Have you tried overnight oats yet? They are the perfect remedy for busy mornings or anyone who just wants something quick and easy to start their day.

While there are a variety of ways to make and flavor your overnight oats, the main components usually include rolled oats soaked in milk and mixed with chia seeds and any other fruits and flavors you want. Just throw all the ingredients in a mason jar, shake to mix, and refrigerate overnight. The next day you can grab the mason jar on your way out the door or throw it in the microwave for a warm oatmeal version.

This one includes one of my favorite flavor combos: chocolate and cherries. If you haven’t already incorporated chocolate into your breakfast, now is the time to start. Adding cocoa powder to breakfast items like overnight oats creates rich, decadent, chocolatey flavor without any added sugar. In other words, it is like having dessert for breakfast (but it’s healthy).

Fresh cherries are loaded with nutrients including anti-inflammatory antioxidants and polyphenols. Chia seeds help soak up the milk, create creamy texture, and provide omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. There is no additional sweetener in this recipe as the cherries bring a lot of sweetness, but feel free to add maple syrup or another sweetener of choice if you prefer.

Check out the recipe below for a decadent yet super healthy breakfast that is guaranteed to save you time in the morning.

Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats

Serves 1 *you can multiply this recipe and mix all ingredients in a larger bowl and then separate into mason jars to make multiple servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup plant-based milk
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
*add chocolate protein powder for a protein boost!