If you’ve been on Tiktok lately, chances are you’ve seen the blended overnight oats recipe trend. This deliciously smooth and creamy breakfast feels like eating dessert first thing in the morning (and who doesn’t want that?).
The creamy texture of this cherry-banana version is a total game-changer for those who aren’t into the chewy texture of traditional old-fashioned oats. It’s sweet, satisfying, and packed with wholesome ingredients—the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. Did I mention that it's also perfect for babies or toddlers?
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Baby and adult friendly!
- It’s made in under 5 minutes
- Creamy, fruity, and naturally sweet
- Totally customizable with different flavors and fun mix-ins
- Great for meal prep and storing in the fridge
If you love this recipe, you will love my High Protein Tiramisu Overnight Oats, High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats,and my Apple Pie Overnight Oats (Meal Prep Friendly).
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Ingredients
Let’s talk main ingredients and why they matter:
- Quick Oats: The star of this blended overnight oats recipe! They create that silky pudding-like texture once blended and chilled.
- Chia seeds: Packed with healthy fats and fatty acids, they help thicken the oats and add a boost of fiber and protein.
- Vanilla extract (alcohol-free): A little splash gives your oats a cozy, warm sweetness. Alcohol-free is used to make this appropriate for babies and toddlers, use regular vanilla extract if serving to adults.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and creaminess. You can swap for plant-based milk like coconut milk, oat milk, or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Cherries (fresh or frozen): Adds tart, fruity brightness to the oats and a beautiful pink color. Use dark sweet cherries or tart cherries—both are amazing.
- Banana (fresh or frozen): Natural sweetness and a thick, smooth texture of regular overnight oats once blended.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add to a blender: Combine ⅓ cup quick oats, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup milk of choice, ¼ cup cherries, and ½ banana in a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Step 2: Blend: Blend on high for 1 minute until completely smooth. You want a creamy consistency—almost like a smoothie-meets-pudding!
- Step 3: Chill: Pour the mixture into a mason jar or airtight container. If serving for a baby, divide the mixture into 4 smaller jars for easy portions. If it’s for an adult—go big and enjoy the whole thing in a single jar! Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours to thicken.
- Step 4: Serve: On the next morning, top with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, natural peanut butter, hemp seeds, or your favorite toppings! If serving to a baby be mindful of what toppings you add and if they are age appropriate.
Hint: leave a useful hint here, like let the grill run for 4-5 minutes to burn off any remnants, then clean it. I like to use this bristle-free barbecue brush (affiliate link) for cleaning the grill.
Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk instead of whole milk. If serving to a baby with milk protein allergy, you can use formula.
- Add more protein: Blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or top with plain Greek yogurt or creamy peanut butter (for adults).
- Sweeten it more: If needed, add a dash of pure maple syrup or brown sugar before blending (for adults). Children under 2 years old should not have added sugar.
- Gluten-Free: use gluten-free certified oats to make sure this recipe is gluten-free.
Variations
- Switch up the fruit: Sub in fresh berries, ripe banana, or even a spoonful of natural peanut butter and cocoa powder for a chocolate peanut butter twist.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jars or airtight containers: these are my favorite 4 ounce glass jars for baby meal prep, and these are my favorite airtight glass jars with spoons for oat prep.
- Spatula or spoon
Storage
This recipe is made for meal prep! Just follow these simple storage tips:
- Refrigerator: Store blended oats in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Shake or stir before serving: Chia seeds tend to settle, so give your oats a good shake or stir before digging in.
- Add toppings fresh: Keep things like fruit or chocolate chips separate until serving to preserve texture
Bonus tip: Make a double batch to have breakfast ready for a few days in a row—future you will thank you.
Christina's Dietitian Tip:
This blended overnight oats recipe is a nutrition powerhouse! You’re getting fiber from the oats and chia seeds, healthy fats from the chia seeds and milk of choice, and natural sweetness from the banana and cherries—no added sugar needed! Want to bump up the protein? Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder, a swirl of plain Greek yogurt, or top with nut butter like almond butter or cashew butter. It's the perfect way to fuel your day—especially on those busy mornings when you need something quick, satisfying, and nourishing!
FAQ
You can, but quick oats blend more smoothly and create a creamier texture.
Yes—just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed!
Not ideal—the texture changes. Best to stick with the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.
Absolutely! This is the perfect make-ahead breakfast—just blend, chill, and you’re good to go!
Breakfast
Looking for other breakfast recipes like this? Try these:
Baby Led Weaning
Looking for other baby led weaning friendly recipes? Try these:
Jump to: Recipe
Cherry Blended Overnight Oats Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jars or airtight containers: these are my favorite 4 ounce glass jars for baby meal prep, and these are my favorite airtight glass jars with spoons for oat prep.
- Spatula or Spoon
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup quick oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract alcohol-free if serving to littles
- 1 cup whole milk or milk of choice
- ¼ cup dark red cherries or tart cherries fresh or frozen
- ½ banana fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend on high for about 1 minute, until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a mason jar or small containers.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours until thick and pudding-like.
- In the morning, give it a stir and enjoy cold! Top with your favorite toppings like extra cherries, almond butter, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of hemp seeds.
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Dani says
Made this for my 10 month old and she loved it!!! It was so easy too.