Chocolate overnight oats are like dessert for breakfast, but still healthy and full of nutrients so you can start the day off right! If you're looking for easy meal-prep recipes, overnight oats tick all of the boxes. They're a seriously amazing grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
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I love oatmeal so much, especially because it's full of nutrients and amazingly versatile.
Enjoy a hot bowl of cinnamon oatmeal or make a chocolate chip baked oatmeal casserole. Enjoy this hearty grain cold in overnight oats or these fantastic peanut butter oat balls.
You can even make oatmeal pancakes!
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Make It Again And Again!
Meal prep: Meal-prepping breakfast is a great way to eat healthier. No need to grab a sugary pastry to pair with your coffee, you've got chocolatey overnight oats ready to roll!
Nutritious: This recipe contains nutrient-rich whole grain oats, chia seeds and hemp hearts. It's sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup!
Quick and easy: Overnight oats can be made in just 10 minutes with very little cleanup. This recipe is so simple, straightforward and fool-proof.
Allergy friendly: Gluten-free friendly, no eggs, and easily made dairy free by using any plant-based milk option.
Your Grocery List
- Oats: For best results, use whole grain rolled oats. Quick oats will work, but in my opinion the flavor and texture of whole grains are extra tasty.
- Mix-ins: Chia seeds (or ground flax seed) and hemp hearts! You can leave the hemp hearts out if preferred, but I love their nutty flavor. They also add a tiny bit of crunchy texture which is so yummy.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup is my go-to. Brown sugar, honey or agave would also be nice.
- Cocoa powder: Any brand of unsweetened, baking cocoa powder will work great.
- Sea salt: Regular table salt or kosher salt will do the trick if that's what you've got on hand.
- Pure vanilla extract: Imitation vanilla also works and almond extract would be a delicious substitute!
- Milk of choice: Dairy or non-dairy milk can be used in this recipe.
- Optional toppings & mix-ins: Cinnamon, nuts, chocolate chips, cacao nibs, peanut butter, almond butter, berries, whipped topping, granola or anything else you like.
How To Make Cocoa Overnight Oats
Keep scrolling for the full recipe card and measurements. We’ll start here with a quick overview!
Add dry ingredients:
- Measure oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts, cocoa powder and sea salt into a small bowl or mason jar.
- Use spoon or miniature whisk and mix well.
Add wet ingredients:
- Pour milk, vanilla and syrup into the jar. Mix again!
- Place a lid on the jar and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
Toppings:
- When your overnight oats are done chilling, give them a good stir and add desired toppings like whipped cream, extra cocoa power, espresso powder, cinnamon, more hemp hearts, granola, berries and more. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Soak/chill time: These are called overnight oats, but they can actually be enjoyed after about two hours!
- Large batch: Make one large batch of overnight oats in a big mixing bowl and then scoop into containers as needed.
- Milk: Use extra milk for thinner oats and less for thicker.
Fun Recipe Variations
Protein-packed: Add your favorite chocolate protein powder (or another flavor if desired). You can also mix in Greek yogurt for extra protein!
Cinnamon: Make cinnamon overnight oats by substituting ground cinnamon for cocoa powder.
Coffee: Swap cocoa powder for espresso powder to create coffee overnight oats. This is one of my absolute favorites!
Matcha tea: Use green tea powder instead of cocoa powder for matcha overnight oats.
Serving Suggestions
I usually eat overnight oats solo, but they're really tasty alongside savory breakfast foods like crispy bacon, sausage links or scrambled eggs.
And of course, they pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee in the morning.
Special Equipment
You don't need any super special to make overnight oats. I really love these 7oz glass jars. They're the perfect size and come with lids for easy transportation.
I also enjoy using my mini whisk to make overnight oats, but a spoon will do just fine!
Storing Your Oats
Store overnight oats in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I personally feel the flavor is better within the first 3 days!
Make and store your oats in individual containers, or whip up one large batch and scoop servings as needed!
Common questions:
Usually! Of course, it depends on the recipe. Look for recipes without lots of extra sugar if you want something healthier.
You don't actually have to chill your oats overnight. They'll be ready to eat after about 2 hours in the refrigerator.
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Chocolate Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 7 oz jars *I love using these jars but you can use any container you like!
- Mini whisk *Optional, a spoon also works.
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole grain rolled oats *see note below
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds *or ground flax seed
- 2 teaspoons hemp hearts *optional but SO delicious
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder *see note below
- Pinch of sea salt *or regular table salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract *or imitation
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup *or sweetener of choice
- ½ cup unsweetened oat milk *or milk of choice
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream, more cocoa powder, espresso powder, cinnamon, extra hemp hearts, granola, fruit, nuts, etc.
Recipe notes:
Oats: Quick oats will also work though I prefer the taste of whole grain. Cocoa powder: I use a full tablespoon of cocoa powder to make my oats SUPER chocolatey. You can use more or less if preferred.Instructions
- Add dry ingredients to a jar or bowl and whisk well.½ cup whole grain rolled oats, 2 teaspoons chia seeds, 2 teaspoons hemp hearts, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, Pinch of sea salt
- Add wet ingredients and mix again until well combined.1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, ½ cup unsweetened oat milk, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Cover and chill/soak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Add desired toppings and enjoy!
Storage:
- You can store overnight oats in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though I personally feel the flavor is better within the first 3 days!
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