Choc-a-holics will swoon over this recipe for Chocolate Overnight Oats with its cocoa powder and dark chocolate. And with the inclusion of chia seeds, rolled oats, and Greek yogurt, health-a-holics will swoon, too!
Have you ever had a dessert so good, you go to bed still thinking about it? Then you dream about it and wish it was socially acceptable for you as an adult to start your day with it? Well, now you sorta can.
With this recipe, the taste of chocolate—typically reserved for desserts and treats—can be waiting for you as the sun comes up. To do so I’ve taken unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar-free dark chocolate and incorporated them into an oatmeal recipe. The result is a nutritious and tasty breakfast you’ll jump out of bed for.
Keeping this morning appropriate are chia seeds, old-fashioned rolled oats, and Greek yogurt—all of which provide me with protein and energy to get me through the day (well, at least the morning). If you thought the only way you could enjoy chocolate flavor for breakfast was by consuming sugary cereals targeted towards toddlers, I’m here to tell you: think again.
Isn’t Chocolate Bad For You?
That depends. Are we talking about the milk chocolate laid out on the racks by the grocery-store checkout counter? Then yes. That chocolate is full of sugar and has little nutritional value. But if we’re talking about dark chocolate and cocoa powder, which just so happen to be the chocolate we use in this recipe, then no. This chocolate is the ‘good’ chocolate. That’s because unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa contain little added sugar but lots of antioxidants. Both are also good for your heart and brain function. Granted, both can be bitter but that’s why we regularly feature them in recipes where their taste won’t overwhelm.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
How to Make Chocolate Overnight Oats
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, non-dairy milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 2: Evenly distribute the mixture into jars or airtight containers. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of each portion.
Step 3: Place the jars or containers in the refrigerator and let them sit overnight to allow the oats to soften and flavors to meld.
Step 4: The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If desired, top with additional chocolate chips, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt before serving.
FAQs & Tips
How do I store chocolate overnight oats?
Keep any leftover overnight oats refrigerated. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to five days. I would advise against freezing; the texture will be compromised. You’re better off extending the ‘best before’ date of five days or promoting them as a midday snack as well as a breakfast.
Can I eat this warm?
If you prefer a warm bowl on a cold morning, then, after letting your oats sit overnight, heat it up in the microwave (do so on low heat in short bursts and stir regularly) or on the stove, again on low heat, stirring frequently.
Do I HAVE to wait all night?
No, though the longer you wait, the more the flavors will meld. If you don’t have the patience to wait all night (or forgot to prep them the night before), give them at least four hours to do their thing, but I can’t say they will be as good as they could be.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Provided you use gluten-free oats, yes it is.
What can I replace the maple syrup with?
Lots of stuff, depending on our dietary restrictions. Honey, agave syrup, monk fruit sweetener, brown sugar, stevia, or erythritol can all step in. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, try applesauce or mashed banana. Not only will they inject your breakfast with natural sweetness, they’ll change the texture as well. (For me, this is a good thing.)
Serving Suggestions
This may be the closest you get to having a choco parfait for breakfast, so take advantage by experimenting with all sorts of toppings. Fruit is a natural choice. Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, goji berries, and raspberries can be it ‘berry’ good, though don’t discount sliced apple, banana, or raisins. You can also add nuts, both raw and in butter form. Almonds, peanuts, or pecans will provide the texture change I’m often after. Other options include coconut flakes, hemp seeds, or flax seeds.
Chocolate Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups non-dairy milk such as almond or soy
- 2/3 cup yogurt plain or vanilla (Greek or regular)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, non-dairy milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Evenly distribute the mixture into jars or airtight containers. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of each portion.
- Place the jars or containers in the refrigerator and let them sit overnight to allow the oats to soften and flavors to meld.
- The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If desired, top with additional chocolate chips, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt before serving.
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