Family Mornings Made Easy with Tiramisu Overnight Oats

Mornings in our house can get a little wild. Between getting the kids up, packing lunches, and trying to find that one missing shoe (you know the one), breakfast often gets pushed way down the list. That’s why I love having something already made and waiting in the fridge. Especially when it feels like a little treat. These Tiramisu Overnight Oats check all the boxes: easy, budget-friendly, and totally delicious.

I’m not gonna lie, anything with coffee and cocoa gets an automatic yes from me. But what really makes this recipe a win is how much the kids love it too. It’s like breakfast and dessert had a baby, but without all the sugar crashes. I can whip up a batch in just 10 minutes the night before and it’s ready to grab and go in the morning. Plus, it’s easy to tweak depending on what we’ve got on hand.

We’ve done these oats with almond milk, oat milk, even regular old 2%. Sometimes I’ll use mascarpone if I’m feeling a little fancy, but Greek yogurt keeps it lighter (and cheaper). Honestly, once you try it, you’ll probably be hooked too. It’s a game changer for busy mornings when everyone’s rushing in different directions. Family mornings might still be a little hectic, but at least breakfast is one less thing to worry about.

Ingredients

Oat Layer:

• 1 cup rolled oats – I like using old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch.

• 4 tbsp chia seeds – These little guys help thicken the mixture and add a nice boost of fiber and healthy fats.

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste) – Sweeten it up to your liking, maple syrup gives it a cozy flavor, while honey adds a light floral note.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Just a splash of vanilla brings warmth and ties everything together.

• ⅔ cup brewed coffee (cooled) – Make sure the coffee is cooled before adding, so it doesn’t cook the oats. I usually use whatever’s left in the morning pot!

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) – Use whatever milk your family prefers, we’ve tried it with almond, oat, and regular milk, and it all works.

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for layering) – A dusting of cocoa between layers gives you that classic tiramisu vibe without being overpowering.

Creamy Yogurt Layer:

• ⅔ cup Greek vanilla yogurt (or mascarpone for a richer flavor) – Greek yogurt keeps it light and protein-packed, but mascarpone turns it into something extra special.

• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey – Just a touch of sweetness makes the creamy layer feel like frosting.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Vanilla adds that dessert-like flavor and pairs so well with the coffee and cocoa.

Topping:

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting) – A light cocoa dusting on top makes it look fancy and finishes off that tiramisu feel without any extra effort.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. In a bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, brewed coffee, and milk. Stir well until fully mixed.

2. Sprinkle a little cocoa powder at the bottom of your serving containers. Pour in half of the oat mixture, then lightly dust with cocoa powder. Repeat with the remaining oat mixture and another dusting of cocoa.

3. Cover the containers and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight so the oats can soak up the liquid and flavors.

4. In the morning, stir together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Spoon this creamy layer evenly over the chilled oats.

5. Dust the top with cocoa powder just before serving.

Top Tips

• Use cooled coffee: Make sure the coffee is fully cooled before mixing it in, otherwise it can mess with the texture of the oats and start to cook them.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you’re using sweetened yogurt or flavored milk, you might want to reduce the maple syrup or honey a bit.

• Layer for that tiramisu look: A little cocoa powder between layers gives it a fun, dessert-like vibe and makes each bite a little more exciting.

• Chill overnight for best results: The oats need time to soak and thicken, overnight is ideal, but four hours works in a pinch.

• Swap in mascarpone for a true tiramisu feel: Greek yogurt is great for a lighter version, but mascarpone gives it that rich, creamy texture tiramisu is known for.

• Make it kid-friendly: If your little ones don’t like the taste of coffee, try using a coffee-flavored milk alternative or sub in chocolate milk for a fun twist.

• Use jars or small containers: Individual portions make mornings easier, especially when everyone’s running out the door at different times.

• Dust just before serving: Add the final cocoa powder topping right before eating so it stays light and fluffy instead of getting absorbed.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Tiramisu Overnight Oats

• As a grab-and-go breakfast: I love making a few jars ahead of time so everyone can grab one on their way out the door, no fuss, no mess.

• With a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips: Just a small handful adds the perfect little indulgence, especially for the kids.

• Topped with berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries pair so well with the coffee and cocoa flavors and add a bright, fruity twist.

• As a midday snack: These oats aren’t just for mornings. I’ll sometimes sneak one in during the afternoon when I need a pick-me-up.

• Made with decaf for the kids: If I’m making a batch for the whole family, I’ll brew a little decaf coffee so even the younger ones can enjoy it.

• Warmed up on chilly mornings: It’s great cold, but on a cooler day I’ll pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to take the chill off.

• Served in pretty glasses for brunch: If I’m feeling fancy (or hosting!), I’ll layer it into little glass cups and dust the top just before serving. So simple but looks impressive!

FAQs

Can I make this without coffee?
Yes! If you’re avoiding caffeine or making it for kids, try using decaf coffee, a coffee-flavored milk, or even chocolate milk for a fun twist.

How long do these overnight oats last in the fridge?
They keep well for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge, so they’re perfect for meal prep. Just wait to add the cocoa powder topping until you’re ready to eat.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe. Steel-cut oats don’t soften the same way and will stay too chewy unless cooked first. Rolled oats work best here.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Totally! Use any non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and swap the Greek yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt.

What if I don’t have chia seeds?
You can leave them out, but the texture will be a bit looser. If you want, add an extra tablespoon of oats or a spoonful of ground flaxseed instead.

Can I make it sweeter or less sweet?
Absolutely. Taste the mixture before layering and adjust the maple syrup or honey to your liking. It’s super flexible.

Can I freeze overnight oats?
Technically, yes, but the texture changes quite a bit once thawed. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the fridge within a few days.

Continue to Content

Yield: 2-3

Tiramisu Overnight Oats

Print

All the cozy flavors of classic tiramisu in a make-ahead breakfast! These Tiramisu Overnight Oats are creamy, coffee-infused, and naturally sweetened, perfect for busy mornings and easy to prep ahead for the whole family.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

Oat Layer:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 4 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup brewed coffee (cooled)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for layering)

Creamy Yogurt Layer:

• ⅔ cup Greek vanilla yogurt (or mascarpone for a richer flavor)
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

1. In a bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, brewed coffee, and milk. Stir well until fully mixed.
2. Sprinkle a little cocoa powder at the bottom of your serving containers. Pour in half of the oat mixture, then lightly dust with cocoa powder. Repeat with the remaining oat mixture and another dusting of cocoa.
3. Cover the containers and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight so the oats can soak up the liquid and flavors.
4. In the morning, stir together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Spoon this creamy layer evenly over the chilled oats.
5. Dust the top with cocoa powder just before serving.