
Overnight oats with a tiramisu twist can turn your regular breakfast into a tasty treat that feels like an Italian dessert. This clever mix brings together all the health perks of oats with classic tiramisu flavors - coffee, cocoa, and smooth cream - for a gentle morning wake-up that's surprisingly well-balanced.

Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Oats: Go for regular rolled oats instead of quick ones for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Coffee: Pick a strong espresso or bold coffee to bring that signature tiramisu character. The coffee quality really shapes the end result.
- Almond milk: Its natural sweetness works great with coffee's bitter notes. It's light enough to let other flavors shine through.
- Mascarpone or Greek yogurt: This key component adds the creamy, smooth texture typical of the Italian dessert. Yogurt offers a lighter but equally tasty option.
- Cocoa powder: Use good unsweetened cocoa for a subtle bitterness that balances out the overall sweetness.

Easy Preparation
- Oat mixture:
- In a big bowl, stir oats with almond milk until they're fully covered. Then pour in cooled espresso and vanilla extract for extra flavor depth. Gently add maple syrup or honey depending on how sweet you want it. Mix everything carefully so all oats get coated in this flavorful liquid.
- Creamy layer:
- In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt or mascarpone with a spoon of maple syrup until smooth. If you want a more authentic, indulgent version, mascarpone will give you that classic tiramisu richness. Don't overmix or you'll lose the creaminess.
- Layering in glasses:
- Start by putting a thick layer of soaked oats at the bottom of pretty clear glasses or small jars. Carefully add a mascarpone cream layer on top, then repeat these layers, finishing with cream for a nice look. This layering lets flavors blend together while resting.
- Tasty topping:
- Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a small strainer for an even, fine layer. For an extra special touch, add some dark chocolate shavings to create an interesting texture contrast.
- Worth the wait:
- Cover your creations and put them in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. This important step lets the oats soak up all the liquid and flavors meld together. The magic happens during this resting time and will reward you when you wake up.
Coffee is the star ingredient in this recipe if you ask me. I personally use an Ethiopian specialty coffee with fruity notes that really makes everything taste amazing. My family has always loved coffee flavors in desserts, and this tradition naturally found its way into our breakfasts with this comforting recipe.
The oats' texture after a night in the fridge is truly transformed. Far from regular porridge, they become tender while keeping some structure, making a perfect base for this morning version of tiramisu that wins over even the biggest doubters.
Tasty Variations
The chocolate-hazelnut version swaps espresso for hot chocolate and mixes in a teaspoon of hazelnut spread with the oats. Top with toasted crushed hazelnuts for a breakfast that'll make dessert lovers happy while keeping the tiramisu spirit.
For a fruitier option, add mashed raspberries between layers and finish with some fresh fruit on top. This summer version brings freshness and tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the basic recipe while adding an appetizing colorful touch.

Smart Storage
Make several portions ahead in sealed individual containers for grab-and-go breakfasts lasting up to three days. Make sure to close containers tightly after each use to keep ingredients fresh and prevent the top from drying out.
If you notice your mixture has dried a bit after a day or two in the fridge, just add a splash of milk before eating to bring back the original creaminess. A quick stir will help spread moisture throughout.
Chef Tips
Lightly toast your oats in a dry pan before using them to create more complex, nutty flavors.
Add a tiny pinch of salt to your oat mixture to enhance all flavors, especially the coffee and cocoa.
Mix room temperature mascarpone with your Greek yogurt for a texture even closer to real tiramisu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these oats ahead of time?
- Absolutely! They’re best when made the night before and will be good for up to three days in the fridge.
- → How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Simply swap the Greek yogurt or mascarpone with coconut or almond yogurt, and stick to the plant-based milk mentioned.
- → Can I warm up these oats?
- Though they’re usually eaten cold, you can gently microwave them if you prefer a warm breakfast.
- → What kind of oats should I use?
- Go for traditional rolled oats since they hold their texture better. Avoid quick oats, which can get too mushy.
- → Can I replace coffee in this recipe?
- Sure! Use cooled hot chocolate for a mocha twist, or just add more milk and a drizzle of maple syrup for a mild option.