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These chocolate overnight oats are healthy, full of protein, and simply delicious! Rich dark chocolate chips are accented with a creamy oat base mixed with milk, yogurt, maple syrup, and cacao powder. This recipe comes together within minutes and is the perfect option for breakfast or a post-workout snack!
These healthy chocolate overnight oats are rich in chocolate flavors that are crunchy with dark chocolate chips. Creamy with a little bit of sweetness, this overnight oats recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an easy and quick breakfast option. Naturally vegetarian with a vegan option, these plant-based oats are simple, yet delicious and filling. Perfect for on to the breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Oats Recipe
- So easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you will have a healthy breakfast ready in no time!
- Filled with protein: Thanks to the oats, yogurt, and chia seeds, this easy healthy breakfast recipe is filled with protein which means it is the perfect option for a light, but hearty breakfast.
- Perfect for meal prep: Did you know overnight oats are great for meal-prepping? Make a batch of these oats to last you all throughout the week: a great option for a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Simple ingredients: Made with a handful of basic ingredients, this oatmeal breakfast recipe is incredibly minimal. You probably already have these ingredients in the kitchen!
Ingredients You Will Need
This is just a list of a handful of ingredients you will need to make these chocolate overnight oats. The full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
oats (I used old-fashioned roll oats)
chia seeds
cacao powder (you can also use cocoa powder)
non-dairy milk (you can use cashew, oats, hemp, almond, coconut, soy, or macadamia nut milk)
yogurt (either Greek or coconut yogurt can be used for this recipe. To keep things vegan, you can use coconut or any other non-dairy yogurt)
vanilla extract
maple syrup or honey if not vegan
dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark sugar-free chocolate)- to make this vegan, use dairy-free chocolate chips.
How to Make this Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe
- Add the ingredients to the bowl: First, add the oats, chia seeds, yogurt, cacao powder, and dark chocolate chips to a bowl.
- Pour the milk: Add the milk on top of the dry ingredients. Then, pour the maple syrup into the bowl.
- Stir: Stir thoroughly to combine. Next, divide into jars.
- Chill: Refrigerator for at least four hours.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Make sure to keep the oats in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight. These oats need extra time to absorb milk to become soft and tender.
- If you don’t have maple syrup as a sweetener, you can use honey or Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener. Agave will work well too for a vegan option.
- Rolled oats are best for this recipe as they tend to be a bit more tender. We have not tried Instant Oats for this recipe. You may use instant oats but the texture will vary.
- If you are maintaining a gluten-free diet, then make sure the oats have not been cross-contaminated with gluten. Use gluten-free oats.
- For a vegan option, use non-dairy milk, non-dairy yogurt, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- You may add some fruits like banana, strawberry, or blueberries.
FAQS
This chocolate overnight oats recipe is considered healthy because it is loaded with fiber and protein. The perfect staple for breakfast! Oats also contain natural minerals.
It’s always best to consult with your medical provider for any questions about health and food concerns. If you’re looking for a breakfast filled with protein and fiber, then overnight oats are a great option. Depending on what you put in your overnight oats it shouldn’t be “bad” to eat daily.
Overnight oats taste creamy, subtly sweet, and can be quite neutral. Because overnight oats are so versatile, it is easy for them to absorb flavors from the ingredients they’re in. You can get creative and make your overnight oats any flavor you like.
We think so! There are other options for overnight oats such as fruit, peanut butter, and nuts. Get creative with the add ons so you don’t get bored of having the same breakfast every day.
These chocolate overnight oats will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days.
You do not need chia seeds for overnight oats, but if you are looking for some additional protein, fiber, and benefits, then you may want to add the chia seeds for an extra hint of nutrition. Plus chia seeds add on some thickness and pudding-like texture to your oatmeal.
Other breakfast Recipes to Try
- Chocolate Chip Baked Oats
- Pumpkin Overnight Oats
- Protein Overnight Oats Recipe
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl
- Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Chia Pudding
- Strawberry Overnight Oats
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Chocolate Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cup non-dairy milk
- 2/3 cup yogurt, coconut or greek
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dark mini chocolate chips or chopped dark sugar-free chocolate
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to combine, then divide into jars or cups.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to overnight.
- Serve chill for a fast breakfast. Enjoy!
- Keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Video
Notes
- Make sure to keep the oats in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight. These oats need extra time to absorb milk to become soft and tender.
- If you don’t have maple syrup as a sweetener, you can use honey or Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener. Agave will work well too for a vegan option.
- Rolled oats are best for this recipe as they tend to be a bit more tender. We have not tried Instant Oats for this recipe. You may use instant oats but the texture will vary.
- If you are maintaining a gluten-free diet, then make sure the oats have not been cross-contaminated with gluten. Use gluten-free oats.
- For a vegan option, use non-dairy milk, non-dairy yogurt, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- You may add some fruits like banana, strawberry, or blueberries
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this recipe last night and ate it for breakfast this morning… it was so good! I’ve recently loved trying new overnight oats recipes and this one is a favorite. Thank you!
Thanks so much. Glad you liked it
So YUMMY! I added a berry compote on top and then let sit over night. This is so good! Also husband approved as well!
Do you heat it up before you eat or just eat it cold
You can heat up but you dont have to. they are meant to be enjoyed cold
Can you use regular whole milk?
yes you can
Made it this morning, it was enough to fill 4 Kilner glass preserve jars that were 0.25 litres each (8.5 US fl oz each)
I added a touch extra maple syrup as I felt it needed a tiny bit more sweetness & I added some dried cranberries. 4 hours later I tried it & it was delicious, will definitely be making this on a regular basis!
* update on my previous post……
I worked out my 4 servings are 566 cals each jar!! so I divided them into smaller portions (6 jars & not filling them to the top as I previously did!) works out about 280 cals per jar, I guess it depends on what brand ingredients you use as to what the calories work out for each ingredients!
I followed the recipe but my oats turned out horrible! The consistency is so thick and it tastes so bland. Any ideas what went wrong??
Hi. This overnight oats is on the thick side. You may consider adding less oats or adding more liquid.
Love this recipe and will definitely be making again. I used almond milk, agave, and added strawberries in to my individual serving.
This is a great base to create some other combinations; I’d love to add coconut flakes or for a dessert styled oat for the kiddos (and perhaps not the healthiest of all but I’m betting delicious) adding in some mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs!
Thanks for sharing!
Yummy! So glad you loved it