OVERNIGHT OATS: QUICK AND EASY BREAKFAST OPTION
Overnight oats are an ideal choice for busy mornings. They’re simple to prepare, very satisfying, and can be adapted with different fruits, seeds, and sweeteners to keep breakfast varied throughout the week. Preparing oats by soaking them in a plant-based milk overnight (or for a few hours) softens their texture and improves digestibility, making the nutrients easier for your body to absorb.
BANANA CHERRY OVERNIGHT OATS
Banana cherry overnight oats is a hearty, nutritious breakfast that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare if you don’t count soaking time. This layered jar recipe combines a quick cherry chia jam with classic overnight oats flavored with banana. It’s vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free oats, soy-free, nut-free, and rich in fiber.
MEET THE INGREDIENTS
1st layer
- Frozen cherries
- Chia seeds
- Maple syrup (optional)
2nd layer
- Rolled oats — always use certified gluten-free rolled oats if you need to avoid cross-contamination
- Chia seeds
- Rice milk (or other plant-based milk)
- Banana
OATS AND A GLUTEN-FREE DIET
Most people with coeliac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity tolerate certified gluten-free oats well. However, a small number of individuals may react to avenin, a protein in oats similar to gluten. If you notice new symptoms after adding oats to your diet, consult a dietitian or doctor.
Cross-contamination can occur when oats are processed alongside wheat, rye, or barley. If you require a gluten-free diet for medical reasons, be sure to choose oats labeled as certified gluten-free to reduce the risk of contamination.
HOW TO MAKE BANANA CHERRY OVERNIGHT OATS
CHERRY CHIA JAM
STEP 1
Combine frozen sour cherries, a small amount of water, and maple syrup in a small pot over low heat. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
STEP 2
Remove from heat, stir in chia seeds, and let the jam sit for 10–15 minutes so the chia seeds can thicken the mixture. Stir again before using.
OVERNIGHT OATS
STEP 1
Mix rolled oats and chia seeds with rice milk (or your preferred plant milk) in a jar or container. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
STEP 2
In the morning, mash a ripe banana and stir it into the soaked oats until evenly combined.
SERVING SUGGESTION
Layer the cherry chia jam over the banana oats in jars. Finish with pomegranate seeds or another fresh topping for color and a pop of flavor. These jars are convenient for grab-and-go breakfasts or for serving to guests.
TIPS AND SUBSTITUTES
Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a pleasant depth to the cherry jam, but you can substitute agave syrup, honey (if not strictly vegan), or another sweetener you prefer. Adjust the amount to taste.
Plant milk: Rice milk gives a light consistency, but almond, oat, soy, or other plant milks can be used depending on dietary needs or flavor preference.
Fruit variations: Swap cherries for berries, stewed apples, or cooked pears to create different flavor profiles throughout the week.
BANANA CHERRY OVERNIGHT OATS ARE:
- Vegan (dairy-free)
- Gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free oats
- Soy-free (if using a soy-free milk)
- Nut-free (if using a nut-free milk)
- High in fiber
- Nutritious, filling, and easy to prepare
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Banana Cherry Overnight Oats
Nensi Beram
A filling, easy breakfast jar with cherry chia jam and banana-flavored overnight oats. Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free.
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 5 mins | Servings: 2 | Calories: 361 kcal
Ingredients
1st layer – Cherry chia jam
- 100 g frozen sour cherries
- 30 ml water
- 15 g chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
2nd layer – Overnight oats
- 80 g certified gluten-free rolled oats
- 200 ml rice milk (or other plant milk)
- 5 g chia seeds (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 ripe banana
Garnish
- Pomegranate seeds or other fresh fruit
Instructions
Cherry chia jam
- Place the frozen cherries, water, and maple syrup in a small pot over low heat. Cook for a few minutes until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens to a jam-like texture.
- Remove from heat, stir in the chia seeds, and let sit for 10–15 minutes to thicken. Stir again before assembling the jars.
Overnight oats
- Combine rolled oats and chia seeds with rice milk in a jar or container. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, mash the ripe banana and mix it into the soaked oats until smooth and combined.
- Layer the banana oats and cherry chia jam in jars. Top with pomegranate seeds or your chosen garnish and serve.
Nutrition facts
Amount per serving — Calories: 361 kcal
- Fat: 7 g (11% DV)
- Sodium: 44 mg (2% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 70 g (23% DV)
- Fiber: 10 g (42% DV)
- Sugar: 25 g (28% DV)
- Protein: 9 g (18% DV)
*Nutritional information is an estimate and should be used as a guide.
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