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Black Forest Overnight Oats

Created by: Teri-Ann Carty

Black Forest Overnight Oats are rich, chocolatey, creamy, and layered with tangy yogurt and sweet cherry chia jam for the ultimate high protein breakfast. Inspired by classic Black Forest cake, this easy make-ahead recipe brings together oats, chia seeds, chocolate protein powder, cacao, Greek yogurt, and cherries for a nourishing breakfast that tastes like dessert but won't spike your blood sugar levels!

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High Protein Black Forest Overnight Oats

Raise your hand if you love high protein breakfasts! Now, this may shock you, but I am back with another high protein breakfast recipe. It’s one of those things I just feel you cannot have enough of. I used to skip breakfast, but I am not that person anymore. I take any chance I can to nourish my body, give it what it needs and feed it all the protein I can handle.

I’m stoked to share this recipe with you because my goodness, it’s delicious and oh so very nostalgic. A few weeks ago, I shared the most incredible cherry chia jam, and I hinted that I was creating a recipe with it and boy, do we have a recipe! My brand new high protein overnight oats recipe is about to become a new mainstay in your tickle trunk of breakfast recipes. If you’re looking for a delicious plant based version, please check out my beautiful friend Lizzie’s Black Forest Cake dessert.

High Proten Breakfast for the Win!

Do you ever get into a rut? If you could see me, you’d see both hands and feet up in the air (I’m also a yoga teacher). In other words, we all do. I’m not the type to eat the same thing every day; don’t get me wrong, I do get obsessive about recipes and will eat them so much, but then I need to put them to rest for a while. This is why keeping things fun and creative in the kitchen is a must for me. I’m always trying to eat low sugar, high fibre, and high protein meals. Essentially, it’s the checklist for every recipe I make, delicious being the top of that list. However, that can become difficult when you make as many recipes as I do!

Getting creative, nostalgic, and experimenting is the name of my game, and I love it! This recipe checks all those boxes. The bonus about this recipe is that it also makes a healthy dessert option. You know I love breakfast for dessert and dessert for breakfast options. Eating a well-balanced dessert will help you keep your blood sugar in check. Check out this podcast for the science behind that.

What is Black Forest?

Black Forest is a nostalgic flavour for me (and maybe many of you)… I’m a 70’s baby, so I come from the era where black forest cake was on every buffet table. Omg, the whipped cream, cherry and chocolate cake combination is such a dream. This recipe takes those flavours and turns them into a black forest breakfast. Instead of cake, we use chocolate oats. Instead of whipped cream, we use creamy Greek yogurt. And instead of canned cherries, we use this homemade cherry chia jam. Swapping out the decadent for the healthy gives you the essence of black forest cake, but in a way that feels nourishing, balanced, and socially acceptable as a weekday morning meal!

What Makes This Recipe High Protein?

Making this recipe high protein was not at all difficult because I used my favourite chocolate protein powder from Botanica and swapped whipped cream for Greek yogurt. Also, never underestimate chia seeds. Their contribution of protein and fibre is perfect for this breakfast recipe.

Black Forest Overnight Oats Ingredients

Oats create the base of this recipe and provide the soft, creamy texture that overnight oats are known for. They absorb the milk as they sit, becoming tender without any cooking. Old-fashioned oats work best because they hold their shape while still becoming creamy.
Chia Seeds help thicken the mixture and add fibre. As they sit in the liquid, they absorb moisture and create a spoonable texture. They also help make the oats more filling, which is exactly what we want in a breakfast recipe.
Botanica Chocolate Protein Powder gives this recipe its rich chocolate flavour while making it high in protein. It blends into the oats and helps turn a simple breakfast into high protein overnight oats with protein powder. This is the protein powder that I used, but you could use whatever one you have on hand.
Cacao Powder deepens the chocolate flavour. It gives a chocolate cake vibe you cannot miss and balances the sweetness of the cherry jam beautifully. If you use black cocoa, the flavour becomes even more dramatic and dessert-like.
Milk softens the oats and brings the mixture together. Any milk will work, including dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Use what you love and what you have.
Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavour. It makes the oats taste softer, sweeter, and more complete without adding sugar.
Greek Yogurt is the creamy topping that gives this recipe its Black Forest feel. It adds protein, tang, and richness while replacing the whipped cream traditionally found in Black Forest cake. For a plant-based option, use a high protein coconut yogurt.
Homemade Cherry Chia Jam brings the sweet-tart cherry layer. It is what turns these from plain chocolate oats into cherry chocolate overnight oats. The jam adds colour, flavour, and that nostalgic Black Forest feeling. Click here for my cherry jam recipe!
Cacao Nibs or Shaved Chocolate add crunch and a slightly bitter chocolate note, while shaved chocolate makes the oats feel more dessert-like. Either option works beautifully.
Fresh Cherries make the final bowl look beautiful and reinforce black forest energy. They are optional, but they make the whole recipe feel extra special.

