Chocolate Overnight Oats

Chocolate overnight oats are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings. They are easy to meal prep so you can enjoy delicious and healthy breakfasts all week long. They’re also filling and full of chocolatey goodness.

All about Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option that you can assemble the night before and enjoy in the morning. Overnight oats are made by soaking rolled or steel-cut oats in liquid overnight. This allows them to absorb the liquid, softening them so they’re ready to eat when you wake up.

Overnight oats are a tasty way to start your day, and they can be customized with your favorite flavors and ingredients. This recipe adds chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon, and bananas. And overnight oats can be eaten as a daytime or bedtime snack too.

The combination of high-fiber oats and protein-rich milk makes for a filling breakfast that will keep you feeling satisfied until lunchtime. Oats are high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer and helps to regulate your digestion. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, selenium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

The milk in overnight oats contains high-quality protein that helps build muscle and plays a role in many body functions. Most types of milk are a good source of calcium and other vitamins and minerals too.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Overnight Oats

• Oats
• Milk of choice (regular cow milk, soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.)
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Banana
• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter

How to Make Chocolate Overnight Oats

1. Place the oats in the container. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
2. Pour in the milk and stir until everything is well combined.
3. Layer half of the chocolate chips on top of the mix.
4. Slice the banana and add a layer on top of the chocolate chips.
5. Layer the other half of the chocolate chips on top of the banana.
6. Add the peanut butter on top.
7. Close the container and let it rest in the fridge overnight.

Tips and Variations for Chocolate Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are very versatile, so there are countless ways to vary the recipe. Experimenting with different combinations will help you find the perfect mix for your taste buds. Check out these tips and variation ideas.

• Experiment with rolled oats and steel-cut oats to see which one you prefer. Steel-cut oats are still a bit coarse and retain more texture after soaking. Rolled oats will make a creamier and mushier texture.
• Use yogurt instead of milk for extra creaminess.
• Add or take away a bit of each ingredient depending on the size of your container.
• For an extra healthy kick, add some chia or flaxseed to the mix. These seeds are packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• To add flavor and texture, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit. And substitute other fresh fruit for the banana, such as blueberries, diced apples, or raspberries.
• For a sweeter touch, top your bowl of overnight oats with honey or maple syrup.
• Add granola on top in the morning for more texture.
• Substitute any type of nut butter for the peanut butter.
• Add cinnamon and raisins for a traditional combination.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ground ginger for a unique flavor profile.
• Substitute cacao nibs for the chocolate chips if desired.

Chocolate Overnight Oats FAQs

Are overnight oats best hot or cold?

Eating overnight oats hot or cold is a personal preference. You can eat them straight from the fridge, or you can heat them in the microwave for 1 minute for a warm oatmeal.

Are overnight oats good for meal prepping?

Yes. You can assemble multiple containers of overnight oats at the beginning of the week and eat them throughout the week.

Are there other ways of making cold oatmeal besides using the overnight method?

Yes, it is possible to make cold oatmeal without using the overnight method. You can cook your oats on the stovetop or in the microwave and then refrigerate them. This will give you a creamy, cold oatmeal that’s ready to eat for breakfast. Or you can use pre-cooked rolled oats and mix them with yogurt and fruit to make a cold oatmeal parfait on the spot.

Other Recipes with Oats

• Easy Blueberry Overnight Oats
• Healthy Almond Flour Oatmeal Cookies
• Vegan Protein-Packed Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
• Healthy Oatmeal Cookie Energy Balls (No Dates)

Bottom Line

Chocolate overnight oats are a delicious and nutritious breakfast meal that can be prepped ahead of time. They are perfect for those mornings when you’re in a rush. They are also healthy and packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Experimenting with different flavors and ingredients is a great way to make chocolate overnight oats unique to you.