Tiramisu Overnight Oats – A Cozy, Dessert-Inspired Breakfast
If you love the flavor of tiramisu but want something quick, wholesome, and weekday-friendly, these overnight oats hit the sweet spot. They’re creamy, coffee-kissed, and lightly chocolatey, with just enough richness to feel like a treat. You can mix them up in minutes at night and wake up to a ready-made jar in the morning.
No baking, no fuss, and zero complicated steps. Just a satisfying, make-ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert without the heavy lift.
Tiramisu Overnight Oats - A Cozy, Dessert-Inspired Breakfast
Ingredients
Method
- Brew and cool the coffee. Make a shot of espresso or a small amount of strong coffee. Let it cool fully so it doesn’t thin out the oats.
- Mix the oat base. In a jar or bowl, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1–2 teaspoons chia seeds, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup milk, 2–3 tablespoons cooled coffee, 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.Stir well so the chia doesn’t clump.
- Prepare the “cream” layer. In a separate small bowl, mix 1/3–1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup and a tiny splash of vanilla. For a true tiramisu feel, fold in 1 tablespoon mascarpone. Taste and adjust sweetness.
- Layer it up. Spoon the oat mixture into a jar.Add the yogurt mixture on top for a layered effect. If you prefer, stir everything together instead for a creamier, uniform texture.
- Add cocoa. Dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder. You can sift it for an even layer.Add a few chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs if you like.
- Chill overnight. Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The oats and chia will soften and thicken.
- Finish and serve. In the morning, give it a quick stir if needed. Top with extra cocoa, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips.Eat cold, or let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes if you prefer it less chilled.
What Makes This Special
This recipe borrows the best parts of tiramisu—coffee, cocoa, creamy layers—and turns them into a balanced breakfast. The oats soak overnight to become soft and pudding-like, and the yogurt layer brings a tang that mimics mascarpone.
A dusting of cocoa on top seals the tiramisu vibe. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy mornings when you still want something that feels a bit indulgent.
Shopping List
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- Chia seeds (optional, for thicker texture)
- Milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened almond, oat, or soy)
- Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled
- Pure maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Mascarpone (optional, for a classic tiramisu touch)
- Pinch of salt
- Dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Cocoa nibs (optional, for crunch)
How to Make It
- Brew and cool the coffee. Make a shot of espresso or a small amount of strong coffee. Let it cool fully so it doesn’t thin out the oats.
- Mix the oat base. In a jar or bowl, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1–2 teaspoons chia seeds, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup milk, 2–3 tablespoons cooled coffee, 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.Stir well so the chia doesn’t clump.
- Prepare the “cream” layer. In a separate small bowl, mix 1/3–1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup and a tiny splash of vanilla. For a true tiramisu feel, fold in 1 tablespoon mascarpone. Taste and adjust sweetness.
- Layer it up. Spoon the oat mixture into a jar.Add the yogurt mixture on top for a layered effect. If you prefer, stir everything together instead for a creamier, uniform texture.
- Add cocoa. Dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder. You can sift it for an even layer.Add a few chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs if you like.
- Chill overnight. Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The oats and chia will soften and thicken.
- Finish and serve. In the morning, give it a quick stir if needed. Top with extra cocoa, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips.Eat cold, or let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes if you prefer it less chilled.
How to Store
Store your tiramisu overnight oats in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep crunchy toppings (cocoa nibs, chocolate chips) separate and add them right before eating. If the oats thicken too much over time, stir in a splash of milk to loosen them up.
Avoid freezing, as the texture can turn grainy.
Health Benefits
- Steady energy: Rolled oats provide complex carbs and fiber to keep you full and fuel your morning.
- Protein boost: Greek yogurt adds protein for better satiety and muscle support after workouts.
- Healthy fats: Chia seeds offer omega-3s and help create a creamy, pudding-like texture.
- Reduced sugar control: Sweeten with maple or honey to taste, so you’re not relying on heavy syrups.
- Caffeine kick: Espresso or strong coffee adds flavor and a gentle lift without needing a separate cup (though you can still have one).
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Using quick oats: They can get mushy. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- Too much liquid: If you overdo the coffee or milk, the oats may stay runny. Start with the amounts listed and adjust next time.
- Skipping the salt: A tiny pinch sharpens the flavors and balances sweetness.Don’t leave it out.
- Adding hot coffee: Warm coffee prevents the mixture from setting properly. Cool it first.
- Over-sweetening: Tiramisu is rich, not sugary. Taste as you go to keep it balanced.
Variations You Can Try
- High-protein version: Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder and add a bit more milk to maintain creaminess.
- Dairy-free: Use almond or oat milk and a thick coconut or almond-based yogurt.Skip mascarpone or use a vegan alternative.
- Mocha twist: Add 1–2 teaspoons cocoa powder directly to the oat base for a coffee-chocolate blend.
- Banana sweetness: Mash half a ripe banana into the oats for natural sweetness and extra creaminess.
- Nutty crunch: Top with chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or almond slivers right before serving.
- Light and bright: Add a small splash of orange zest to the yogurt layer for a subtle citrus note.
- Decaf-friendly: Use decaf espresso if you’re sensitive to caffeine or making this for kids.
FAQ
Can I make this without coffee?
Yes. Replace the coffee with extra milk and add a little more vanilla and cocoa. You’ll keep the dessert vibe without the caffeine.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Use regular yogurt, but reduce the milk slightly so the mixture stays thick.
You can also strain regular yogurt for 30 minutes to thicken it.
Is mascarpone necessary?
No. It adds authenticity and a silky texture, but the yogurt layer does the heavy lifting. If you include mascarpone, keep it to a tablespoon or two so the oats don’t feel too rich.
How can I make it less sweet?
Use plain yogurt, skip the chocolate chips, and sweeten only with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup.
You can always add more in the morning if needed.
Can I meal prep several jars at once?
Absolutely. Make 2–3 jars at a time and eat them within 3 days. Store toppings separately and add just before serving.
What’s the best container to use?
A 10–12 ounce glass jar or lidded container is ideal.
It gives the oats space to expand and room for toppings, while keeping everything sealed and fresh.
Can I heat overnight oats?
Yes. Warm them gently in the microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between rounds. Add a splash of milk to keep them creamy and avoid overheating the yogurt layer.
Wrapping Up
Tiramisu Overnight Oats offer the flavor of a favorite dessert in a simple, nourishing breakfast.
With a few pantry staples and a quick stir, you get a creamy, coffee-touched bowl waiting in the fridge. Customize it to your taste, keep the sweetness balanced, and enjoy the kind of morning meal that feels special without extra work. It’s comfort, convenience, and a little bit of café charm in one jar.
