Chocolate Overnight Oats

Chocolate overnight oats are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and so easy to make! This meal prep breakfast requires just 5 minutes and it’s perfect for busy families. The simple recipe contains rolled oats, chia seeds, dairy-free yogurt, and cocoa powder. The rich chocolate flavor makes it taste like dessert for breakfast!

If eating chocolate for breakfast sounds like a dream to you, this recipe is the perfect excuse to indulge! Chocolate and oats are certainly a winning duo around here. You all seemed to love my classic Chocolate Oatmeal and Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal, so I’m super excited to bring you chocolate overnight oats.

These creamy dreamy chocolate oats taste like a delicious dessert, but they’re secretly made with healthy ingredients. The recipe is packed with chia seeds, yogurt, cocoa powder (or cacao powder), and more. With just 5 minutes of prep time the night before, this make-ahead breakfast is ready for you first thing in the morning.

Best part? It’s not exclusively made for breakfast time. You can enjoy it as dessert oatmeal at any time of day! It will give you the satisfaction of rich chocolate pudding, but provide essential vitamins and minerals your body loves. Go all out with chocolate chips and whipped cream on top, or keep it light with fresh berries. There are endless options for toppings and flavors combinations.

These chocolate overnight oats are:

• Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free
• Rich, creamy, decadent, and chocolatey
• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
• Customizable and kid-approved
• Quick and easy to make // only 5 mins of prep time
• A healthy dessert option for weight loss

Ingredients in chocolate overnight oats

• Oats: Rolled oats should be used for overnight oatmeal. Since they have gone through a steaming and flattening process, they are great for soaking and can be eaten raw. Don’t use steel cut or instant oats for this recipe.
• Milk: Use your favorite non-dairy milk or regular milk. I typically use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
• Yogurt: This is an optional ingredient, but it gives the overnight oats a thicker and creamier consistency. Both non-dairy yogurt and regular yogurt work well.
• Cocoa or cacao powder: The rich chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder. You can also use cacao powder, which is the raw and unprocessed version of cocoa.
• Maple syrup: In order to keep this overnight oatmeal refined sugar-free, we’ll naturally sweeten it with real maple syrup. Other options include honey, coconut sugar, agave nectar, and date syrup.
• Chia seeds: Chia seeds absorb liquid and expand while soaking, which helps create a lush texture. Additionally, they are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and it’s a healthy anti-inflammatory spice.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps the cocoa taste less bitter.

How to make healthy chocolate overnight oats

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, add rolled oats, milk, yogurt (optional), cocoa or cacao powder, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to a jar. Mix the ingredients together, then seal with a lid.

Next, store the oats in the refrigerator overnight or at least 4 hours.

The next morning (or whenever you are ready to eat), remove the lid and stir the oats. If desired, add a splash of milk to thin the consistency.

Enjoy the oats directly out of the jar or transfer them to a bowl. Add any toppings of your choosing, like fresh fruit, peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and granola. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Best toppings for double chocolate overnight oats

There are so many toppings and flavors to choose from! Read my long list of topping ideas in this Basic Overnight Oats post. For these chocolate overnight oats, I recommend choosing from the following toppings:

• Bananas, strawberries, or raspberries
• Almond butter or peanut butter
• Chocolate chips (I use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips)
• Almonds, peanuts, or pecans
• Coconut flakes or shredded coconut
• Chocolate or peanut butter granola
• A drizzle of maple syrup

How to store them

Overnight oats are best enjoyed within 24 hours. However, you can keep them stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Be sure they are in a tightly sealed jar with a lid.

More vegan overnight oats recipes

• Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Banana Overnight Oats
• Vanilla Overnight Oats
• Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
• Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

If you try these Chocolate Overnight Oats, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

Print

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!