Tiramisu Overnight Oats are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert, but made easy and healthy for your morning routine. This dish combines creamy oats soaked overnight with coffee, cocoa, and a hint of sweet mascarpone flavor, giving you all the comfort and richness of tiramisu without the fuss. The textures mix smooth oats with little bursts of flavor from cocoa powder and the coffee, making it a perfect breakfast or snack that feels like a treat.
I love making these oats the night before so I wake up to something that tastes fancy but actually took almost no time to put together. It feels special, but it’s also great if you’re rushing in the morning because it’s ready to go straight from the fridge. I usually add a sprinkle of cocoa or some crushed ladyfinger cookies on top right before eating to keep that classic tiramisu vibe.
One of my favorite things about Tiramisu Overnight Oats is the way the coffee flavor sneaks in to gently wake you up alongside the creamy oats, without needing you to brew a pot first thing. It’s a sweet little morning treat that feels a bit indulgent but is really just a smart, easy way to start the day. If you’re a fan of both oats and tiramisu, this is a recipe that always makes me smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: They soak up the liquid well and give a creamy texture. If you prefer, steel-cut oats can be used but may need longer soaking or cooking.
Brewed coffee: The coffee flavor is what makes this tiramisu-style. Use strong cold brew or espresso for a richer taste. Decaf works if you want to skip caffeine.
Mascarpone or cream cheese: This adds creaminess and a mild tang. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt alone works well, or try dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
Chia seeds: These help thicken the oats and add a nice texture with extra fiber. You can skip them if you don’t have any, but the oats will be a bit looser.
Cocoa powder: It tops the oats with the chocolatey taste key to tiramisu. Use unsweetened cocoa for a good balance, or substitute with cacao powder for a more intense flavor.
How Do You Get the Right Creamy Layer for Tiramisu Overnight Oats?
The creamy layer is like the heart of the tiramisu flavor here. To get it smooth and just right:
- Soften mascarpone or cream cheese first by letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix mascarpone with Greek yogurt and vanilla extract using a fork or whisk until smooth and creamy. Avoid lumps.
- If the mix is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it a bit but keep it thick enough to form layers.
- Layer gently over the oats to keep those pretty layers intact—use a spoon to spread it evenly.
This creamy part gives the lovely smooth texture that makes these oats feel like a treat. Taking a little time here really pays off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls or jars – I like using jars because they look cute and make layering easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps keep things precise, especially with liquids and powders.
- Whisk or fork – for mixing the mascarpone and yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon – useful for layering and stirring everything together.
- Refrigerator – essential for soaking the oats overnight and chilling the dessert before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mascarpone for softened ricotta or cream cheese for a different texture or flavor.
- Add a splash of Irish cream or amaretto liqueur to the coffee for a boozy twist.
- Stir in chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for extra richness.
- Top with whipped coconut cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter garnish.
Tiramisu Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, or sugar)
- ¼ cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tablespoon crushed chocolate or cocoa nibs (optional)
- Coffee beans for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) for soaking in the refrigerator. The soaking time allows the oats and chia seeds to soften and absorb the delicious coffee flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Oats:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, brewed coffee, chia seeds, and your choice of sweetener. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure it’s all combined well.
2. Chill and Soak:
Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator to soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. This soaking time lets the oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid and become creamy and soft.
3. Prepare the Creamy Layer:
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix the softened mascarpone (or cream cheese), Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Stir or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Before serving, give the oats mixture a good stir. Scoop a layer into your serving glasses or jars. Next, carefully add a layer of the creamy mascarpone-yogurt mix over the oats. Then sprinkle a layer of cocoa powder on top, adding crushed chocolate or cocoa nibs if you like for some crunch.
5. Repeat and Garnish:
If your jar is tall, repeat the layers once more, ending with the creamy mascarpone. Sprinkle cocoa powder on top generously and garnish with a few coffee beans if you want a beautiful finishing touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve chilled right from the refrigerator. Enjoy a rich, healthy, and simple morning treat that tastes just like a classic tiramisu dessert!
Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead of Brewed Coffee?
Yes! Simply dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder in ¼ cup of hot water and let it cool before using. It’s a quick alternative that still gives you that rich coffee flavor.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Without Chia Seeds?
Absolutely! Chia seeds help thicken the oats, but you can omit them if you don’t have any. The texture might be slightly less thick, so consider adding a bit more oats or refrigerating a bit longer.
How Long Can I Store Tiramisu Overnight Oats?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the oats may get softer over time. Give it a good stir before eating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and yogurt, and swap mascarpone or cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative. Choose maple syrup or agave as your sweetener to keep it fully plant-based.