How to Make These High Protein Overnight Oats

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large ramekin or bowl, add the oats, chocolate protein powder, chia seeds, and cacao powder. Stir the dry ingredients together first so everything is evenly distributed. This helps prevent clumps once the milk goes in.

Add the Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the milk and vanilla, then stir well. Take your time here. Stir for at least two minutes, scraping the sides and bottom so the protein powder, cacao, oats, and chia seeds are fully combined. The mixture should look chocolatey, glossy, and evenly hydrated.

Let the Oats Set

Place the oats in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight. As they rest, the oats soften, and the chia seeds activate, creating that thick, creamy overnight oats texture.

Add the Yogurt Layer

When you are ready to serve, spread the Greek yogurt over the top of the oats. This gives the recipe that creamy Black Forest-inspired layer and balances the chocolate base.

Add Cherry Chia Jam

Spoon the cherry chia jam over the yogurt. You can swirl it slightly or leave it layered for a beautiful contrast of chocolate, cream, and cherry.

Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle with cacao nibs or shaved chocolate, then garnish with cherries if desired. The final result should look like a little breakfast dessert, which is exactly the point.

How to Meal Prep Your Overnight Oats

These black forest oats are ideal for meal prep because they need time to rest in the fridge. You can mix the chocolate oat base the night before and add the yogurt, jam, and toppings in the morning. This keeps the layers looking fresh and the toppings from softening too much. If you want to prep the full recipe ahead, you can layer everything in jars and store them covered in the fridge. Just wait to add cacao nibs or shaved chocolate until serving if you want the best texture. This recipe makes two to three servings, depending on your appetite and how you portion it. It is a great option for busy mornings, post-workout breakfasts, or a sweet afternoon snack.

How to Serve Black Forest Overnight Oats

Cold and with your favourite toppings (or suggested toppings) is going to be the best way to serve these overnight oats! I like adding everything to one big container and then portioning out and serving up fresh whenever I’m ready to dive in.

How To Store Overnight Oats

An airtight container is always the best bet for overnight oats. Keep them closed and in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. I find that my overnight oats (without toppings) stay fresh and enjoyable for at least three or four days in the fridge. I like to give things a quick stir before serving. If everything gets too thick, just add a little extra water or milk before serving up.

Tips for Making the Best Overnight Oats

Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Quick oats can become too soft, while steel-cut oats will not soften enough in this style of recipe.
Stir longer than you think you need to. Chia seeds need a little time to absorb, so make sure that you mix more than once before you put the oats in the fridge.
Let the oats rest long enough. Two hours works, but overnight gives the creamiest result.
Layer the toppings right before serving if you want the prettiest presentation.
Use homemade cherry chia jam if you can. It brings such a beautiful, fresh flavour and makes this black forest overnight oats recipe feel extra special. Also, it’s just so delicious and a really easy recipe, so why not!! Click here to get the jam recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Overnight Oats!

Overnight oats are one of the easiest ways to make breakfast feel effortless. They require no cooking, they are endlessly customizable, and they can be made ahead, so your morning feels calmer. This version is especially delicious because it tastes like black forest cake but supports your day like a balanced breakfast. Not to mention, this is a very healthy recipe that includes chocolate, fiber and protein all in one spoonful, what more could you ask for?!

Black Forest Overnight Oats FAQ

Are overnight oats healthy? Yes, overnight oats can be a healthy breakfast option, especially when paired with protein, fibre, and nourishing toppings.

Can you heat up overnight oats? Yes, you can heat overnight oats if you prefer them warm. Warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed. For this recipe, I personally love them cold because the yogurt and cherry jam layers feel fresh and dessert-like.

What types of oats work best for overnight oats? Old-fashioned rolled oats work best. They soften beautifully while still holding some texture. Quick oats can become mushy, and steel-cut oats need a different method because they stay too firm.

Can I make these plant-based? Yes. Use a plant-based protein powder, dairy-free milk, and a high protein coconut yogurt or another dairy-free yogurt you love.

Did You Make This Recipe?

I would love to hear about your trip down memory lane with this black forest recipe! Leave a comment and rating below and share your experience.

Black Forest Overnight Oats (Refined Sugar Free!)

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Servings: servings

Author: Teri-Ann Carty

Prep Time: 10

Rest Time: 2

Total Time: 2 10

Equipment

9oz ramekin
spatula, fridge

Ingredients

½ cup oats
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp Botanica Chocolate Protein Powder
1 tbsp cacao powder
¾ cup milk of choice
1 tsp vanilla
½-¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
2-3 tbsp cherry chia jam
1 tbsp cacao nibs or shaved chocolate

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To a large ramekin (9oz) or a bowl add oats, protein powder, chia seeds, cacao powder. Stir dry ingredients to combine.
Add milk and vanilla and stir for at least 2 minutes. You want all the ingredients combined well and chia seeds to activate. Place in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.
When you are ready to serve, spread yogurt on top of oats.
Add chia jam on top of yogurt. Sprinkle with cacao nibs or shaved chocolate.
Garnish with cherries.

Notes

Use whatever protein powder you have.
You can make this plant-based by using a high protein coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.