These Chocolate Overnight Oats taste like a creamy chocolate dessert and are super healthy for you, packed with almost 11 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber, and they are easy to meal prep for a week of filling breakfasts.
I love overnight oats recipes like my very popular Overnight Oats with Protein Powder and Diabetic Overnight Oats but today I wanted a very simple, back-to-basic chocolate version for a healthy breakfast loaded with nutrients.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need 5 basic ingredients to make this recipe. Here’s how to pick them.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk – This is the creamy base and keeps the recipe dairy-free. It can be replaced with soy milk for extra protein.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – To add a rich chocolate flavor. Dissolving it in warm milk prevents clumps.
- Maple Syrup – Any natural sweetener balances the bitterness of cocoa. You can swap it with agave syrup or a sugar-free alternative.
- Rolled Oats – The main fiber-rich ingredient that keeps you full. Quick oats work too but may result in a softer texture.
- Chia Seeds – They help thicken the oats and add fiber, omega-3s, and healthy fats. They can be omitted for a looser texture.
- Vanilla Extract – This is optional and enhances the chocolate flavor for a more dessert-like taste.
How to Make Chocolate Overnight Oats
This is a really easy recipe to whip up. Here’s how in pictures.
Combine the cocoa powder with some warm almond milk to dissolve it fully.
In another bowl, combine the oats and chia seeds.
Pour the chocolate milk, the rest of the almond milk, and the vanilla extract and maple syrup.
Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and divide it into two containers. Leave them in the fridge overnight.
Carine’s Tips
While this recipe is really simple, I have a few more tips for you to make it perfect every single time!
- Dissolve Cocoa Powder – Warm a small amount of milk before whisking in the cocoa to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Thicker & Higher Protein – Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of protein powder or top with plant-based yogurt.
- Enhance the Flavor – Add a pinch of salt to bring out the richness of the chocolate.
- Meal Prep-Friendly – Make a batch for up to 4 days for quick, nutritious breakfasts.
- Flavor Variations – Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, frozen berries, or peanut butter for different flavors.
More Overnight Oat Recipes
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Chocolate Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Unsweetened Almond Milk - (note 1)
- 3 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup - (note 2)
- 1 ½ cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats - (note 3)
- 2 teaspoons Chia Seeds - (note 4)
Optional
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract - (note 5)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, warm 1/4 cup of almond milk. I microwave mine for 30 seconds. This is optional, but warming the milk makes it easier to dissolve the cocoa in it.
- Whisk the cocoa powder into the warm milk.
- In a large mixing bowl, or airtight glass container, add oats, chia seeds, chocolate warm almond milk from step 1, remaining almond milk, and vanilla extract if used. Stir to combine evenly.
- Seal the bowl or close the airtight containers and place them in the fridge overnight – or at least 4 hours.
- The next day, serve with chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Delicious! We served it warmed a little bit in the microwave as a dessert! I decorated it with banana slices and over them I drizzled some melted Biscoff cream! Yummy! Easy and healthy.