Tiramisu overnight oats combine the comfort of traditional oatmeal with the decadent flavors of a classic Italian dessert. This recipe is brimming with notes of bold espresso, sweet vanilla, and creamy rolled oats. Serve it chilled, with layers of velvety vegan yogurt and a dusting of cocoa for an elegant start to your day.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Dessert for breakfast: Indulge in the flavors of a classic tiramisu without the guilt. What could be better than that?!
- Easy preparation: There is no cooking required! Just mix everything the night before to have a delicious, on-the-go meal waiting for you in the morning.
- Protein-packed: This tiramisu overnight oats recipe is infused with additional protein powder, meaning it will keep you full and energized for hours!
What are tiramisu overnight oats?
Overnight oats are one of my favorite breakfasts to make, especially when my week looks like it’s going to be a busy one! I love classic cinnamon overnight oats, but sometimes I just feel like treating myself to this decadent tiramisu overnight oats recipe.
It’s infused with the robust flavors of espresso and cocoa, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of maple syrup. After soaking overnight in plant milk, the oats turn out ultra-creamy and soft.
Personally, I love serving my tiramisu overnight oats with vegan Greek yogurt, extra maple syrup, and a dusting of cocoa for a recipe that tastes like dessert for breakfast!
Are overnight oats vegan?
Overnight oats are not usually a vegan-friendly item, but I’ll show you just how easy they are to make plant-based. Here’s how I did it:
- Milk: Any dairy-free milk works instead of cow’s milk. I use oat milk in my recipe for a rich and creamy mouthfeel.
- Protein: Whey is found in most protein powders, but you can easily swap it for a plant-based version to keep this recipe dairy-free.
- Toppings: While there aren’t any non-vegan toppings in this recipe, if you decide to add chocolate or syrup, ensure they’re made without milk ingredients!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rolled oats: Once soaked, rolled oats offer a perfectly hearty and chewy texture. Quick oats will work, but there won’t be as much texture. Steel-cut oats don’t work well here.
- Protein powder: Optional for added nutrition. Use your favorite brand and flavor, or skip the protein powder altogether.
- Oat milk: Imparts rich, creamy, and sweet flavors to the recipe. If you don’t have oat milk, almond, soy, or cashew milk will also work.
- Brewed espresso: Adds the characteristic coffee flavor of tiramisu. If you aren’t able to make espresso, try a strong brew of dark roast coffee.
- Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the overnight oats, balancing the robust coffee notes. Agave, coconut nectar, or brown rice syrup can also work.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the sweet flavor profile of the recipe. As per usual, I recommend pure vanilla extract for the most intense flavor.
- Chia seeds: The fiber in chia seeds helps absorb liquids, aiding in thickening the mixture and adding an Omega-3 nutritional boost.
- Sea salt: Brings out the sweet flavors of the recipe.
- Toppings: To emulate traditional tiramisu flavors, I use vegan Greek yogurt sweetened with maple syrup and a dusting of cocoa powder.
How to make tiramisu overnight oats
- Step 1: Start with your espresso! Use fresh ground coffee for the best flavors, and steep it for 5 minutes before straining. I always reach for my trusty French press, but you can use an AeroPress, espresso machine, or Bialetti Moka Express.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Then, add in the wet ingredients and give it a good stir. Transfer everything into a container with a lid and pop it into the fridge to chill.
- Step 3: In the morning, give the oats one more stir, adding more milk if they need it. Mix vegan yogurt with maple syrup in a small bowl, then top your tiramisu overnight oats with this mixture and a dusting of cocoa.
- Note: You can also form layers of overnight oats and sweetened Greek yogurt in a small glass jar. Start with a layer of overnight oats followed by a layer of yogurt until you reach the top. Don't forget to dust the cocoa powder over the top!
Storage & Reheating
Tiramisu overnight oats are great for meal prep! Just follow these simple storage tips:
- Fridge: Tiramisu overnight oats will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Divide them into single-serving containers or jars for quick and easy breakfasts.
- Freezer: You can freeze overnight oats for up to a month in airtight containers. Just make sure to add any fresh toppings at the time of serving.
Variations
- Chocolate: Add cocoa powder directly into the oat mixture for a mocha finish.
- Nuts: Blend in some almond or peanut butter for rich, nutty undertones.
- Chai spiced: Use chai concentrate instead of espresso for a spiced version.
- Dates: Swap maple syrup with blended dates for even more natural sweetness.
- Protein: Add more protein powder or mix in some hemp seeds for a protein boost.
- Caramel: Swap maple syrup with homemade vegan caramel sauce.
Top tips
- Use fresh espresso: Freshly brewed espresso will provide the best flavor.
- Mix well: Mix the oats thoroughly to ensure the chia seeds are well distributed.
- Use the right container: Ensure your container is airtight to prevent the oats from drying out. I suggest using a glass mason jar since it preserves the flavors best.
- Add salt: Don’t skip the salt! It’s a serious game-changer in highlighting sweet flavors.
FAQ
Yes, you can use instant coffee instead of espresso if that’s all you have access to. Espresso provides the best flavor, but you can use strong-brewed instant coffee as an alternative.
No, the protein powder is an optional add-in mainly used for nutritional value. If you don’t like protein powder or prefer using less, just adjust it according to your preferences. Keep in mind that you may need to use less liquid.
Oats and chia absorb a lot of moisture when it comes to overnight oats. If it's too thick, just add a bit more milk and give it a stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
More sweet breakfast recipes
If you enjoyed these tiramisu overnight oats, check out some more of my go-to vegan breakfasts like these:
- Cinnamon Overnight Oats: A warming, hearty, and satisfying morning meal.
- Vegan Baked Oatmeal: Comforting, satisfying, and sweet plant-based breakfast.
- Flaxseed Pudding: A quick, healthy, and nutritious way to start your day.
- Protein Pancakes: Sweet and filling high-protein breakfast option.
Tiramisu Overnight Oats with Protein
DESCRIPTION
INGREDIENTS
Oatmeal
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoon unflavored protein powder optional
- ½ cup oat milk or preferred plant milk
- ½ cup brewed espresso
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Top Layer
- ½ cup vegan greek yogurt or thick coconut yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
METHOD
- Brew espresso - Combine 1 tablespoon or ground coffee per ½ cup hot water. Steep coffee grinds for 5 minutes and then strain.Note: I used a fresh press to brew my espresso.
- Combine all the dry ingredients (oats, chai seeds, salt, protein powder) into a mixing bowl.
- Then add all the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix well.
- Store the entire mix into a medium size container with a lid. Refrigerate overnight.
- Next day, give the oats a rough stir. Add little mix if too thick to reach desired consistency. Set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine vegan greek yogurt and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Note - If you prefer to thicken the vegan greek yogurt more, then add a teaspoon of protein powder when sweetening it.
- Top the overnight oats with the sweetened greek yogurt, and then dust with a thin layer of cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer. Note: You can also make layers of the overnight oats with the sweetened greek yogurt in a small, portion sized glass jar. Start with a layer of overnight oats, then a layer of sweetened greek yogurt - And then repeat. Don't forget dust the cocoa powder over the top layer.
NOTES
- Use fresh espresso: Freshly brewed espresso will provide the best flavor.
- Mix well: Mix the oats thoroughly to ensure the chia seeds are well distributed.
- Use the right container: Ensure your container is airtight to prevent the oats from drying out. I suggest using a glass mason jar since it preserves the flavors best.
- Add salt: Don’t skip the salt! It’s a serious game-changer in highlighting sweet flavors.
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