Chocolate Overnight Oats

Chocolate for breakfast? Sign me up! In all seriousness, chocolate overnight oats are my personal favorite twist on classic overnight oats. They’re creamy, chocolaty and ready to enjoy straight from the fridge, with no cooking required.

Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this chocolate overnight oats recipe is a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought oat cups and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts or chocolate chips. It’s a feel-good way to start your day—one of those sneaky healthy meals that feels indulgent but is chock-full of good-for-you nutrients.

Ingredients for Chocolate Overnight Oats

• Oats: When soaked overnight, old-fashioned oats soften and keep a pleasantly chewy texture. You can use quick oats, but they tend to turn softer and mushier.
• Brown sugar: We use brown sugar to sweeten the oats—the molasses content adds warmth and subtle caramel notes that complement the cocoa. Light or dark brown sugar works, or you can use honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
• Milk: We love 2% milk because it lends a creamy, rich base, but any milk will hydrate the oats. Plant-based milks, such as almond, oat or soy, are a great option if you want to keep the recipe dairy-free or vegan.
• Baking cocoa: Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor without added sugar. If your cocoa is extra lumpy, sift it first.
• Greek yogurt: Thick, creamy Greek yogurt gives the oats a pudding-like consistency and adds a pleasant tang. Plain yogurt is classic, but chocolate or vanilla can give you a sweeter dessert-like flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the cocoa and enhances the sweetness. For a nutty twist, substitute 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for the vanilla.
• Optional toppings: Top your oats with chocolate chips for extra decadence, fresh berries or banana for natural sweetness, or granola and nuts for crunch. Mix and match toppings to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

Directions

Step 1: Stir everything together

In a small bowl, whisk together the oats and brown sugar, breaking up any clumps as you go. Add the milk, cocoa powder, yogurt and vanilla extract, and stir until the mixture looks evenly combined and the cocoa is fully dissolved.

Step 2: Chill overnight

Spoon the mixture into two small jars or airtight containers. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least six hours) until the oats are soft and thickened.

Editor’s Tip: I prefer using wide-mouth Mason jars for overnight oats—they make it easier to stir and eat.

Step 3: Add toppings and serve

Just before serving, give the oats a quick stir. Add your favorite toppings, such as chocolate chips, granola or fresh fruit, and dig in.

Editor’s Tip: If the oats are thicker than you like, stir in an extra splash of milk.

Recipe Variations

Take your chocolate overnight oats recipe to the next level with different mix-ins. From nutty and fruity to mocha-flavored, here are some chocolaty twists to satisfy every breakfast craving:

• ​Peanut butter chocolate: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter before refrigerating the oats for a rich, nutty flavor. Top with chopped peanuts for extra crunch, if desired.
• Chocolate “covered” fruit: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries, such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries, either before chilling or just before serving, or slice or mash a banana into the oats to add natural sweetness and creaminess.
• Mocha chocolate: Mix in 1 tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a java-flavored boost.
• Chocolate Almond Joy: Sprinkle shredded coconut and slivered almonds into the oats, and top with mini chocolate chips for a candy bar-like treat.
• Protein oats: Stir a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the oats for extra staying power.

How to Store Chocolate Overnight Oats

Store your prepared chocolate overnight oats recipe in airtight containers or jars in the refrigerator. They’re ready to enjoy in six to eight hours and will keep for up to four days, but the texture may become softer the longer they sit.​

Hold off on adding toppings like granola, nuts or fresh fruit until serving to maintain their texture. If the oats get a little thick after a few days, simply stir in a splash of milk to loosen them.

Can you freeze chocolate chip overnight oats?

Yes! Overnight oats of any flavor (including chocolate) freeze beautifully, making it easy to prep a big batch for make-ahead breakfasts. Prepare the oats as directed, portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw a container in the refrigerator overnight. Add any toppings you like just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Chocolate Overnight Oat Tips

Are chocolate overnight oats healthy?

Yes! Overnight oats with chocolate can be a nutritious breakfast option. The oats and cocoa powder provide fiber, which supports digestion and heart health, while the milk and yogurt provide filling protein plus calcium to support strong bones and teeth. You can also customize your oats with nutritious mix-ins, such as fresh or frozen fruit, nuts or seeds.

How do you make this chocolate overnight oats recipe dairy-free?

To make these chocolate overnight oats dairy-free, simply substitute the milk with a plant-based option, such as almond, oat or soy milk, and use a dairy-free yogurt instead of regular Greek yogurt.

Do you eat chocolate overnight oats cold or warmed up?

Chocolate overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing, grab-and-go breakfast. If you’d like, you can let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to take the chill off or warm them briefly in the microwave with a splash of milk.

What kinds of toppings can you add to chocolate overnight oats?

You can customize chocolate overnight oats with lots of tasty toppings! Try fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, crunchy granola, walnuts, pecans, almonds, pepitas or chocolate chips for extra chocolaty goodness.