Chill Time:8 hrsActive Time:35 minsTotal Time:8 hrs 40 minsServings:4Jump to Nutrition Facts
Chill Time:8 hrsActive Time:35 minsTotal Time:8 hrs 40 minsServings:4
Chill Time:8 hrs
Chill Time:
8 hrs
Active Time:35 mins
Active Time:
35 mins
Total Time:8 hrs 40 mins
Total Time:
8 hrs 40 mins
Servings:4
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Jump to recipeThese fiber-filledBlack Forest Cake-Inspired Overnight Oatstaste like dessert for breakfast. The cocoa powder brings a bold chocolate flavor that complements the antioxidant-filled sweet, juicy cherries, replicating that classic Black Forest flavor. Almond extract amplifies the cherry’s underlying almond notes, and the fiber-filled oats become soft yet slightly chewy. Besides adding more cherry flavor, the strained yogurt adds creaminess and protein to these oats. And the chocolate topping takes them to the next level. Keep reading for expert tips including how long these oats will keep in the fridge.Tips from the EatingWell Test KitchenThese are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!If using frozen cherries, let them thaw and drain well to remove any ice and excess liquid, then pat dry.Make sure your top layer of oats in the jar is as flat as possible so you can add an even layer of melted chocolate topping.You can use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt instead of black cherry yogurt, and you can substitute protein chocolate milk for the reduced-fat chocolate milk.Nutrition NotesBesides being the base of this recipe,oatsare a good source of gut-healthy fiber and energy-producing complex carbohydrates. The fiber also helps slow the digestion of the oats, which helps stabilize blood sugar.Loaded with antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C,cherriescan help reduce inflammation and chronic disease. The fiber helps keep things moving through your gut. The vitamin C in cherries gives your immune system a boost and is great for your skin.Chia seedsare small but mighty packages of nutrition. They provide fiber, heart-healthy fats and plant protein, as well as numerous vitamins and minerals. Altogether, they can help calm inflammation, reduce chronic disease risk and improve your digestion.One of the things that makes these overnight oats feel like dessert is thechocolate. This is where the good news comes in—chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be healthy, too! Dark chocolate has been linked to a healthier heart and brain. The higher the percentage of cacao, the more health benefits the chocolate will offer. It’s important to note that milk chocolate and white chocolate do not offer the same benefits as dark chocolate.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Jump to recipe
These fiber-filledBlack Forest Cake-Inspired Overnight Oatstaste like dessert for breakfast. The cocoa powder brings a bold chocolate flavor that complements the antioxidant-filled sweet, juicy cherries, replicating that classic Black Forest flavor. Almond extract amplifies the cherry’s underlying almond notes, and the fiber-filled oats become soft yet slightly chewy. Besides adding more cherry flavor, the strained yogurt adds creaminess and protein to these oats. And the chocolate topping takes them to the next level. Keep reading for expert tips including how long these oats will keep in the fridge.Tips from the EatingWell Test KitchenThese are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!If using frozen cherries, let them thaw and drain well to remove any ice and excess liquid, then pat dry.Make sure your top layer of oats in the jar is as flat as possible so you can add an even layer of melted chocolate topping.You can use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt instead of black cherry yogurt, and you can substitute protein chocolate milk for the reduced-fat chocolate milk.Nutrition NotesBesides being the base of this recipe,oatsare a good source of gut-healthy fiber and energy-producing complex carbohydrates. The fiber also helps slow the digestion of the oats, which helps stabilize blood sugar.Loaded with antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C,cherriescan help reduce inflammation and chronic disease. The fiber helps keep things moving through your gut. The vitamin C in cherries gives your immune system a boost and is great for your skin.Chia seedsare small but mighty packages of nutrition. They provide fiber, heart-healthy fats and plant protein, as well as numerous vitamins and minerals. Altogether, they can help calm inflammation, reduce chronic disease risk and improve your digestion.One of the things that makes these overnight oats feel like dessert is thechocolate. This is where the good news comes in—chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be healthy, too! Dark chocolate has been linked to a healthier heart and brain. The higher the percentage of cacao, the more health benefits the chocolate will offer. It’s important to note that milk chocolate and white chocolate do not offer the same benefits as dark chocolate.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
These fiber-filledBlack Forest Cake-Inspired Overnight Oatstaste like dessert for breakfast. The cocoa powder brings a bold chocolate flavor that complements the antioxidant-filled sweet, juicy cherries, replicating that classic Black Forest flavor. Almond extract amplifies the cherry’s underlying almond notes, and the fiber-filled oats become soft yet slightly chewy. Besides adding more cherry flavor, the strained yogurt adds creaminess and protein to these oats. And the chocolate topping takes them to the next level. Keep reading for expert tips including how long these oats will keep in the fridge.
