Tiramisu Overnight Oats are a delicious twist on a classic dessert, turned into a quick and easy breakfast. Creamy oats soak up flavors like coffee, cocoa, and a hint of sweet mascarpone-style goodness, giving you that familiar tiramisu vibe first thing in the morning. It’s smooth, slightly rich, and so satisfying without any fuss.
I love making these the night before because it’s all ready when I wake up — just grab a spoon and go. The coffee flavor wakes me up gently, and the touch of cocoa on top feels like a little treat. I find adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chocolate chips makes it even better. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but way healthier!
When I serve these overnight oats, I usually add some fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder to make it extra pretty. They’re perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or whenever I want a special breakfast without any stress. Plus, they’re easy to change up if you want to swap out ingredients, so it never gets boring.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These give the creamy and chewy base for the dish. Avoid instant oats here since they get too mushy. If you want, steel-cut oats can work, but soak them longer.
Milk: I like using dairy milk for richness, but almond, oat, or soy milk are great plant-based swaps. Just pick unsweetened varieties so you control the sweetness.
Greek Yogurt or Mascarpone: Yogurt adds creaminess with a bit of tang; mascarpone makes it more like traditional tiramisu—richer and smoother. If you want less dairy, try coconut yogurt.
Sweetener: I usually use honey or maple syrup, but sugar or agave syrup works fine too. Adjust it to your taste depending on how sweet you like it.
Brewed Coffee: Essential for that tiramisu flavor. Use strong coffee or espresso and make sure it’s cooled before mixing to avoid cooking the oats or yogurt.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder works best for dusting and flavor. You can also use cacao powder for a more robust taste.
Ladiesfinger Cookies or Chocolate Granola: Crushed and soaked in coffee, they add texture and mimic the classic tiramisu layers. If you can’t find ladiesfinger cookies, granola or even crushed graham crackers work well.
How Do I Get the Creamy Texture Without It Being Too Runny or Thick?
The key is in balancing the liquid and thick ingredients, and letting them rest overnight:
- Mix oats with milk, coffee, and yogurt or mascarpone; yogurt adds creaminess without making the oats watery.
- Add chia seeds—they absorb moisture and help thicken the mixture as it sits.
- Let it chill for at least 4-6 hours or overnight so oats soften and flavors meld.
- Before layering, stir gently so the texture is smooth but not too loose.
- If too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk; too thin? Add a spoon of yogurt to bulk it up.
With this method, you get a creamy, pudding-like consistency that stays stable when layered and topped.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use it to combine all the ingredients easily and thoroughly.
- Spoon or whisk – helps you stir everything smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy so the flavors turn out just right.
- Jar or glass container with lid – perfect for layering and refrigerating overnight.
- Coffee maker or pot – needed to brew strong coffee for authentic flavor.
- Fine sieve or sifter – to dust cocoa powder neatly on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark chocolate or chocolate chips mixed in for extra richness, perfect if you love a sweet surprise.
- Replace the coffee with coffee-flavored liqueur like Kahlua for a boozy twist.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries or bananas for fruity freshness that balances the coffee flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts on top for crunch and texture variation.
How to Make Tiramisu Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1-2 tbsp sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
- 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup crushed coffee-soaked ladyfinger cookies or chocolate granola
- Coffee beans or chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The prep only takes about 10 minutes! But you’ll want to refrigerate it overnight or at least 4-6 hours so the oats and chia seeds soak up all those yummy flavors and get soft and creamy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt (or mascarpone), chia seeds, sweetener, cooled coffee, and vanilla extract. Stir everything well, making sure it’s evenly combined.
2. Let It Chill:
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight. This gives the oats and chia seeds plenty of time to soak up the liquid and soften beautifully.
3. Prep Your Coffee Layer:
If you’re using ladyfinger cookies, lightly soak them in coffee, then crush them into small pieces. If you prefer, chocolate granola works great too. This adds that classic tiramisu texture between the creamy oat layers.
4. Assemble the Layers:
When you’re ready to eat, give the oat mixture a gentle stir. Then, in your serving glass or jar, layer half of the oats mixture, add your coffee-soaked cookie crumbs or chocolate granola, and top with the remaining oat mixture.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle cocoa powder over the top to get that rich tiramisu look and flavor. Garnish with coffee beans or chocolate chips for a pretty, tasty finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your tiramisu overnight oats are ready to enjoy! Eat them straight away or keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready. They make a fantastic, quick breakfast or a delightful treat anytime.
Can I Use Decaffeinated Coffee Instead of Regular Brewed Coffee?
Yes, decaf works perfectly if you want to avoid caffeine. Just brew it strong and let it cool before mixing in so you keep that rich coffee flavor without the buzz.
How Long Can I Store Tiramisu Overnight Oats?
Store your oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may thicken over time, so give them a quick stir and add a splash of milk if needed before eating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and swap the Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a vegan yogurt alternative. Make sure your sweetener is vegan-friendly too.
What Can I Substitute for Ladyfinger Cookies?
If you can’t find ladyfingers, crushed graham crackers, biscotti, or your favorite crunchy granola make great substitutes. Just soak them lightly in coffee for that classic tiramisu texture and flavor.