Tiramisu overnight oats transform your morning routine with the rich, indulgent flavors of Italy’s most beloved dessert. I’ve been making this recipe for three years, and it never fails to make breakfast feel like a special treat.
There’s something magical about waking up to a jar of creamy, coffee-kissed oats that taste like dessert but fuel your body like a champion. Last Tuesday morning, I opened my fridge to find this waiting for me, and it honestly made my entire day brighter. The combination of espresso and cocoa creates that familiar tiramisu flavor profile, while the overnight soaking transforms simple oats into something luxuriously creamy. My family thinks I’m spoiling them with dessert for breakfast, but secretly, I know they’re getting a powerhouse of nutrition. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Overnight Oats Recipe
I’ve been perfecting this breakfast game-changer for years, and it’s become my go-to solution for busy mornings when I want something special. The inspiration comes from my love of traditional tiramisu, but with the practical twist of making it breakfast-appropriate and incredibly nutritious.
- Easy 10-minute prep the night before saves precious morning time
- Rich coffee and cocoa flavors satisfy dessert cravings in a healthy way
- Creamy, pudding-like texture feels indulgent but keeps you full for hours
- Perfect grab-and-go breakfast that travels beautifully to work
- Customizable toppings let you change it up throughout the week
- High in fiber and protein to fuel productive, energetic days
This creamy breakfast treat proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing the flavors you love—it’s comfort food that loves you back.
Ingredient Note List
Rolled Oats: I always recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats because they hold their texture perfectly overnight and create that ideal chewy-creamy consistency that makes tiramisu overnight oats so satisfying.
Milk: Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest results, but any plant-based milk works beautifully—I often use oat milk for extra creaminess or almond milk for a lighter version.
Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses absorb liquid overnight and create a thick, pudding-like texture while adding protein and omega-3s to your morning bowl.
Greek Yogurt: The tanginess of Greek yogurt mimics the mascarpone in traditional tiramisu while adding protein and probiotics to fuel your day.
Maple Syrup: I prefer pure maple syrup over honey for its smooth sweetness that doesn’t overpower the delicate coffee and cocoa balance.
Espresso: Strong brewed coffee or espresso gives that authentic tiramisu flavor—I brew mine extra strong and let it cool completely before mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth that rounds out all the other flavors perfectly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder creates that signature chocolate layer and provides rich color without added sugar.
How to Cook Tiramisu Overnight Oats
Step 1. I usually start by combining the rolled oats, chia seeds, and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl, whisking them together until the cocoa distributes evenly throughout.
Step 2. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, cooled espresso, and vanilla extract until completely smooth—this step prevents any lumpy texture in the final result.
Step 3. My grandmother always taught me to pour wet ingredients slowly into dry ones while stirring, and it works perfectly here to ensure every oat gets coated evenly.
Step 4. I’ve found that letting the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes after the first stir allows the chia seeds to start absorbing liquid, making the second mix even more thorough.
Step 5. Transfer everything to an airtight container or individual mason jars—I prefer jars because they make grab-and-go mornings so much easier.
Step 6. The magic happens in the refrigerator overnight, where all the flavors meld together and the oats become perfectly creamy—patience is key here!
Step 7. When ready to serve, I always give the oats a good stir and add any toppings just before eating to maintain the best texture and visual appeal.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store my tiramisu overnight oats in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The texture actually improves on the second day as the flavors continue to develop and meld together.
For meal prep convenience, I love making individual portions in mason jars with tight-fitting lids—they stack beautifully in the fridge and make busy mornings effortless. Just remember to keep any crunchy toppings like chocolate shavings separate until you’re ready to eat.
Since these oats are meant to be enjoyed cold, there’s no reheating necessary! However, if you prefer them at room temperature, I recommend taking them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before eating. The creamy texture and rich flavors are actually most pronounced when they’re perfectly chilled.
What to Serve with Tiramisu Overnight Oats
Fresh Berries: The bright acidity of strawberries or raspberries creates a beautiful contrast to the rich coffee and cocoa flavors, just like in my Berry Crumble Bars, which add even more berry flavor to your breakfast.
Sliced Bananas: Creamy banana slices complement the dessert-like flavors perfectly—especially if you’re a fan of my Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats, where banana and cocoa shine together.
Toasted Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped almonds or hazelnuts brings that satisfying crunch. For something nutty and baked, pair it with a slice of my Banana Pecan Cake.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Want to feel extra indulgent? Try it with a spoonful of Peanut Butter Cheesecake Overnight Oats for a dessert-style breakfast duo.
Greek Yogurt Dollop: A vanilla Greek yogurt topping works beautifully here—just like the creamy layers in my Apple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Overnight Oats.
Strong Coffee: For an Italian café-style morning, pair it with your favorite brew or double down on flavor with my Peanut Butter Mocha Overnight Oats.
FAQs
Can I make tiramisu overnight oats without coffee?
I recommend substituting the espresso with an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder mixed with a splash of milk—you’ll still get rich chocolate flavor without the coffee kick.
How long do tiramisu overnight oats need to soak?
For the best texture and flavor development, I always let them soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight (8-12 hours) gives you the creamiest, most flavorful results.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use instant oats, I’ve found they become mushy and lose that pleasant chewy texture that makes overnight oats so satisfying—rolled oats are definitely worth seeking out.
Are tiramisu overnight oats healthy for breakfast?
Absolutely! With 12g of protein, 10g of fiber, and complex carbohydrates, this 320-calorie breakfast provides sustained energy while satisfying your sweet tooth in a nutritious way.
Tiramisu Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, and cocoa powder. Mix well to distribute the cocoa evenly.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, espresso, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or individual jars.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow oats to soften and flavors to meld.
- In the morning, stir the oats well. Top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving, if desired.