Tiramisu Overnight Oats bring together the classic flavors of everyone’s favorite Italian dessert in a healthy, easy-to-make breakfast. Imagine creamy oats soaked overnight with coffee, layered with hints of cocoa, and a touch of sweetness from mascarpone or cream cheese flavoring. It’s like waking up to a cozy, rich treat that’s ready to eat without any fuss.
I love making this recipe because it feels like a little morning celebration — all the great tastes of tiramisu without the heavy richness or long prep time. The best part is you can make it the night before, then enjoy a smooth and flavorful breakfast right out of the fridge. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cocoa or add some chocolate chips on top just to amp up the fun.
Serving these overnight oats in a glass jar makes them feel extra special, and they’re perfect for grabbing on busy mornings or enjoying with a cup of fresh coffee. I’ve found that friends and family always appreciate how comforting and satisfying this breakfast is, and it’s a clever way to start the day feeling a bit indulgent but still wholesome.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. They soak up the liquid well and stay hearty. Quick oats can work but may get mushy.
Mascarpone cheese: This gives authenticity to the tiramisu flavor with its creamy texture. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and keeps it healthy.
Espresso or coffee: Strong coffee adds the classic tiramisu bitterness. If you don’t have espresso, brewed coffee works fine. Decaf is perfect if you want to avoid caffeine.
Ladyfinger biscuits or granola: Ladyfingers soak up coffee and bring that classic tiramisu crunch. If not available, granola or crushed digestive biscuits are tasty alternatives.
Cocoa powder: Dusting with cocoa powder gives a chocolate coating finish. Use unsweetened cocoa for an authentic touch. You can swap for cacao powder or chocolate shavings too.
How Do I Layer and Soften the Oats Perfectly?
Layering is key to making this dish look and taste like tiramisu. The soaked ladyfingers add texture between creamy oat layers, so don’t skip soaking them quickly in coffee.
- Use a shallow dish for dipping the biscuits briefly—too long and they’ll get soggy, too short and they’ll stay hard.
- Alternate layers: soaked ladies, oats mixture, crunchy bits, then oats again.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours so oats and chia seeds swell and flavors blend.
- In the morning, give it a gentle stir or eat it layered as is.
These steps create a creamy yet textured breakfast that nails the tiramisu feel and keeps the oats soft but not mushy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 2 mixing bowls – one for the oat mixture and one for dipping coffee-soaked ladyfingers. They make assembly easy and mess-free.
- Sharp knife – to cut banana slices neatly for garnish, adding a fresh touch.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for precise ingredients like cocoa powder and sweetener, ensuring perfect flavor balance.
- Glass jars or small containers – perfect for layered presentation and convenient for refrigerating overnight.
- Small shallow dish – for quick dipping of ladyfingers into the coffee, so they soak just right without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use melted dark chocolate or chocolate chips instead of shavings for a richer, sweeter topping.
- Swap banana slices with berries or cherries for a fruity twist that adds brightness and color.
- Mix in a splash of liqueur like Kahlúa or Grand Marnier for an adult version with more depth.
- Add a layer of crushed cookies or nuts for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
How to Make Tiramisu Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oat Mixture:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
For the Layers and Topping:
- ¼ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- ¼ cup crushed ladyfinger biscuits or granola (for texture)
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
- 3-4 slices banana, for garnish
- Coffee beans, optional for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and mix the ingredients. Then, you’ll need to refrigerate it overnight or for at least 6 hours to let the oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid and soften perfectly. Morning ready and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Oat Base:
In a bowl, stir together the oats, chia seeds, milk, mascarpone cheese, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder until everything is well combined. This creamy base will soak overnight and develop great flavor.
2. Prepare the Coffee-Soaked Biscuits:
Pour the brewed espresso or strong coffee into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the coffee, soaking just briefly so they soften but don’t get mushy. Place a layer of these soaked biscuits at the bottom of your serving glass or jar.
3. Assemble the Layers:
Spoon a layer of your oat mixture over the soaked ladyfingers. Then add a layer of crushed ladyfingers or granola for some crunch. Follow this with another layer of the oat mixture until your glass is nearly full.
4. Finish and Chill:
Dust the top generously with cocoa powder. Add banana slices, sprinkle on chocolate shavings or mini chips, and place a few coffee beans on top if you like. Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours) so the oats become soft and the flavors meld beautifully.
5. Serve:
In the morning, you can stir your overnight oats gently if you want or enjoy the pretty layered look as is. Eat it chilled and savor the delicious tiramisu-inspired flavors in a healthy breakfast form.
Can I Use Frozen Banana for the Garnish?
Yes, you can use frozen banana slices! Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before adding so they don’t make the oats watery.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and substitute mascarpone cheese with coconut yogurt or another creamy vegan yogurt for a delicious vegan version.
How Long Do Tiramisu Overnight Oats Keep?
They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
Can I Skip the Coffee or Use a Coffee Substitute?
Yes! For a caffeine-free version, you can use decaffeinated coffee, brewed chicory, or even strong rooibos tea to soak the ladyfingers while still keeping that rich flavor.