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
Nutrition Notes
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients2⅓cupsold-fashioned rolled oats1⅔cupsreduced-fatchocolate milk2(5.3-ounce) containersnonfat black cherry strained (Greek-style) yogurt1tablespoonchia seeds1tablespooncocoa powder¼teaspoonalmond extract⅛teaspoonsalt1cupstemmed fresh dark sweet cherries, pitted and coarsely chopped,orthawed frozen pitted cherries, coarsely chopped2tablespoonsbittersweet chocolate chips(60% cacao)1½teaspoonsunrefinedcoconut oilFlakysea saltfor garnish (optional)
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)
Ingredients
2⅓cupsold-fashioned rolled oats
1⅔cupsreduced-fatchocolate milk
2(5.3-ounce) containersnonfat black cherry strained (Greek-style) yogurt
1tablespoonchia seeds
1tablespooncocoa powder
¼teaspoonalmond extract
⅛teaspoonsalt
1cupstemmed fresh dark sweet cherries, pitted and coarsely chopped,orthawed frozen pitted cherries, coarsely chopped
2tablespoonsbittersweet chocolate chips(60% cacao)
1½teaspoonsunrefinedcoconut oil
Flakysea saltfor garnish (optional)
DirectionsStir 2⅓ cups oats, 1⅔ cups milk, 2 (5.3-ounce) containers yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon cocoa, ¼ teaspoon almond extract and ⅛ teaspoon salt together in a medium bowl until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (and up to 4 days).Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina DaleyDivide half of the oat mixture between 4 (10-ounce) tall, narrow jars, smoothing into an even layer (about a scant ½ cup per jar). Top each with a layer of cherries (about 3 tablespoons per jar). Top with the remaining oat mixture, smoothing into an even layer.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina DaleyMicrowave 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and 1½ teaspoons coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Spoon the melted chocolate over the jars (about 1½ teaspoons each). Refrigerate, uncovered, until the chocolate is almost fully set, 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with sea salt, if desired.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina DaleyFrequently Asked QuestionsFor this recipe, we recommend four 10-ounce Mason jars with lids, or something similar, because it makes it easier to get the ingredients into the jars.The oats should be good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in covered jars.EatingWell.com, August 2024
Directions
Stir 2⅓ cups oats, 1⅔ cups milk, 2 (5.3-ounce) containers yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon cocoa, ¼ teaspoon almond extract and ⅛ teaspoon salt together in a medium bowl until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (and up to 4 days).Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina DaleyDivide half of the oat mixture between 4 (10-ounce) tall, narrow jars, smoothing into an even layer (about a scant ½ cup per jar). Top each with a layer of cherries (about 3 tablespoons per jar). Top with the remaining oat mixture, smoothing into an even layer.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina DaleyMicrowave 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and 1½ teaspoons coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Spoon the melted chocolate over the jars (about 1½ teaspoons each). Refrigerate, uncovered, until the chocolate is almost fully set, 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with sea salt, if desired.Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina DaleyFrequently Asked QuestionsFor this recipe, we recommend four 10-ounce Mason jars with lids, or something similar, because it makes it easier to get the ingredients into the jars.The oats should be good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in covered jars.
Stir 2⅓ cups oats, 1⅔ cups milk, 2 (5.3-ounce) containers yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon cocoa, ¼ teaspoon almond extract and ⅛ teaspoon salt together in a medium bowl until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (and up to 4 days).

Divide half of the oat mixture between 4 (10-ounce) tall, narrow jars, smoothing into an even layer (about a scant ½ cup per jar). Top each with a layer of cherries (about 3 tablespoons per jar). Top with the remaining oat mixture, smoothing into an even layer.

Microwave 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and 1½ teaspoons coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Spoon the melted chocolate over the jars (about 1½ teaspoons each). Refrigerate, uncovered, until the chocolate is almost fully set, 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with sea salt, if desired.

Frequently Asked QuestionsFor this recipe, we recommend four 10-ounce Mason jars with lids, or something similar, because it makes it easier to get the ingredients into the jars.The oats should be good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in covered jars.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this recipe, we recommend four 10-ounce Mason jars with lids, or something similar, because it makes it easier to get the ingredients into the jars.
The oats should be good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in covered jars.
EatingWell.com, August 2024
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Nutrition Facts(per serving)405Calories9gFat64gCarbs17gProtein
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.
Carrie Myers, M.S.
andLinda Frahm
Linda Frahm