5 4 Published Mar 27, 2024, Updated Jun 29, 2024 Just like with all of my overnight oats this recipe is super simple to whip up and is perfect for meal prep. Plus, it tastes like you’re having dessert for breakfast, which I’m all for!
Why I Love This Recipe
Effortless preparation – Simply mix the ingredients the night before and wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast. Healthy indulgence – Enjoy the flavors of dessert for breakfast with the benefits of whole grains, fiber and antioxidants from the cocoa powder. Perfect for meal prep – Overnight oats are the perfect breakfast recipe to meal prep for the week. I love prepping a double or triple batch over the weekend so I have a few breakfasts ready to go.
Ingredients Needed
You only need 7 simple ingredients to whip up this recipe. I bet you already have most, if not all of the ingredients in your kitchen right now. Here’s what you need:
rolled oats – rolled oats are the best for overnight oats. Instant/quick oats and steel cut oats don’t work well because they don’t absorb liquid the same way rolled oats do. My fave brand is Bob’s Red Mill gluten free old fashioned rolled oats. unsweetened almond milk – for soaking the oats and creating the perfect consistency. I like using unsweetened almond milk, but feel free to use your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk (coconut milk, oat milk, cashew milk, soy milk, etc.). cocoa powder – adds a rich chocolate flavor, making breakfast feel like a decadent treat. chia seeds – for added fiber, protein and healthy fats. Chia seeds also absorb some liquid, making the end result a little thicker. maple syrup – for natural sweetness. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, or substitute with another sweetener, like honey, if preferred. pinch of salt – enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. vanilla extract – this is optional, but I love the slight vanilla flavor it adds to these oats.
How to Make Chocolate Overnight Oats
This recipe couldn’t be any easier to make. Just mix your oats, almond milk, cocoa powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt and vanilla in a bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, stir the mixture, adding more almond milk if needed. Top with chocolate chips and/or nut butter and enjoy!
Chocolate Overnight Oats Topping Ideas
The topping ideas are endless for this overnight oats recipe! Here are some topping ideas to try:
Fresh fruit: Top your oats with a handful of fresh fruit like banana slices, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Nut butter: A drizzle of almond butter, peanut butter or cashew butter not only adds richness creaminess, but it adds some protein. For a nut-free option use tahini or sunflower seed butter. Nuts/seeds: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts or pecans on top for a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats. For a nut-free option go for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Chocolate: For the chocolate lovers, adding extra chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips if never a bad idea! Coconut flakes: Chocolate + coconut = a match made in heaven so topping your oats with coconut flakes would be delicious. Granola: A sprinkle of your favorite granola can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor to each bite. Try this protein granola for a protein boost. Yogurt: Top your oats with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast to the sweet and rich chocolate oats, adding a creamy texture and protein boost.
How to Store
Overnight oats are great for meal prep. Feel free to double, triple or quadruple this recipe for the week on Sunday so you have an easy and healthy breakfast ready to go throughout the week! When stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator overnight oats should last for up to 5 days. They will soften more the longer they sit so I find they’re best on days 1-3, but they’re still safe to eat on days 4 and 5.
More Overnight Oats Recipes
How to Make Overnight Oats (start here!) Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats Vanilla Overnight Oats (MUSH Copycat) Blueberry Overnight Oats Kefir Overnight Oats
Be sure to check out the full collection of overnight oats recipes and all my oatmeal recipes here on EBF.
