Easy Chocolate Overnight Oats

Since we all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it’s time to get a little creative with our morning eats. These chocolate overnight oats are not only delicious, but they’re also super easy to make. Plus, they’re perfect for on-the-go mornings. 

Overnight oats are all the rage and for good reason! They’re an easy, healthy way to start your day. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable. This chocolate variation is a favorite of mine. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for when you need a quick breakfast for the next morning.

If you would love to try another healthy breakfast recipe, you may also want to try this Baked Oatmeal with Mixed Berries recipe.

Chocolate overnight oats in a clear jar with a spoon ready to eat.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: 

If you love a make ahead breakfast to help make your mornings easier, then this is a great way to enjoy a put in less effort and time in the kitchen but still get out the door on time. Not only is this breakfast great for heart health, but it’s also a simple recipe with a rich chocolate flavor that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.

  • Easy to make and endlessly customizable.
  • It’s a healthy way to start your day! According to WebMD, chia seeds are a great source of fiber, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and are full of nutrients.
  • It’s also great for meal prep.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Spoon
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoon
  • Glass container or mason jar
Top view of ingredients needed to make overnight oats with chocolate.

INGREDIENTS

  • old-fashioned oats
  • chia seeds
  • milk of your choice (I use coconut milk)
  • unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
  • pure maple syrup or any sweetener of your choice
  • ground cinnamon (optional)
  • salt
Chocolate oatmeal topped with chocolate chips in a glass bowl.

HOW TO MAKE THESE CHOCOLATE OVERNIGHT OATS

This recipe is so simple that you’ll wonder why you’ve waiting so long to add this to your breakfast meals. To learn about different types of oats be sure to check out this Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe which is made with steel cut oats.

STEP 1: ADD ALL INGREDIENTS TO A GLASS JAR

Place all ingredients in an 8 ounce, or larger, glass jar or bowl.

overnight oats in a large clear jar.

STEP 2: CHILL IN FRIDGE

Stir until well combined. Place in fridge overnight, or for at least 3 hours.

Refrigerated chocolate overnight oats in a mason jar.

STEP 3: TOP AND ENJOY

Remove from fridge, top as desired, and enjoy!

Three different small clear bowls filled with chocolate oats ready to eat.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH

Toppings are the best part about these chocolate overnight oats. They’re simple to make, but they can really dress up your morning meal. Here are a few of my favorite toppings:

  • Coconut flakes
  • Hemp seeds
  • Dried cranberries
  • Ground flax seeds or hemp seeds
  • Sliced almonds
  • Dark Chocolate Chips
  • Cacao nibs
  • Nut butters
  • Bananas
  • Baked apples
  • Raisins or goji berries
  • Fresh fruit of your choice
A close view of chocolate overnight oats with mini chocolate chips ready to eat.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

  • Stir in one scoop of your favorite protein powder to boost the protein in this breakfast recipe.
  • Switch out the milk for any type of milk that you prefer, such as almond or cashew.
  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter to up the healthy fats to this easy breakfast, then you will have a chocolate peanut butter breakfast recipe.
  • Sprinkle the top with your favorite chopped nuts for an added crunch.
  • Steel cut oats can be used also, but they will be chewier than rolled oats.
  • Using chocolate milk instead of regular milk will give these oats more flavor.
  • A splash of pure vanilla extract can add a little more flavor to this creamy chocolate breakfast dish.
  • Instead of maple syrup, you can also sweeten this cup of oats with brown sugar, stevia or golden monk fruit.
  • Greek yogurt added to this delicious recipe can give it a creamy texture and additional protein.

HOW TO MAKE MORE THAN ONE SERVING

Looking to make several servings to enjoy through the week? You have two options; make individual servings following the recipe in the recipe card or make a big batch of overnight oats.

To make a big batch, four (4) servings follow the ingredient list below:

  1. 1 1/3 cup rolled oats
  2. 8 tablespoons chia seeds
  3. 2 cups milk
  4. 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
  5. 8 tablespoons maple syrup or your favorite sweetener
  6. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Place ingredients in a large jar or mixing bowl with a lid, then divide in individual servings once the oatmeal sets overnight.

HOW TO STORE

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

FAQS 

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can! Quick oats will be slightly thinner than rolled oats and they’ll cook a little faster, but they work exactly the same in this recipe.

Can I use steel cut oats in place of rolled oats

Yes. However, steel cut oats will not give you the same texture as rolled oats and may require it to sit longer to soften.

Where do I find chia seeds?

Chia seeds can be found in most grocery stores, either in the produce department near the flaxseeds or the baking section near the flour.

What other toppings can I add to the top of these oats?

The sky is really the limit here! Try adding other chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or other dried fruits to the top.

OTHER DELICIOUS OAT RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY

Overnight oats topped with chocolate chips in a small bowl.
Overnight oats made with chocolate in a glass bowl topped with mini chocolate chips.

Easy Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe

Delicious chocolate overnight oats with chia seeds. Simple breakfast or snack idea to keep you satisfied for several hours.
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chocolate Overnight Oats, Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe, Overnight Oats
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 1 Serving
Calories: 311kcal
Author: Sandra Sandra

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup milk your choice
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons sweetener
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Place oats, chia seeds, milk, cocoa, sweetener, cinnamon and salt in an 8 ounce jar or bowl with a lid.
  • Mix ingredients until well combined.
  • Cover the jar with the lid and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours before enjoying.
  • Top with additional ingredients.

Notes

For a gluten free diet, use gluten free oats.
To make 4 servings of this overnight oats recipe you will need to increase the recipe in the following amounts;
  • 1 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 8 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 8 tablespoons maple syrup or your favorite sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 317mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 9g

    Disclaimer

    Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

    PIN TO YOUR RECIPE BOARDS

    Healthy chocolate overnight oats with chia seeds. Healthy and delicious easy no-cook oatmeal recipe. #oatmeal #overnightoats #chocolate #HealthyRecipe
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    One Comment

    1. This is like having dessert for breakfast! YUM! This is really easy to make. I love having breakfast ready to go!