Chocolate Overnight Oats

This healthy chocolate overnight oats recipe is a quick and easy, make-ahead breakfast. It only takes 5 minutes and 5 ingredients to mix up these chocolate oats, which are a gluten-free, dairy-free vegan-friendly meal prep breakfast!

Overnight oats are a genius breakfast idea. Chocolate Overnight Oats only take 5 minutes and minimal ingredients to prepare – but are a delicious make-ahead breakfast everyone loves. If you don’t have any issues with peanuts – you can replace the chocolate component with peanut butter (buy Mayther’s or another brand that contains only peanuts)

And who wouldn’t want to enjoy chocolate for breakfast? Especially when it’s healthy, loaded with fibre and will keep you full until lunch!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s begin by chatting about the ingredients in this recipe, as well as possible substitutions.

Rolled oats. Feel free to use any variety of oats you wish including old-fashioned, rolled, quick-cooking and steel cut! My personal favourite is old-fashioned oats!
Almond Milk. Any variety of milk works well in this recipe, both dairy and non-dairy milks! My recommendations are almond milk, coconut milk, whole milk – the higher the fat content, the creamier your overnight oats will be! You can replace up to ½ cup of the milk with yogurt for an even creamier version
Cocoa Powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder is the best choice for these chocolate overnight oats. You could use a dark cocoa powder if you like a deeper richer flavour.
Vanilla extract. I do not recommend omitting the vanilla extract, it adds such a great flavour! However you could use vanilla bean paste instead!
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
– Fresh fruit (whatever is in season and pile it on top just before serving),
– Nuts & seeds (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground linseeds)
Honey/Maple syrup. Personally I don’t think you need to add this, but if you are accustomed to a sweet breakfast, you can add it to begin with and then slowly reduce down the quantity. Pure maple syrup is for a vegan option.

An overview of How to make chocolate overnight oats (more details below)

This chocolate overnight oats recipe is so easy. As always, we will walk through the process step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video!

Whisk ingredients together -First, in a medium bowl whisk together milk of choice, honey (if using a sweetener) cocoa powder vanilla and sea salt

Add oats & combine – Next, add the oats and stir to combine.

Put in jars and chill – Divide the chocolate overnight oats mixture into four glass jars with lids. This recipe makes 2 large servings or 4 smaller ones. Chill overnight (at least 12 hours).

Serve & Enjoy

Here are a few suggestions for toppings/mix-ins that pair wonderfully with these chocolate oats:

Fresh Berries (careful not to use frozen berries unless you thaw and drain them first. They release water as they thaw and will cause your oats to become a little “soupy”)
Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, citrus fruits, etc.)
Nut Butters (like almond or pure peanut butter)
A small handful of chocolate chips makes this a popular choice for kids or cocoa nibs
Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.)
Dried Fruits (sultanas, cranberries, apricots, raisins, etc.)

Store/freeze

Store in an airtight container (preferably a glass container with a lid) in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the jar to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.

Do you eat chocolate overnight oats hot or cold?

You really can eat them at whatever temperature you choose. They are meant to be eaten cold, and taste delicious that way. However it is totally acceptable to warm them a little too.

Can you microwave overnight oats?

Yes! If you want to enjoy chocolate overnight oats warm, you may heat them up in the microwave. I recommend starting by only warming them for 30 seconds, then stirring and tasting. Warm them in 30 second increments until you reach your desired temperature.

Do overnight oats have to be in a mason jar?

No, of course not! You can choose any container you’d like. I recommend using an airtight glass container with a lid but if they are for kids (or adults) to take to school/work – where there is a risk it could be dropped – a thermos is a great option.