This delicious recipe for chocolate overnight oats is super simple, easy to make, and full of rich chocolate flavor. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free (no yogurt!), vegan, and can be enjoyed for breakfast…or dessert, you decide!
Let’s Make Chocolate Overnight Oats!
One of the most popular recipes on the blog right now is an overnight oats recipe… healthy vegan cookie dough overnight oats to be exact. It’s clear people love this easy and delicious breakfast idea (or snack/dessert!), so today, I’ve decided to add to the list my new healthy chocolate overnight oats recipe.
This rich and creamy version of overnight oats is filled with chocolatey goodness but is completely dairy-free. No yogurt or cow’s milk involved. The creaminess comes from the perfect mix of unsweetened almond milk and cocoa powder, along with smooth almond butter.
What Are Overnight Oats?
Traditional oatmeal is a cooked dish that you boil or microwave. Rolled oats are combined with liquid (water, milk, or non-dairy milk) and cooked until warm and soft.
“Overnight Oats” takes the cooking out and instead the oats soak overnight (or for at least 4-5 hours) in the liquid and by morning you have a soft, cooked oat consistency that is ready to eat!
Do you eat overnight oats cold?
You can enjoy overnight oats cold right from the fridge or warm them up quickly in the morning, it’s totally up to you and your preference.
If you make overnight oats in a jar or Tupperware container, this easy breakfast can be taken on-the-go which is great for those who are rushed in the mornings or those who aren’t into cooking a big breakfast.
I know from my nutritional consulting experience that a lot of people fall into this category!
Peanut butter overnight oats
You can swap out the almond butter for healthy natural peanut butter if desired (or any peanut butter works). The healthier ones are usually the ones you have to keep stored in the fridge and stir again before using. This will give you a wonderful peanut butter chocolate flavor, yum!
Healthy overnight oats recipe for weight loss
overnight oats can be a pretty healthy way to start your day. when using smart choice ingredients you can make your oats pretty healthy which can easily fit into your weight loss routines and dietary plans.
Overnight oats ratio
When making overnight oats you want the ratio to be 1/4 cup of oats per 1/2 cup of liquid. This will help to make sure that there is enough liquid to cause the oats to swell without leaving them dry and crunchy and it also helps to prevent the opposite- overwatered oats.
Chocolate banana overnight oats
You can make banana chocolate chip overnight oats using fresh banana or flavored powder and tossing in a few dark chocolate chips. Protein powders can come in many different flavors and some great chocolate combinations can be made with that like chocolate and banans oats! You can also simply slice up a fresh banana and top your oats with it in the morning.
FAQs
Is Oatly chocolate milk healthy?
It’s not the healthiest drink in the world but it is pretty comparable to the health benefits of regular dairy chocolate milk. for those on a plant based diet or trying to avoid dairy its pretty good.
What kind of oats do you use for overnight oats?
rolled oats work best for overnight oats because they can hold up to the long hours spent soaking without losing texture and becoming mushy. They’re also a healthier oat choice because they haven’t had too many nutrients stripped away yet.
Can you freeze overnight oats?
You can freeze overnight oats in individual containers for up to 3 months. thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy like normal.
Are overnight oats healthy?
Obviously, every recipe is different, but those made with natural sweeteners, rolled oats, and other whole-food ingredients, in my professional opinion would be healthy…yes!
When made with whole foods including whole grain rolled oats, chia or flaxseeds, nut butter, and fruit or maple syrup (common ingredients found in overnight oats), this popular dish provides an ample amount of energizing complex carbohydrates, fiber, healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
While it is possible that some overnight oats recipes contain a high amount of calories per serving, it’s simply important to be mindful of what your body needs. Everyone is unique, so one persons “big breakfast” might be another person’s “light snack”.
Something else to be mindful of is ensuring you include a good amount of protein to balance out the carbohydrates in your overnight oats. Many people use Greek yogurt as a protein source, but if you need a dairy-free or vegan option, you can go with a plant-based protein powder that is free of artificial ingredients or additives.
