Chocolate lovers rejoice because these chocolate peanut butter overnight oats are the perfect breakfast to satisfy your chocolate craving. These chocolate oats are gluten free, dairy free and ready in 5 minutes.
So… I’m actually not a huge chocolate person. I know, I’m crazy. I’ve preferred vanilla since I was young, but seriously, this chocolate overnight oats recipe is such a decadent but healthy way to start your day.
They’re so easy to make, that is the nature of overnight oats after all. Plus, they’re completely gluten free, dairy free and store well in the fridge so you can have breakfast for every day of the week waiting for you!
This recipe requires just 8 ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and makes the perfect on the go breakfast for work, school or just when you need something quick.
If you love this recipe, try my baked protein oats next!
Key Ingredients
Oats: Rolled oats (A.K.A. old fashioned oats) are going to be the best kind of oats for overnight oats. You can use quick oats, but I suggest using 1 cup of non-dairy milk instead of 1 1/4 cup because quick oats require less liquid to soften and you don’t want the final product to be liquidy.
If you do notice that after a few hours they aren’t thickening properly, just add in an extra tablespoon of chia seeds!
Chia Seeds: The chia seeds help soak up some of the extra liquid and give the oats a creamy consistency. They also add a good amount of protein and fiber as well!
Maple Syrup: You can sub the maple syrup for honey or even coconut sugar, but this just works to sweeten the oats and balance the bitter flavor from the cocoa powder.
Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk will work, unsweetened vanilla almond milk is my personal favorite!
Peanut Butter: You can use any kind of nut butter, but this will make the oats really creamy and add a rich flavor.
Cocoa powder: To make these oats chocolatey! You can also use cacao powder, but it is a bit more bitter than cocoa.
Vanilla & cinnamon: For a little extra flavor.
Yogurt: You don’t need to make overnight oats with yogurt, but it makes them SO creamy! I love the Kite Hill Greek style yogurt, but So Delicious makes some great ones as well.
I also love regular greek yogurt for added protein, but if you aren’t a fan of yogurt, just leave this out!
How to make overnight oats
Overnight oats are probably the easiest breakfast on the planet. To make this recipe, all you need to do is combine all ingredients in a bowl, jar or tupperware container.
If using a jar, put the lid on and shake all ingredients to combine. If using a bowl or container, just stir everything together until evenly distributed. Try to make sure there are no clumps of cocoa.
If using a jar, the chia seeds tend to sink to the bottom, so be sure to give everything a good stir before you eat.
Suggested toppings
Banana: Banana and oats are a timeless classic. It’s no wonder by caramelized banana oatmeal has been such a hit!
Berries: Blueberries are especially good with these chocolate oats, but any type of berries sounds delicious to me.
Nut Butter: Chocolate peanut butter overnight oats with extra peanut butter on top… need I say more?!
Chopped Nuts: Slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, peanuts, pecans, whatever you see fit!
Seeds: A sprinkle of hemp seeds or extra chia seeds adds lots of nutrition. I also love pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.
Drizzle of honey: A little extra sweetener never hurt anyone 🙂
Can I add protein?
Yes! You can also try my protein overnight oats, or add in 1 scoop of your favorite chocolate protein powder to the mix.
You may need a smidge more milk since the protein will thicken up the oats, but start with the recipe as usual and adjust as needed.
Do you eat overnight oats hot or cold?
Generally, overnight oats are eaten cold! If that seems at all odd to you, you can definitely eat them warm. Just pop them into the microwave after they soak or add them to the stove until warm, then add your desired toppings.
How to store
Once prepared, these chocolate peanut butter overnight oats will store in the fridge for 3-5 days. Keep them covered with foil or a lid so they don’t dry out.
As written, these oats are not overly sweet, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to sweeten more. You can also add in 1/2 mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Try these next!
- Peanut Butter Jelly Overnight Oats
- Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
- PB & J Granola Bars
- Banana Bread Granola
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
by: claire cary
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled/old fashioned oats
- 1 ¼ cup non dairy milk
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons greek or non-dairy yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt about 1/8 tsp
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl, tupperware container or jar.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir again to make sure everything is well combined.
- Cover and let set in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours to thicken and to let the oats soften.
- Top it off in the morning with banana, berries, peanut butter etc!
Allison says
Would these work with cow’s milk (if non vegan)? Or would coconut milk?
Claire Cary says
You can use any kind of milk you like!
Mehryn says
First time trying overnight oats and was not disappointed! Loved them.
Amanda Wills says
This is unarguably the best overnight oats I’ve ever tasted! I followed the recipe exactly, the night before, and it tasted UNCANILY like brownie batter in the morning.
Claire Cary says
What a compliment! Totally agree about the brownie batter, SO good!