Looking for a make-ahead breakfast (or dessert) option that’s packed with protein? This Creamy Overnight Oatmeal Pudding with Cherries is made with a mere handful of ingredients and is simple to make. A great way to start your day right!
I am a victim of 'breakfast boredom'. It can be a struggle to make breakfast interesting and it also needs to be fast.
My favorite smoothie recipes that I happily chug when the weather is warm are harder to drink when it's cold outside.
I usually run out of time after making my kids school lunches and have to grab something on the go (these Supersonic Peanut Butter Energy Bars are good for that).
When I was in college I used to love to make oatmeal for breakfast. It was elevated to a poor student's art form more than a recipe really.
There was the oatmeal itself, a bit of milk or yogurt, fruit, and nuts. I think somewhere in the compilation of it all we fancied ourselves as breakfast Bon Vivants for the chic of our earthy creation.
That came to a screeching halt when visiting a nutritionist to assess my diet and having him tell me to get more energy I needed to be eating tuna salad for breakfast. That was a good news bad news type of deal in that it thrust me well passed my breakfast 'box'. I only had a handful of foods I imagined appropriate for breakfast to that point. The bad news is that is left oatmeal on the shelf as it did not deliver enough protein to keep me going until lunch.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it can be made with dairy milk, nut milk or oat milk!
I do love anything I can prepare outside the hustle and bustle of a school morning so decided to make a Creamy Overnight Oatmeal Pudding with Cherries and trail mix (I guess I can't quit let that layering passion from college go). The oatmeal is super creamy and chills overnight. It can be eaten cool or gently warmed in the microwave to suit your mood. A drizzle of maple syrup, some cherries (frozen and thawed or fresh), any other favorite fruit and some trail mix really make a perfect high protein breakfast to kick off your day!
The texture and flavor also make it an option for a sweet treat or dessert too (think rice pudding)!
Recipe
Creamy Overnight Oatmeal Pudding with Cherries
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (not instant); gluten-free or regular
- 2 cups Milk dairy, nut milk or oat milk
- 1 ½ cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (plus additional for sweetening servings to taste)
- 1 cup pitted Cherries (fresh or frozen/thawed)
- ½ cup Trail Mix
Instructions
- Combine the oats, 1 ½ cups nutmilk and the water in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Cook for 4 minutes or until the rolled oats are soft.
- Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool slightly (5 minutes), stirring periodically to release heat. Stir in the remaining ½ cup nutmilk and the tablespoon maple syrup. Cover and chill overnight.
- To serve: The following morning dish ¼ of the pudding into a serving bowl, topped with a drizzle of additional maple syrup to taste, ¼ cup of the cherries and 2 tablespoon of the trail mix to top.
Kecia says
I’ll be honest – I have never cared much for oatmeal. However, I think that if I tried to “dress it up” a little with fruits and nuts I would enjoy the taste a lot more!
Toni Dash says
It can be pretty ‘plain Jane’ Kecia, I agree. I think the flavor and texture of this version AND the toppings make it a different kind of recipe!
Kristi says
Sounds like a great way to change up breakfast from the same old same old oatmeal.
Robin Rue says
Overnight oatmeal is definitely one of my fav things. I am going to have to give this one a try.
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
This is the perfect healthy breakfast!
Dawn Lopez says
Over night oats are such a fantastic breakfast during busy winter months. I love that you found a way to incorporate some protein too. Bonus!
Susan says
This sounds very good (I’m a huge fan of overnight oats, but not regular oatmeal). I haven’t yet tried the protein milk, but this recipe gives me a good excuse to do so.
Susan says
Finally got around to tyring this – it is very good. I did add a couple of scoops of vanilla protein powder. When serving I forgot about the trail mix (I would have used granola). Definitely a keeper.
Kathy says
This looks really good. I love oatmeal, so I’m sure oatmeal pudding is good too. Can’t wait to try it out.
Toni Dash says
I hope you’ll love it Kathy!
Reesa Lewandowski says
I am obsessed with overnight oats! This looks so delicious with the cherries and mandarins!
Colleen Cayes says
I would make this right now for dessert but I must go get that nut milk. The extra protein, plus the flavor, will make this oatmeal really special. Thank you for discovering it!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This is a recipe my family is going to love. It will make my busy mornings so much easier.