Ingredients for Chocolate Overnight Oats:
Making a batch of chocolate overnight oats is very simple. You’ll need the ingredients below and then you can include other additions such as berries or other toppings if you choose.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Whole rolled oats * (regular or gluten-free certified)
- Chia seeds *
- Cocoa powder *
- Pure maple syrup *
- Unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk of choice)
- Almond butter *
- Vegan chocolate protein powder * (choose your favourite brand, or see my recommendation linked)
- Dark mini chocolate chips* (vegan, naturally sweetened is recommended)
Notes on Protein Powder for Chocolate Overnight Oats
When it comes to choosing a protein powder for this overnight oats recipe, you have the option of choosing your favourite brand if you already have one you love, or one of my recommended brands.
I find some protein powders have a strong, overpowering flavour, and some have a gritty texture (especially when it comes to plant-based protein powders)so, here are my recommendations and tips!
If there is a brand you are familiar with and love, go with that one! You’re already used to the taste and texture so it won’t come as a surprise to you in your overnight oats.
Looking for recommendations? Try Orgain Creamy Chocolate Fudge * as the taste is subtle and the texture is good.
If you do not like the flavour of protein powder and do not need vegan, I highly recommend an unflavoured collagen protein powder (Organika* and Vital Proteins*are great options!).
This healthy overnight oats recipe is easy, delicious, and definitely worth a try…especially if you are a chocolate lover like I am!
What is your favourite flavour of overnight oats? Tell me about it in the comments section and be sure to pin the photo below the recipe to save this one for later!
Healthy Chocolate Overnight Oats
Yield: Serves 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Soak Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
This delicious and healthy chocolate overnight oats is vegan, gluten free, packed with fibre, and great for breakfast or a filling snack!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole rolled oats (gluten free, if needed)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons natural almond butter
- 2 heaping tablespoons plant-based chocolate protein powder (optional, see notes)
- 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 heaping tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, almond butter, protein powder, cocoa powder, and almond milk.
- Mix very well to combine then stir in the chocolate chips.
- Divide the mixture between two jars or tupperware containers.
- Place in the fridge and leave overnight, or 5 hours at a minimum.
- In the morning, before eating, warm in the microwave for 30 seconds (see notes) then top with a drizzle of almond butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips and dig in!
Notes
*If you choose not to use protein powder: Omit the protein powder and add 1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the recipe for the best flavour and texture.
**Alternatively, you can enjoy the overnight oats cold right from the fridge. I personally prefer it heated because the chocolate chips get all melty and mix in with the warm oats, but it's totally up to you!
***If you want added protein but not flavoured, try unflavoured collagen peptides, linked below. Collagen is not vegan but is tasteless and adds healthy protein to the recipe. Use the same amount as regular protein powder.
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More Overnight Oat Recipes You’ll Love:
- Vegan Protein-Packed Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
- Healthy Strawberry Overnight Oats
- Healthy Overnight Oats with Cherry Chia Seed Jam
- Carrot Cake Vegan Overnight Oats
Healthy Chocolate Overnight Oats
Yield: Serves 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Soak Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
This delicious and healthy chocolate overnight oats is vegan, gluten free, packed with fibre, and great for breakfast or a filling snack!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole rolled oats (gluten free, if needed)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons natural almond butter
- 2 heaping tablespoons plant-based chocolate protein powder (optional, see notes)
- 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 heaping tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, almond butter, protein powder, cocoa powder, and almond milk.
- Mix very well to combine then stir in the chocolate chips.
- Divide the mixture between two jars or tupperware containers.
- Place in the fridge and leave overnight, or 5 hours at a minimum.
- In the morning, before eating, warm in the microwave for 30 seconds (see notes) then top with a drizzle of almond butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips and dig in!
Notes
*If you choose not to use protein powder: Omit the protein powder and add 1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the recipe for the best flavour and texture.
**Alternatively, you can enjoy the overnight oats cold right from the fridge. I personally prefer it heated because the chocolate chips get all melty and mix in with the warm oats, but it's totally up to you!
***If you want added protein but not flavoured, try unflavoured collagen peptides, linked below. Collagen is not vegan but is tasteless and adds healthy protein to the recipe. Use the same amount as regular protein powder.
