Healthy Chocolate Overnight Oats

This healthy chocolate overnight oats recipe is a quick and easy, make-ahead breakfast. It only takes 5 minutes and 5 ingredients to mix up these chocolate oats, which are a gluten-free, dairy-free vegan-friendly meal prep breakfast!

Overnight oats are a genius breakfast idea. Recipes like these peanut butter overnight oats, overnight oats with yogurt , and of course these Chocolate Overnight Oats only take 5 minutes and minimal ingredients to prepare - but are a delicious make-ahead breakfast everyone loves. 

And who wouldn't want to enjoy chocolate for breakfast? Especially when it's healthy, loaded with fiber and will keep you full until lunch! 

Chocolate Overnight Oats: Ingredients & Substitutions

Let's begin by chatting about the ingredients in this recipe, as well as possible substitutions. 

• Old-fashioned oats. Feel free to use any variety of oats you wish including old-fashioned, rolled, quick-cooking and steel cut! My personal favorite is old-fashioned oats!
• Almond Milk. Any variety of milk works well in this recipe, both dairy and non-dairy milks! My recommendations are almond milk, coconut milk, whole milk or 2 % milk. Just remember the higher the fat content, the creamier your overnight oats will be! You can replace up to ½ cup of the milk with yogurt for an even creamier version (similar to these yogurt overnight oats).
• Cocoa Powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder is the best choice for these chocolate overnight oats. You could use a dark cocoa powder if you like a deeper richer flavor. 
• Vanilla extract. I do not recommend omitting the vanilla extract, it adds such a great flavor! However you could use vanilla bean paste instead! 
• Honey. Any liquid sweetener works well in this chocolate overnight oats recipe, however the two that I recommend most highly are honey and pure maple syrup (for a vegan option). 

How to make chocolate overnight oats

This chocolate overnight oats recipe is so easy. As always, we will walk through the process step-by-step, and don't forget to watch the video!

Whisk ingredients together

First, in a medium bowl whisk together milk of choice, honey cocoa powder vanilla and sea salt

Add oats & combine

Next, add the oats and stir to combine. 

Put in jars and chill

Divide the chocolate overnight oats mixture into four glass jars with lids. You can make two 8 ounce or four 4 oz servings. Chill overnight (at least 12 hours).  

Serve & Enjoy

Here are a few suggestions for toppings/mix-ins that pair wonderfully with these chocolate oats:

• Fresh Berries (careful not to use frozen berries unless you thaw and drain them first. They release water as they thaw and will cause your oats to become a little “soupy”)
• Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, citrus fruits, etc.)
• Nut Butters (like this vanilla almond butter or this homemade peanut butter)
• Chia Seeds
• Candied almonds
• Cinnamon Sugar pecans 
• Honey or Maple Syrup
• Strawberry Sauce
• Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs
• Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.)
• Dried Fruits (cranberries, apricots, rasins, etc.)

Store/freeze

Store in an airtight container (preferably a glass container with a lid) in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the jar to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. 

Recipe FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this chocolate overnight oats recipe. 

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If you like this recipe you will love these....

• Yogurt overnight oats are creamy, healthy and delicious!
• This healthy Chia Pudding is another delicious overnight breakfast recipe, perfect for meal prep! 
• This chocolate chia pudding is one of our favorite quick and healthy desserts or breakfasts.
• These chia peanut butter overnight oats are full of protein and fiber. 
• I eat these breakfast bars every day! It's my favorite recipe of all-time!
• Baked oatmeal is so good, try these flavors: pumpkin baked oatmeal, apple cinnamon baked oatmeal, peanut butter banana baked oatmeal, chocolate peanut butter baked oatmeal, and of course blueberry baked oatmeal. 

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