Tiramisu Overnight Oats: A Decadent Breakfast-in-a-Jar

Espresso, vanilla, and whipped yogurt come together for a café-inspired morning treat.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 21, 2025

Espresso, vanilla, and whipped yogurt come together for a café-inspired morning treat.

Tiramisu Overnight Oats: Dessert Flavors for Breakfast

There’s no need to wait until dessert for a taste of your favorite Italian treat. Tiramisu overnight oats bring all the classic flavors—rich coffee, creamy sweetness, and a hint of chocolate—into a wholesome, satisfying breakfast. Easily prepped ahead, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to add excitement to their morning routine while keeping things convenient and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love Tiramisu Overnight Oats

Dessert-for-breakfast appeal: Enjoy all the beloved elements of classic tiramisu in a morning-friendly form.
Quick, no-cook preparation: Assemble the night before and wake up to an indulgent, ready-to-eat breakfast.
Nutritious and satisfying: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats for lasting energy.
Meal prep friendly: Make individual portions for a grab-and-go option all week.
Customizable for dietary needs: Easily adapted to be dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free.

What Are Tiramisu Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a simple, nutritious breakfast that soaks raw oats in milk (or a dairy-free alternative) plus mix-ins overnight, softening them into a creamy, pudding-like consistency. Tiramisu overnight oats elevate this technique with the rich flavors of espresso, maple syrup, vanilla, and a whipped yogurt-cream cheese topping reminiscent of the classic dessert’s mascarpone layer. The finishing touch: a dusting of cocoa powder, just like your favorite slice of tiramisu.

Classic Tiramisu Inspiration

Coffee or espresso: Soaks into the oats, just as coffee permeates ladyfingers in tiramisu.
Creamy Mascarpone-style topping: Yogurt and cream cheese combine for tangy richness.
Cocoa powder: A light dusting adds both flavor and authentic presentation.

Ingredients: Building the Perfect Jar

The beauty of tiramisu overnight oats is their simplicity and flexibility. Here are the core elements you’ll need:

Component	Main Ingredients	Optional Swaps
Oats & Chia	Old-fashioned rolled oats Chia seeds	Gluten-free oats, flaxseed
Milk Base	Whole milk Maple syrup or honey Vanilla extract	Almond, oat, or coconut milk Agave syrup
Coffee	Espresso or strong brewed coffee	Instant espresso powder + water Decaf coffee (for caffeine-free version)
Creamy Topping	Cream cheese Vanilla Greek yogurt	Coconut yogurt (for dairy-free) Cashew cream cheese
Finish	Cocoa powder	Chocolate shavings, cinnamon

Complete Ingredient List

2 cups whole milk or preferred milk alternative
1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee (cooled)
6 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (divided)
2½ teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
8 teaspoons chia seeds
2 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed
One 5.3 oz. (about 2/3 cup) container vanilla Greek yogurt
Cocoa powder, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine the Liquid Base
In a large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, cooled coffee, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Assemble the Oats
Divide the coffee-milk mixture among four jars or individual airtight containers.
Add Oats and Chia
Stir 1/2 cup of oats and 2 teaspoons of chia seeds into each jar. Make sure the oats are well submerged.
Chill Overnight
Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours for best texture.
Prepare Creamy Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the yogurt, remaining 2 tablespoons of syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. The result: a thick, creamy topping reminiscent of tiramisu’s mascarpone layer.
Layer and Finish
Spoon the creamy topping over the set oats. Smooth the surface, then finish with a dusting of cocoa powder right before serving.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute non-dairy milk and coconut-based yogurt/cream cheese for a vegan option. Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well.
Decaf Version: Use decaffeinated espresso or coffee for the same flavor minus the caffeine, making this recipe suitable for kids or caffeine-sensitive adults.
Sweetener Swaps: Honey, agave, or even date syrup can be used in place of maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Texture Tweaks: Chia seeds thicken the oats into a pudding consistency, but can be omitted if you prefer traditional, looser overnight oats.
Presentation: Layer the oats and creamy topping twice (oats, cream, oats, cream), or keep it simple with a single lush layer of each for maximal coffee and creamy flavor in every bite.

What Kind of Oats Work Best?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the gold standard for overnight oats. They absorb liquid well and hold their shape, becoming creamy without getting mushy. Avoid steel-cut oats (too tough) and quick oats (turn out mushy) for this recipe.

Can I Use Almond or Oat Milk?

Absolutely! Swap in almond, oat, or refrigerated coconut milk for dairy—just avoid canned coconut milk, which is too rich and thick for soaking oats evenly. Flavored plant-based milks can add another fun layer of taste.

Meal Prep, Storage, and Serving Suggestions

Meal Prep: These oats are perfect for busy weekday mornings. Make up to 4 jars in advance—store them tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving: Enjoy straight from the fridge (best for a true tiramisu flavor), or let stand at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off.
Toppings: Add an extra sprinkle of cocoa powder, a few chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans, or a spoonful of mini chocolate chips for crunch.

Nutrition Spotlight

Tiramisu overnight oats are not only delicious, they’re satisfying and nutritious:

Protein: Greek yogurt and chia seeds add staying power.
Fiber: Oats and chia deliver soluble and insoluble fiber for digestive health.
Healthy Fats: Found in chia seeds to keep you full and fueled.
Lower Sugar: Choose lower-sugar yogurt, or control sweetness using just enough maple syrup for you.

Customization Ideas

Layer With Ladyfingers: Want to mimic classic tiramisu more closely? Tuck small chunks of crisp ladyfinger or vanilla wafer between oat and cream layers (best enjoyed within 24 hours).
Add Nut Butters: Swirl in almond or cashew butter for extra creaminess and nutty notes.
Flavor Boosters: Dash in a little coffee liqueur extract (alcohol-free) or extra vanilla for a flavor punch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does tiramisu overnight oats actually taste like dessert?

A: Yes! The combination of espresso, vanilla, creamy yogurt, and cocoa powder mimics the rich, layered flavors of the Italian classic without the heaviness or effort of a traditional tiramisu.

Q: Can I make it without coffee?

A: You can substitute the coffee with a coffee-flavored extract and additional milk, or use a caffeine-free coffee alternative if desired. The flavor will be slightly less bold, but still delicious.

Q: How long do overnight oats last in the refrigerator?

A: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The texture is best within the first 2 days, but they’ll remain safe and tasty beyond that time frame.

Q: What is the best way to serve tiramisu overnight oats?

A: Spoon the creamy topping over the oats and dust generously with cocoa powder right before eating. For more decadence, try a layer of shaved chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?

A: If you’re serving children, opt for decaf coffee or use additional milk and a coffee extract for flavor only.

Make-Ahead Breakfast, Made Simple

Tiramisu overnight oats are the perfect example of how a few pantry staples can transform your morning. They’re creamy, coffee-laced, satisfying, and feel just a little bit fancy—without any fuss. Whether meal prepping for the week or enjoying a leisurely brunch at home, these oats will quickly become your go-to indulgent yet nourishing breakfast treat.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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