Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, these Tiramisu Overnight Oats are what breakfast dreams are made of: layers of creamy coffee oats and dairy-free yogurt, all topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s the ultimate dessert for breakfast with a healthy twist!
Think oatmeal is boring? Think again. Forget the plain bowl of oats with raisins and soggy toppings — let me introduce you to one of my favorite ways to enjoy them: making them taste like tiramisu!
Oats are incredibly versatile, so the possibilities are endless. By switching up flavors and toppings, they never lose their breakfast appeal. Plus, oats are rich in complex carbs for sustained energy, fiber to keep you full, some protein, and various vitamins and minerals, making them a quick, minimal-effort breakfast for busy mornings.
Turning my favorite desserts into breakfast is basically a hobby. Whether you’re craving Birthday Cake Overnight Oats, Biscoff Overnight Oats, or these Tiramisu Overnight Oats, I’ve got you covered!
This recipe is inspired by classic tiramisu, with layers of coffee-infused overnight oats, creamy dairy-free yogurt “mascarpone,” and a dusting of cocoa powder — naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oh-so-delicious. Best of all, it's actually a healthy breakfast to start your day off right. I’m excited for you to try it!
And if you love tiramisu-inspired recipes like I do, you'll also enjoy my tiramisu chia pudding!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like dessert: The coffee-infused oats, creamy “mascarpone” yogurt, and dusting of cocoa powder make these feel like tiramisu for breakfast.
- Hassle-free: Mix everything the night before and let it soak. For these creamy tiramisu oats, just add yogurt and cocoa powder on top in the morning — breakfast is ready in minutes!
- Power your morning: These overnight oats have it all: fiber, complex carbs, protein, healthy fats, gut-friendly probiotics, and a caffeine boost from the coffee to fuel your day.
- Great for meal prep: You can make a big batch so you have breakfast for days.
- Visually stunning: Eating a pretty breakfast is the right move in my book — it just makes your day that much brighter. The layered presentation makes these overnight oats feel extra special.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious overnight oats:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Soak up the liquid to create a creamy, slightly chewy texture while providing fiber and complex carbs to keep you energized and full. These give the best results compared to other oats.
- Non-dairy milk: Softens the oats and helps everything come together. Almond, soy, or oat milk all work. Water would be okay, but the oats won’t be as creamy.
- Non-dairy yogurt: Makes the oats extra creamy and acts as the “mascarpone cream” layer inspired by traditional tiramisu. I like Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk Yogurt here, but soy or coconut yogurt also work well. Vanilla or plain both work — unsweetened is best to keep it refined sugar-free.
- Espresso: One shot of espresso brings the rich, bold coffee flavor these tiramisu oats need. Don’t have an espresso machine? Use strong brewed coffee, instant espresso mixed with hot water, or decaf for a caffeine-free option.
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness — adjust to taste, or substitute another sweetener.
- Chia seeds: Provide extra fiber and protein, and help thicken the overnight oats. Ground flaxseed works as a substitute.
- Vanilla extract: Gives the oats a dessert-like flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors — don’t skip it!
- Cocoa powder: A generous dusting on top completes the tiramisu vibe — go ahead and pile it on, it’s delicious!
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
Variations
Make these tiramisu overnight oats your own with these fun variations:
- Extra chocolatey: Stir a teaspoon of cocoa powder into the overnight oats for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Rum extract: Add a small splash for a subtle, classic tiramisu-inspired flavor (like the rum used in traditional tiramisu).
- High-protein version: Use soy milk or a high-protein non-dairy yogurt (such as soy yogurt or one with added pea protein), or stir a scoop of vanilla or unflavored plant-based protein powder into the oats before soaking. Protein powder will thicken the mixture, so you may need to add a splash of non-dairy milk. Since protein powder adds sweetness, you may also want to reduce or omit the maple syrup to taste.
How to Make Tiramisu Overnight Oats
Here’s how to make this stunning yet easy breakfast:
Step 1: Add oats, non-dairy milk, non-dairy yogurt, espresso, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt to a bowl, container, or mason jar.
Step 2: Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats to soften and the mixture to thicken.
Step 3: When the overnight oats are ready, transfer half of the oats to a jar or glass. Add a layer of non-dairy yogurt.
Step 4: Repeat with the remaining oats and yogurt. Dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Enjoy!
Chloe's Tips
- Use the right type of oats. Old fashioned rolled oats give the best results. You can use instant or quick-cooking oats, but they’ll create a softer, mushier texture that’s less chewy than rolled oats. I don’t recommend steel-cut oats for this recipe — they don’t absorb liquid the same way and will result in overnight oats that are too chewy rather than creamy.
- Serve in style: Use a glass cup or jar to show off the pretty layers. These small 8-ounce jars are perfect!
- Prep a big batch: Use the sliding scale on the recipe card to double or triple the recipe — great for sharing or meal prepping!
- For a smoother texture: If you're not a fan of the texture of overnight oats, try blending them! Simply blend the ingredients until completely smooth before soaking and layering.
Topping Ideas
The right finishing touch can take these tiramisu overnight oats from delicious to next-level indulgent. Try some of these ideas:
- Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the coffee and cocoa flavors.
- Granola: Sprinkle your favorite granola on top for added crunch — it pairs perfectly with the creamy layers.
- Cookies: Crumble vegan vanilla cookies on top for a ladyfinger-inspired vibe, reminiscent of classic tiramisu.
- Grated dark chocolate: Shave a dark chocolate bar over the top for an extra fancy touch.
- Coconut whipped cream: A dollop of store-bought or homemade coconut whip (or the spray kind) makes these overnight oats even more decadent.
- Nuts: Sliced almonds or walnuts add a nutty crunch that complements the creamy textures.
How to Store & Meal Prep
These overnight oats keep well in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them great for meal prep. Keep the additional yogurt and cocoa powder separate until ready to serve for the freshest taste and texture.
This recipe makes one serving, but it’s easy to double or triple for meal prep. Do not freeze, as this will change the creamy texture.
More Dessert-Inspired Breakfasts
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Thank you!
–Chloe
Tiramisu Overnight Oats
By Chloe MartinIngredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat)
- ¼ cup non-dairy yogurt (plain or vanilla, extra for topping)
- 1 shot (1 ounce or 2 tablespoons) espresso (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice, adjust to taste)
- ½ tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a container or mason jar, add oats, non-dairy milk, non-dairy yogurt, espresso, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours to thicken.
- When the overnight oats are ready, alternate the oats with additional yogurt in a jar or glass. Dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Enjoy!
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