Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Creamy oats combined with a naturally sweet cherry jam make for a satisfying breakfast that’s easy to prepare ahead. Perfect for busy mornings or a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
- 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (for the jam)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the jam)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, add the cherries and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Mash with a fork or masher until the cherries break into small pieces and release enough juice.
- Step 2: Stir in the chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the mashed cherries. Place the mixture in the fridge to thicken while you prepare the oats.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Using a mason jar or similar container, layer half of the oat mixture, then half of the cherry chia jam. Add the remaining oat mixture, top with the rest of the jam, and finish with a dollop of almond butter.
- Step 5: Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and oats to soften.
- Step 6: In the morning, remove from the fridge and optionally sprinkle with slivered almonds or hemp seeds. Enjoy cold or warm it briefly in the microwave if preferred.
Tips & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt if you want a higher protein option and creamier texture.
- Switch fresh cherries for frozen or other berries to vary the fruit flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm spice touch.
- For a nut-free version, swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter.
Storage
Store the overnight oats in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chia jam will keep the mixture fresh and thick. You can enjoy the oats chilled straight from the fridge or warm them gently in the microwave before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the cherry chia jam in advance?
Yes, you can make the cherry chia jam up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This saves time in the morning and allows the flavors to develop even more.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, using plant-based protein powder and dairy-free yogurt makes this recipe completely vegan. Just be sure to choose maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.
PrintHealthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam Recipe
This Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam recipe is a nutritious and delicious make-ahead breakfast that combines creamy oats, plant-based protein, and a vibrant cherry chia jam. Perfect for those seeking a gluten-free, vegetarian, and wholesome start to their day, this recipe offers a balance of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness with minimal added sugars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus 30 seconds microwaving for jam)
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (including refrigeration time)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Ingredients
Overnight 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 (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
Cherry Chia Seed Jam
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Chia Jam: In a small bowl, add the pitted cherries and microwave for 30 seconds to soften. Mash the cherries thoroughly using a fork or masher until broken into small pieces and the mixture is juicy.
- Mix Jam Ingredients: Stir in the chia seeds, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the mashed cherries. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to allow the jam to thicken properly while you prepare the oats.
- Combine Oat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine gluten free rolled oats, plant-based vanilla protein powder, almond milk, unsweetened coconut yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Layer in Jar: Using a mason jar or two smaller jars, add half of the oat mixture as the first layer. Then dollop half of the cherry chia jam on top of the oats. Repeat by adding the remaining oats as the next layer, followed by the rest of the cherry jam. Finish by topping with almond butter on the very top.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Close the jar tightly with a lid and place in the refrigerator overnight to let flavors meld and oats soften.
- Serve: In the morning, remove the jar from the fridge. Optionally sprinkle with slivered almonds or hemp seeds for extra crunch. Enjoy chilled or warm up briefly in the microwave before eating.
Notes
- Maple syrup amounts can be adjusted for desired sweetness or substituted with honey if preferred.
- Use gluten free oats to keep this recipe gluten free.
- For a vegan version, ensure yogurt and protein powder are plant-based.
- Chilling the cherry chia jam lets it thicken, improving texture and flavor integration.
- This recipe can be prepared in advance to save time on busy mornings.
- Optional toppings such as nuts or seeds add extra nutrition and texture.
Keywords: overnight oats, healthy breakfast, cherry chia jam, gluten free oats, plant-based protein, make-ahead breakfast
