Every now and then even the healthiest people in the world want something rich, indulgent and naughty for breakfast. The next time you feel like grabbing a slice of leftover cheesecake (I'm sceptical such a thing as leftover cheesecake exists, but in some fridges it does...apparently) or a handful of cookies for your morning meal, make these black forest overnight oats instead. Loaded with rich dark chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries, this honestly tastes more like an indulgent dessert than a healthy breakfast!
If you're currently on a diet or just trying to change the type of foods you eat, I've got some really exciting news for you. You know which diets are the most successful? The ones that let you eat dessert. It sounds a bit counter intuitive at first, but it does make sense. The basic idea is that if you follow a diet that allows you to eat dessert, you're more likely to stick to it for the long-term.
But you don't want to get into the habit of eating dessert every night, right? Because that's gonna be a pretty tough routine to break. So how about you compromise? How about instead of eating a high-fat, high-sugar (or even a healthy version of) dessert each night, you indulge first thing in the morning with a decadent-tasting yet totally nutritious breakfast?
I really hope you said yes otherwise this healthy overnight oats recipe was a total waste of time. I mean just look at that photo! Don't you just want to grab that spoon and dive right in? The least nutritious thing about these black forest overnight oats is the dark chocolate. Yeah, yeah, chocolate has antioxidants and stuff but c'mon. It's not healthy!
But did you know that when you eat chocolate straight after a meal (or in this case during a meal) your blood sugar doesn't spike as much? So not only do you get to have your black forest cake and eat it too with this recipe. But you also avoid a mid-morning sugar crash that will leave you either slumped at your desk or raiding the vending machine.
Overnight oats easily keep in the fridge for up to one week. So stock up on ingredients, make seven jars worth and enjoy amazing breakfasts every day for hardly any prep. Your waistline, taste buds and attitude will thank you for it.
š Recipe
Ingredients
- Ā½ cup rolled or quick oats
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or a sugar alternative)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ā cup yogurt (can use non-dairy yogurt)
- 5 dark cherries from a can, drained and chopped
- ā cup juice from canned cherries
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips (can use 2 squares of chopped up dark chocolate)
Instructions
- In a medium-size bowl, stir together all the ingredients. Scoop into a container and leave in the fridge for at least 4 hours to thicken before eating cold.
Dannii
I love black forest cake, so having it in oats sounds amazing. What a way to start the day!
Nicola
Thanks so much, Dannii! I'm always a big fan of dessert-like breakfasts.
Sarah
Oh my word, drooling. This looks amazing and I can absolutely get used to having this for breakfast. Every morning. Seriously. Can't wait to try!
Nicola
Thanks so much, Sarah! I know exactly what you mean. When I made it for the first time, I ate it every day for a whole week. It's that good!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
Yes! Totally agree! Allowing treats (and chocolate) is totally the best way to keep healthy over the long run. Deprivation never works for me, it only makes me want that thing more. If I allow myself permission to eat everything and listen, moderation works so much better.
Nicola
I'm so glad you agree with me, Katie! I always want to do the whole "cold turkey" thing but I never, ever works for me. You're totally right - moderation is definitely the key to success when it comes to healthy eating.
Tara
Oh wow! Such a great healthy way to start your day with chocolate! Definitely perfect for the new year. Love all those flavors and that it can be made the night before.
Nicola
Thanks so much, Tara! The chocolate and cherry combo is a total winner š
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health
Well you're right. These overnight oats do look more like a dessert rather than a breakfast. And now if I go and tell people I eat THESE deliciousness for breakfast, they wouldn't believe me š You just have to love that kind a healthy lifestyle, right?! š Pinning and sharing this. Have a lovely weekend Nicola.
Nicola
Thanks so much for your kind words and for sharing, Natalie! You'd never believe a dish that this was healthy - that's why I love it!