste better. Don’t ask me why, it just does.

What You’ll Need (Simple Stuff, Nothing Fancy)

You probably already have most of this at home.

For the Chocolate Overnight Oats Base

• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey if that’s what you use)

• ½ cup milk (any kind works, dairy or plant based)

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Layer

• ½ cup frozen dark sweet cherries

• 1 tablespoon water

For Topping

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or shaved chocolate

• Extra cherries (optional, but looks nice)

A Quick Note About Ingredients 

You don’t need to be super precise with this recipe. That’s one of the reasons I like it. If you add a little more milk, it’ll be creamier. Less milk, thicker oats. Extra cherries? Great. Less sweetener? Also fine.

Just don’t skip mixing the cocoa properly. That part matters, trust me.

How to Make Black Forest Overnight Oats

Step 1: Make the Cherry Compote (It’s Easier Than It Sounds)

Add the frozen cherries and water to a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. The cherries will soften and release their juices, and it’ll start to look syrupy.

Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the cherries. You don’t need to mash all of them, a little texture is nice. Once it looks jammy, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

This step adds so much flavor compared to just throwing frozen cherries into the oats. Totally worth the extra few minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Oats

In a medium bowl, add the oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir really well. Like, more than you think you need to.

Cocoa powder loves to clump, and nobody wants random bitter chocolate pockets in their breakfast. Take the extra 30 seconds here.

The mixture should look smooth and evenly chocolatey.

Step 3: Layer Everything

Grab a jar or container with a lid. Spoon half of the oats mixture into the bottom. Add a layer of the cherry compote. Then add the rest of the oats on top.

If you have extra compote, you can add a little more on top too. There’s no rule here.

Step 4: Add Yogurt and Chocolate

Top the oats with Greek yogurt. This adds creaminess and a little protein, which helps keep you full longer.

Sprinkle dark chocolate chips or shaved chocolate over the top. You don’t need much, just enough to make it feel like dessert.

Step 5: Chill and Forget About It

Close the jar and put it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. The oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid and turn everything into a creamy, pudding-like texture.

And that’s it. You’re done.

What It Tastes Like (Honestly)

This doesn’t taste like “healthy chocolate oats”. It tastes like chocolate pudding meets cherry dessert, but with a hearty, filling texture from the oats.

The cherries cut through the richness, the cocoa gives depth, and the yogurt makes everything smooth. Every bite has something different going on, which keeps it from getting boring halfway through.

If you like Black Forest cake, you’ll probably love this.

Pro Tips (Learned the Hard Way)

• Use frozen cherries: They break down faster and taste juicier

• Mix cocoa really well: This is important, I’ve messed this up before

• Let it chill long enough: Minimum 6 hours, don’t rush it

• Add toppings in the morning if you want better texture

• Layer in a clear jar because yes, it does make it more fun