Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

The Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam recipe is a delightful way to start your day. This nutritious dish combines the benefits of oats, chia seeds, and fresh cherries, making it perfect for busy mornings or a healthy snack any time. Vegan and gluten-free, these overnight oats are not only easy to prepare but also customizable for various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re fueling up for a workout or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, this recipe stands out with its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from the oats and chia seeds, this breakfast keeps you satisfied longer.
• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have a healthy meal ready for tomorrow.
• Customizable Flavors: Change the fruit or toppings to suit your preferences—try bananas, berries, or nuts!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make batches in advance for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
• Deliciously Sweet: The cherry chia seed jam adds a natural sweetness without refined sugars.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mason jar or airtight container
• Mixing bowls
• Fork or masher
• Microwave

Importance of Each Tool

• Mason jar or airtight container: Ideal for chilling overnight oats, ensuring freshness and easy transport.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently and avoiding messes.
• Fork or masher: Perfect for mashing cherries into a jam-like consistency quickly.
• Microwave: Convenient for heating the cherries to enhance their flavor before mixing.

Ingredients

For this delicious recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Base Ingredients

• 3/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 1/4 cup plant-based vanilla protein powder of choice
• 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut yogurt (or greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (depending on preferred sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

For Cherry Chia Seed Jam

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Chia Seed Jam

1. In a small bowl add the cherries and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
2. Mash with a fork or masher until cherries are broken apart into small pieces. Ensure there’s an ample amount of juice from the cherries in the bowl.
3. Stir in the chia seeds, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Set in the fridge to thicken.

Step 2: Combine the Oats Mixture

1. In a large bowl, add the gluten-free rolled oats, protein powder, unsweetened almond milk, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Layer Your Ingredients

1. To a mason jar (or split between two jars for smaller servings), add half of the oat mixture.
2. Layer with half of the cherry chia jam.
3. Add in the remaining oat mixture on top of that layer.
4. Top with the rest of the cherry jam and dollop almond butter on top.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

Close the jar tightly and place it in the fridge overnight.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

In the morning, remove from the fridge. You can enjoy it cold as is or warm it up slightly in the microwave if you prefer. Sprinkle with slivered almonds or hemp seeds if desired before diving in!

How to Serve Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Serving Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam is a delightful experience. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile for breakfast or a snack.

Enjoy with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Add blueberries or strawberries on top for an extra burst of flavor.
• Banana Slices: Sliced bananas provide additional creaminess and natural sweetness.

Top with Nuts and Seeds

• Almonds: Sprinkle slivered almonds for a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
• Chia Seeds: Add more chia seeds for additional nutrition and a nice crunch.

Pair with Plant-Based Milk

• Almond Milk: A splash of almond milk can enhance creaminess if you prefer a thinner consistency.
• Coconut Milk: For a tropical twist, use coconut milk to complement the cherry flavor.

How to Perfect Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Perfecting your Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam is easy with a few handy tips.

• Bold Choice of Ingredients: Use high-quality rolled oats and fresh cherries for the best flavor and texture.
• Bold Storage Tips: Store your overnight oats in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Bold Customization Options: Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits or nuts based on your preferences.
• Bold Chill Time: Allow the oats to sit overnight for at least 6 hours to ensure they are perfectly creamy.
• Bold Serving Ideas: Serve cold or warm them up in the microwave if you prefer a hot breakfast.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

Healthy Overnight Oats pair well with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt: A serving of Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, enhancing your meal’s nutritional value.
2. Smoothie Bowl: A light smoothie bowl can be refreshing and provide additional nutrients through various fruits and greens.
3. Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain toast topped with almond or peanut butter offers healthy fats that pair nicely.
4. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and variety, making breakfast more exciting.
5. Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese provides a protein boost while keeping things light.
6. Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars give a satisfying crunch alongside your oats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the soak time: Not allowing the oats to soak overnight can lead to a grainy texture. Always prepare them a day in advance for the best results.
• Using sweetened yogurt: Opting for sweetened coconut yogurt can make your dish overly sweet. Stick to unsweetened yogurt to control the sweetness of your oats.
• Ignoring ingredient ratios: Adding too much liquid or not enough chia seeds can affect the consistency. Follow the recipe measurements closely for creamy oats.
• Neglecting freshness: Using old or overripe cherries may give your jam an off taste. Always use fresh cherries for the best flavor in your cherry chia seed jam.
• Not customizing flavors: Sticking rigidly to the recipe can limit your creativity. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or nut butters based on your taste preferences.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that there is no excess air in the container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

• Freeze in a mason jar or freezer-safe container.
• They will last up to 2 months when frozen.
• Leave some space at the top of the jar as they will expand when frozen.

Reheating Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer oats to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place oats in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat oats gently over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam ahead of time?

Yes! These oats are perfect for meal prep and can be made up to three days in advance.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cherries?

You can use any berries or fruits you like, such as strawberries, blueberries, or peaches, to create your fruit jam.

How do I make my healthy overnight oats creamier?

Adding more yogurt or reducing the amount of almond milk will yield a creamier texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses gluten-free rolled oats, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. You can swap out fruits, adjust sweetness levels, or even add spices like cinnamon. This dish makes for a satisfying breakfast that keeps you energized throughout the day. Give it a try and enjoy experimenting with different flavors!

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Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam

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Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam is a nutritious and delicious way to kickstart your day. This vibrant breakfast combines the wholesome goodness of rolled oats and chia seeds with a homemade cherry jam, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for busy mornings or as a healthy snack, this vegan and gluten-free recipe is easily customizable to suit any taste preference. With just five minutes of preparation, you can prepare these delightful oats ahead of time, allowing them to chill overnight for a creamy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re fueling up for a workout or enjoying a leisurely breakfast at home, these oats offer a delightful blend of nutrition and taste.

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/4 cup plant-based vanilla protein powder
• 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut yogurt
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Chia Seed Jam by heating cherries in the microwave for 30 seconds and mashing them. Mix in chia seeds and maple syrup; refrigerate to thicken.
2. Combine oats, protein powder, almond milk, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl; stir until well mixed.
3. Layer half of the oat mixture in a mason jar, followed by half of the cherry jam. Repeat layers and top with remaining cherry jam.
4. Seal tightly and refrigerate overnight.
5. Serve cold or warm up slightly before enjoying.

• Author: Emmeline
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 jar (300g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For sweeter oats, adjust the amount of maple syrup. Feel free to substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries or strawberries based on your preference. Add toppings such as slivered almonds or additional chia seeds for extra crunch.