Vegan Black Forest Overnight Oats
Indulgent breakfast parfait inspired by Black Forest cake, featuring creamy chocolate oats layered with fresh cherry compote and coconut yogurt. The combination of protein powder, chia seeds, and hemp hearts creates a satisfying base, while cacao nibs add delightful crunch. Perfect for meal prep or a special weekend breakfast, this recipe transforms simple oats into a dessert-like treat that's both nutritious and decadent. The cherry molasses drizzle provides an authentic Black Forest flavor that ties all the components together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 5 ½ oz fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 tbsp maple or agave syrup
- 2 tbsp white chia seeds
- 1 cups oats
- 14 tbsp boiling water
- 1 oz vegan chocolate protein powder
- 2 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp flaxseeds
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- ¼ cups thick coconut yoghurt
- 5 ½ tbsp plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs
- ⅓ cups thick coconut yoghurt
- extra cacao nibs(optional)
- extra cherries(optional)
- extra cocoa powder, for dusting(optional)
- 2 tbsp cherry molasses or syrupchocolate syrup1:1none
different flavor profile
Instructions
- 1
Blend cherries, maple syrup, and white chia seeds until smooth and let sit for 5-10 minutes
- 2
Pour boiling water over oats and let sit for 5 minutes, then stir
- 3
Add soaked oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, banana, all seeds, yogurt, and plant milk to food processor and blend until smooth
- 4
Stir cacao nibs into the blended oat mixture
- 5
Layer coconut yogurt in jars, top with cherry jam, then blended oats
- 6
Add more yogurt, cherry jam, and cacao nibs on top
- 7
Garnish with extra cherries and dust with cocoa powder
- 8
Drizzle with cherry molasses before serving
Tips
Soak the chia seeds in the cherry mixture for at least 10 minutes to create a jam-like consistency that holds together better in the parfait layers.
Make sure oats are fully softened before blending for the smoothest texture - if needed, let them sit longer than 5 minutes.
Chill the assembled parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and achieve the best texture.
Good to Know
Keep covered in refrigerator for 2-3 days. Best consumed within 48 hours for optimal texture.
Can be assembled up to 2 days in advance. Add fresh toppings just before serving for best presentation.
Serve chilled directly from refrigerator. Let sit 5 minutes at room temperature if too firm.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip soaking the oats properly or the texture will be gritty after blending.
Avoid over-blending the cherry mixture to maintain some texture in the compote.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
thaw first
General Alternatives
similar nutrition
different flavor profile
FAQ
Can I make this without protein powder?
Yes, omit the protein powder and add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate flavor. The texture will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
What if I don't have cherry molasses?
Use maple syrup, agave, or even chocolate syrup as alternatives. You can also make a simple cherry syrup by cooking fresh cherries with a little sugar and water.
How long will this keep in the fridge?
The assembled parfaits keep well for 2-3 days covered in the refrigerator. The oats will continue to soften over time, which many people prefer.