Tiramisu-Inspired Overnight Oats – A Cozy, Coffee-Kissed Breakfast
If you love tiramisu but want something you can eat on a busy morning, this is your sweet spot. These overnight oats layer coffee, cocoa, and creamy yogurt for a dessert-like breakfast that still feels balanced. It’s simple to prep the night before and tastes even better the next day.
You get a little espresso kick, a silky texture, and that unmistakable cocoa finish. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and it takes just minutes to pull together.
Tiramisu-Inspired Overnight Oats – A Cozy, Coffee-Kissed Breakfast
Ingredients
Method
- Make the coffee base. Brew strong coffee or use cold brew. Let it cool completely.Cold coffee prevents the oats from getting mushy and keeps dairy from curdling.
- Stir the oat mixture. In a jar or bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, milk, and 1/3 cup of coffee. Mix well so the chia doesn’t clump.
- Add sweetness and flavor. Stir in maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla. Taste the liquid; it should be slightly sweeter than you think because the oats will absorb and mellow it.
- Create the “cream” layer. In a separate small bowl, mix Greek yogurt with mascarpone (if using) until smooth.Sweeten lightly with a drizzle of syrup. You want it creamy but not overly sweet.
- Layer like tiramisu. Spoon half the oat mixture into your jar. Dust lightly with cocoa powder.Add a few crumbs of biscuit or granola if you want crunch. Spread half of the yogurt cream on top.
- Repeat. Add the remaining oats, another cocoa dusting, and finish with the rest of the yogurt cream. Smooth the top.
- Chill overnight. Cover and refrigerate 6–12 hours.The oats will soften, and the flavors will settle into that tiramisu groove.
- Top and serve. In the morning, add a final cocoa dusting and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or cacao nibs. If it’s too thick, loosen with a splash of milk or coffee.
What Makes This Special
This recipe takes the flavors of classic tiramisu—coffee, cocoa, and a touch of sweetness—and turns them into a nourishing breakfast. You’ll get the creaminess of a “mascarpone-like” layer using Greek yogurt, the coffee-soaked base from cold brew or strong espresso, and the dusting of cocoa you expect on top.
The best part is how easy it is to personalize. Prefer it less sweet? Reduce the syrup.
Want it richer? Add a spoon of mascarpone. You control the vibe.
It’s also a smart make-ahead option.
Mix, chill, and you’re set for the morning. The oats soften overnight, soaking up all that coffee and vanilla so every bite tastes like a gentle nod to your favorite Italian dessert.
What You’ll Need
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned): 1/2 cup
- Chilled coffee or cold brew: 1/3–1/2 cup, depending on how strong you like it
- Milk of choice: 1/2 cup (dairy or plant-based)
- Plain Greek yogurt: 1/3 cup (for creaminess and protein)
- Mascarpone (optional): 1–2 tablespoons for an authentic tiramisu note
- Chia seeds: 1 tablespoon (helps thicken and adds fiber)
- Maple syrup or honey: 1–2 tablespoons, to taste
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1–2 teaspoons for dusting and layering
- Pinch of salt: just a tiny pinch to balance sweetness
- Dark chocolate shavings or cacao nibs (optional): for topping
- Ladyfinger-style crunch (optional): crushed biscuit, almond biscotti crumbs, or oat granola for that tiramisu vibe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the coffee base. Brew strong coffee or use cold brew. Let it cool completely.Cold coffee prevents the oats from getting mushy and keeps dairy from curdling.
- Stir the oat mixture. In a jar or bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, milk, and 1/3 cup of coffee. Mix well so the chia doesn’t clump.
- Add sweetness and flavor. Stir in maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla. Taste the liquid; it should be slightly sweeter than you think because the oats will absorb and mellow it.
- Create the “cream” layer. In a separate small bowl, mix Greek yogurt with mascarpone (if using) until smooth.Sweeten lightly with a drizzle of syrup. You want it creamy but not overly sweet.
- Layer like tiramisu. Spoon half the oat mixture into your jar. Dust lightly with cocoa powder.Add a few crumbs of biscuit or granola if you want crunch. Spread half of the yogurt cream on top.
