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If you’re looking for a quick breakfast that feels like an indulgent treat but is secretly packed with wholesome ingredients, these chocolate overnight oats are exactly what you need! They're creamy, rich, and loaded with chocolatey goodness, making them the perfect way to start your day. Plus, they're naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to fit dairy-free diets, so everyone can enjoy them.
Why You'll Love These Chocolate Overnight Oats
I'm such a big fan of overnight oats and puddings because they're so versatile and easy to customize! Over the years, I've made PB&J overnight oats, overnight oats with protein powder, and overnight matcha chia pudding. Now we can add these delicious chocolate overnight oats to the lineup. This recipe truly checks all the boxes for a winning make-ahead breakfast-simple ingredients and steps, satisfying, and absolutely delicious! All you have to do is mix everything together, put it in the fridge, and let it work its magic overnight.
Overnight oats are also a total meal prep game changer! Just portion them into jars, and you've got a few days' worth of healthy, grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks ready whenever you need them. It doesn't get much easier than that!
Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, this breakfast is both nutritious and satisfying, keeping you full and energized throughout your morning. And if you're juggling busy mornings like so many of us are, this recipe is a true lifesaver.
Ingredient Notes
- Chocolate milk: This adds a rich chocolate flavor to the oats. I like the Fairlife brand. See notes below for using regular milk.
- Chia seeds: These little powerhouses help thicken the oats, giving them a pudding-like texture, while also adding a boost of fiber and healthy fats. You can substitute ground flaxseed if needed.
- Gluten-free oats: The heart of this recipe, oats soak up the liquid overnight to create a soft, creamy base. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you're sensitive to gluten. You can also swap in quick oats for a softer texture, or use old-fashioned oats for a bit more chew. For best results avoid steel cut oats, they won't soften enough in this recipe.
- Dark chocolate chips: These add extra bursts of chocolatey goodness and a touch of sweetness. I like using the Enjoy Life brand but you can use any chocolate chips (cacao nibs will also work!).
- Add a touch of vanilla extract if desired (optional)
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Chocolate Overnight Oats
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients into a bowl.
Step 2: Mix well.
Step 3: Divide into 2 glass jars and refrigerate 2 hours up to overnight
Step 4: Mix well and top with more chocolate chips, if desired.
Expert Tips
- You can use 1 cup of regular milk of choice + 1 tbsp cacao powder + 1-2 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice instead of chocolate milk.
- For those chocolate lovers out there, add 1 tbsp cacao powder for extra chocolatey richness or a scoop of chocolate protein powder for protein!
- If you like your overnight oats to have a thinner consistency, add a little extra milk and stir just before eating.
Serving Tips
These oats are delicious straight out of the fridge, but you can also warm them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast.
Customize your oats with fresh berries, banana slices, a dollop of peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even some shredded coconut.
If you want to make a breakfast buffet, serve these oats with gluten free banana bread muffins, gluten free pancakes, or, to add something savory to the mix, spinach and feta egg bites.
Storage Tips
Store the overnight oats in an airtight container or individual jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you want to make a larger batch, simply double or triple the recipe and portion it out for the week ahead.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free chocolate milk like oat milk or soy milk, or make your own using non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, and a touch of sweetener.
Stir in some Greek yogurt, protein powder, or nut butter, before refrigerating. You can also top it with fresh fruit for added fiber and natural sweetness.
Yes, you can omit the chia seeds from this recipe if you prefer, but keep in mind that they help thicken the oats and create that creamy, pudding-like texture. Without them, the oats will be slightly thinner.
Great question – Pure, uncontaminated oats are naturally gluten free, however sometimes there can be cross contamination that occurs during the growing process. If you have celiac or a gluten intolerance, it’s really important to look for oats labeled gluten free. I like One Degree Organics and Bob’s Red Mill brands.
More Breakfast Recipes
Blueberry Breakfast Sausage Recipe
Macadamia N’oatmeal
Western Omelette Egg Bites
Double Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe
Equipment
- medium-sized bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate milk, I like Fairlife brand. See notes for using regular milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup gluten free oats
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips, I like Enjoy Life brand
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours up to overnight. Divide between two tulip jars, top with a few more chocolate chips, and enjoy!
Notes
- Regular milk: You can use 1 cup regular milk of choice + 1 tbsp cacao powder + 1-2 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice instead of chocolate milk.
- Dairy free: Feel free to use almond milk or coconut milk+ 1 tbsp cacao powder + 2 tsp maple syrup for dairy free!
- Add-ins: To up the protein content, feel free to add ½ scoop of your favorite protein powder before whisking.
- Extra chocolate flavor: Add 1 tbsp cacao powder for extra chocolate-y richness!
- Storage: You can store these oats in the fridge for up to 4 days and serve them warm or cold.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
Excited to make these today!! I kind of want to add some peanut butter for a chocolate pb version!