In merely 5 minutes using only a few ingredients, whip up these healthy chocolate overnight oats - an ideal make-ahead breakfast that can be easily made gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. Nutella adds a delightful touch to this simple meal.
Oats recipes are our favorite breakfast recipes, from our strawberry cheesecake overnight oats, cranberry overnight oats to muffins.
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Ingredients
My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!
The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.
- Old-fashioned oats - you have the freedom to choose any type of oats for this recipe, whether it's old-fashioned, rolled, quick-cooking, or steel-cut! I prefer old-fashioned oats for this dish!
- Cocoa powder - opt for good quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results in these chocolate overnight oats. For a more intense, richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder if preferred.
- Nutella - Nutella is gluten free, but if using other hazelnut-chocolate spread make sure it is gluten free.
- Greek yogurt - this will give the overnight oats a tangy flavor and richer texture. Plant-based yogurts will also work in this recipe.
- Milk - this recipe accommodates any milk variety, whether dairy or non-dairy! Almond milk, coconut milk, whole milk, or 2% milk are my top picks. Keep in mind, that the higher the fat content, the creamier your overnight oats will turn out!
- Cream cheese - adds a luxurious taste and creamy mouthfeel!
- Ground flax meal or chia seeds - these superfoods are not only good for you but will also add a nice thickness to the oat mixture.
- Honey - while any liquid sweetener suits this chocolate overnight oats recipe, my top recommendations are honey and pure maple syrup (ideal for a vegan-friendly option).
- Vanilla extract - for a pleasant flavor and aroma.
- Toppings - hazelnuts, berries, seeds.
📋 If short on time, refrigerate the oats for at least four hours but for best results overnight which will allow them to absorb milk and become soft.
How To Make Chocolate Overnight Oats
Whisk ingredients together. Stir all ingredients in a bowl.
Put in jars and chill. Separate into desired portions. Divide between serving cups. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours overnight.
Serve and enjoy with toppings!
This recipe makes about 1 + ¾ cups.
Tips
- To create a more decorative presentation, consider layering the ingredients and adding some berries in between.
- Various jar options like 8-12 ounce weck jars, mason jars, glass jars with plastic or bamboo lids work well.
- Different oat brands have varying absorbency; adjust the thickness by adding more milk or yogurt for desired consistency.
- Substitute maple syrup with honey, date paste, Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener, or agave for a vegan alternative.
- I prefer rolled oats or old fashioned oats for a more tender texture; instant oats can be used, but the texture will be very different.
- Ensure gluten-free oats are used if following a gluten-free diet to prevent cross-contamination.
- Add fruits like banana, strawberry, or blueberries as desired.
Toppings for Overnight Oats:
- Fresh Berries (Note: Avoid using frozen berries unless thawed and drained to prevent excess water)
- Fresh Fruits (such as bananas, apples, citrus fruits, etc.)
- Nut Butters (e.g., vanilla almond butter, homemade peanut butter)
- Chia Seeds
- Candied Almonds
- Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
- Honey or Maple Syrup
- Berry or strawberry sauce
- Crunchy dark Chocolate Chips or Cocoa Nibs
- Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.)
- Dried Fruits (cranberries, apricots, raisins, etc.)
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Refrigerate the overnight oat jars for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing. Freezing overnight oats may alter their taste, texture, and quality, so it's not recommended.
Common Recipe Questions
Overnight oats are versatile and can be enjoyed at your preferred temperature. They are typically intended to be eaten cold and taste delicious that way. However, if you prefer warm oatmeal, that's completely acceptable too.
Certainly! To keep chocolate overnight oats warm, you can heat them in the microwave. Begin by warming them for 30 seconds, then stir and taste. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until you reach your desired temperature. This gradual heating process helps you achieve the perfect warmth without overheating the oats.
Old-fashioned oats (my personal favorite)!
Quick-cooking oats
Rolled oats
Steel-cut oats
More Oatmeal Recipe Ideas
For all breakfast recipes, hop on to our Breakfast collection.
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Recipe
Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup rolled oats, or old fashioned oats
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt, plain and unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons nutella or other chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ cup milk
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the oats mixture. Stir all ingredients in a bowl.
- Put in jars and chill. Separate into desired portions. Divide between serving cups.. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to overnight.
- Serve and enjoy with toppings!
- This recipes makes about 1 + ¾ cups.
NOTES
- Storing: Refrigerate the overnight oat jars for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Freezing overnight oats may alter their taste, texture, and quality, so it's not recommended.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
enjoy an easy and delicious make ahead breakfast: chocolate overnight oats!