- Repeat. Add the remaining oats, another cocoa dusting, and finish with the rest of the yogurt cream. Smooth the top.
- Chill overnight. Cover and refrigerate 6–12 hours.The oats will soften, and the flavors will settle into that tiramisu groove.
- Top and serve. In the morning, add a final cocoa dusting and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or cacao nibs. If it’s too thick, loosen with a splash of milk or coffee.
Keeping It Fresh
Overnight oats keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge, but the texture is best within the first 24–48 hours. If you’re prepping several servings, store the yogurt cream in a separate container and assemble layers the night before you plan to eat.
This helps keep the top layer smooth and the cocoa fresh.
Use airtight containers or jars to prevent fridge odors from creeping in. For the best cocoa finish, dust it right before serving. If you’re adding crunchy bits like biscotti crumbs or granola, keep them separate until the morning so they don’t soften.
Why This is Good for You
- Balanced macros: Oats and chia provide slow-digesting carbs and fiber, Greek yogurt adds protein, and mascarpone (if used) introduces satisfying fats.
- Steady energy: The fiber helps keep you full, while the coffee offers a gentle caffeine boost without a blood sugar spike.
- Gut-friendly: Greek yogurt brings probiotics, and chia seeds support digestion.
- Mindful indulgence: You get dessert vibes without loads of sugar.You control the sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot coffee: Hot liquid can make the mixture soupy and affect dairy texture. Always cool it first.
- Skipping the salt: A tiny pinch brightens flavors and prevents a flat, overly sweet taste.
- Overdoing the cocoa: Too much cocoa in the layers can make it bitter. Light dustings are enough.
- Forgetting to taste the base: Sweetness drops once absorbed by oats.Taste and adjust before chilling.
- Using instant oats: They can turn mushy. Rolled oats keep a pleasant, creamy chew.
Alternatives
- Dairy-free: Use coconut or almond milk and a thick coconut yogurt. Skip mascarpone or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- No caffeine: Swap coffee for decaf or use chicory coffee.You’ll still get the roasted flavor.
- High-protein: Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder. Add a splash more milk if it gets thick.
- Lower sugar: Use just 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and rely on vanilla and cocoa for flavor. A drop of liquid stevia works too.
- Nutty twist:</-strong> Add 1 tablespoon of almond butter or hazelnut butter to the oat mixture for a Ferrero-style vibe.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free cookie crumb for the “ladyfinger” feel.
- Extra lush: Fold 1 teaspoon of rum extract into the yogurt cream for a nod to traditional tiramisu.
FAQ
Can I make this without yogurt?
Yes.
Use a thick dairy-free yogurt, blended cottage cheese, or a mix of silken tofu and a little maple syrup for creaminess. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Do I have to layer it, or can I just mix everything?
You can absolutely mix everything in one bowl. The flavor will be the same, but the layered look and cocoa dusting give it that tiramisu moment.
If you’re short on time, stir and chill—it still tastes great.
How strong should the coffee be?
Strong enough that you’d drink it over ice. Cold brew works beautifully because it’s smooth. If using espresso, dilute slightly with milk so the oats don’t get too intense or bitter.
What can I use instead of mascarpone?
Whipped cream cheese, ricotta blended until smooth, or extra Greek yogurt can stand in.
For a closer flavor, mix cream cheese with a spoon of yogurt and a drop of vanilla.
Can I warm it up in the morning?
Yes, but keep in mind the tiramisu vibe is best cold. If you prefer warm oats, heat the oat layer gently, then add the yogurt cream and cocoa on top right before serving.
How do I make it thicker or thinner?
For thicker oats, reduce milk slightly or add an extra teaspoon of chia. For thinner oats, stir in a splash of milk or coffee just before eating.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Definitely.
Make 2–3 jars at once. For the best texture, add cocoa and any crunchy toppings the day you plan to eat them.
Wrapping Up
Tiramisu-Inspired Overnight Oats give you the cozy comfort of dessert with the steadiness of a well-balanced breakfast. They’re quick to prep, easy to customize, and a small luxury on a busy morning.
Keep the layers simple, dust with cocoa, and let the fridge do the rest. Tomorrow’s breakfast will taste like a treat, without the fuss.
