Chocolate overnight oats
Treat yourself to a bit of morning luxury with our chocolate overnight oats. This recipe transforms simple ingredients like chocolate pudding, cocoa, oats, and chia seeds into a dessert-like delight that is incredibly creamy and packed with chocolatey goodness. Finish it off with banana slices and a sprinkle of hazelnuts.
Ingredients
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20 g
Cocoa powder
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150 g
Oats
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60 g
Chia seeds
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300 ml
Water
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Toppings
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60 g
Hazelnuts, roughly chopped
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1
Small banana, sliced
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Combine the oats, chia seeds, and cocoa powder before any liquid goes in. Cocoa powder tends to form small lumps when it comes into contact with moisture, so mixing it into the dry ingredients keeps it evenly distributed. Sifting the cocoa powder first also helps and makes the mixture easier to stir later on.
Once the oats start absorbing liquid, the chia seeds often sink to the bottom. A quick stir after around 10 minutes loosens them and keeps the texture even throughout. After that, it is ready to go into the fridge.
You can enjoy the oats after 4 hours, but an overnight rest really pays off. With 8-12 hours in the fridge, everything has time to soak, which smooths out the texture. By morning, the base feels noticeably creamier and well set.
Toast the hazelnuts to add extra crunch and bring out their nutty flavour. Place them in a dry frying pan over medium heat and stir often so they colour evenly. As soon as they take on a light golden colour and release their aroma, take them off the heat and let them cool before chopping.
FAQ: Questions about chocolate overnight oats
We know you want the best start to your day, so we have answered the most common questions about chocolate overnight oats to make your breakfast prep as smooth as possible.
What kind of oats should I use for chocolate overnight oats?
Use rolled or jumbo oats for chocolate overnight oats. They absorb the milk, water, and pudding at a steady pace and soften overnight without losing their shape.
Why have my chocolate overnight oats not set properly?
Chocolate overnight oats do not set properly if the oats and chia seeds have not had enough time to absorb the liquid evenly. Chia seeds can clump at the bottom if the mixture is not stirred well, which prevents the oats from thickening as they should. Let the oats rest longer in the fridge, and give them a good stir so everything thickens evenly.
Can I warm up my chocolate overnight oats?
Yes, you can warm up the chocolate overnight oats. Microwave them in 30-second intervals and stir between each round, stopping when they feel warm, which is often after 60-90 seconds. For the hob, use a saucepan on low heat and warm for 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly to keep the texture even. If they become too thick, add a splash of milk to restore their creamy consistency.
How long do chocolate overnight oats keep in the fridge?
Chocolate overnight oats keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store them in a sealed container or simply cover the serving bowl with a lid or cling film. As the oats sit, they continue to absorb liquid and become thicker. A quick stir before eating helps bring the texture back.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
197 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 9.5 g |
| Protein | 13.2 % | 6.4 g |
| Fat | 71.2 % | 15.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15.6 % | 7.6 g |
Intensely rich chocolate overnight oats with cocoa
If you are looking for a breakfast that truly hits the spot, these chocolate overnight oats deliver an incredible chocolate fix. Taking a spoonful feels like a real treat, with a fudgy intensity reminiscent of a freshly baked brownie or a slice of chocolate cake. This decadent taste comes from pairing chocolate pudding and cocoa, resulting in a rich, bittersweet chocolatey goodness. It is certainly one of the more indulgent ways to kick off your day.
Luxuriously creamy with chocolate pudding, oats, and chia seeds
These oats turn out especially creamy thanks to the combination of chocolate pudding, oats, and chia seeds. The mixture starts off fluid enough for the oats and chia to soak up the milk and water. As the mixture rests, the oats plump up, and the chia seeds develop their gel-like texture, resulting in a creamy, velvety texture that is ready to scoop and enjoy straight from the fridge.
Finished with sweet banana and crunchy hazelnuts
We finish each bowl with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts. The bananas provide a natural sweetness that cuts through the deep, bittersweet chocolate. Meanwhile, the hazelnuts introduce a wonderful crunch and a slightly sweet aroma. You can even toast them beforehand to intensify their nutty flavour. In other words, this bowl with a sweet and crunchy topping proves breakfast does not need much to get it right.
Enjoy as an easy breakfast or a sweet treat later on
These chocolate overnight oats fit neatly into busy mornings, as the preparation only takes a few minutes the day before. Once the ingredients are stirred together and left to rest in the fridge, you have a delicious grab-and-go breakfast ready when you wake up. They are not limited to mornings either, and work just as well when a sweet tooth calls during the day, or even as a simple dessert after dinner.
Since mornings can be hectic, it helps to have a few easy breakfast ideas ready. Our carrot cake overnight oats and apple crumble overnight oats are just as quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Egg bites also work well as a make-ahead option, filled with peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, and ready to grab the next day.
Make it your own
This simple chocolate overnight oats recipe offers endless possibilities for customisation, whether you choose to pile toppings high or swirl new flavours directly into the base. To make the oats feel extra indulgent, a generous spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter works brilliantly, echoing the nutty notes of the hazelnuts.
Adjusting the sweetness is just as easy; a quick drizzle of honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup does the trick. You can also intensify the banana flavour by mashing a second banana into the oat mixture itself.
Berries are also a fantastic topping option. Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries add juicy sweetness and a mild tartness that balances the richness of the chocolate flavour. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, caramelised figs provide a jammy sweetness that pairs well with the creamy oats.
If you are in the mood for more ideas like this, you can explore our high-protein, high-fibre recipes and high-protein meals for easy, everyday options. For breakfast inspiration, take a look at our high-protein, high-fibre breakfast or 30 g protein breakfast ideas. And if you are curious to learn more, our guides to high-fibre foods and foods high in protein and fibre are a good place to start.
