If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast option that’s chocolatey but without Nutella, this simple chocolate overnight oats recipe is perfect. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare, using wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond, oat, or soy milk)

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)

• 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional, for added texture and nutrients)

• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients

• Combine Oats and Cocoa Powder: In a medium-sized bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir well to ensure the cocoa powder is evenly distributed.

• Add Chia Seeds (Optional): Stir in the chia seeds if you’re using them. They will add a nice texture and provide extra nutrients.

• Add Milk and Yogurt: Pour in the milk and Greek yogurt (if using). Stir until everything is well combined. The yogurt will make the oats creamier, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter texture.

• Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer your oats a bit sweeter, add honey or maple syrup to taste. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

2. Refrigerate Overnight

• Cover and Chill: Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and become soft and creamy.

3. Serve and Enjoy

• Stir and Add Toppings: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If they’re too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

• Add Toppings: Top your chocolate overnight oats with your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the chocolate flavor. You can also sprinkle some nuts, seeds, or a few chocolate chips for extra texture.

4. Eat or Store

• Serve: Enjoy your chocolate overnight oats straight from the jar or bowl. It’s a convenient grab-and-go breakfast if you’re short on time.

• Store: If you’re not eating the oats right away, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give them a stir before serving.

Tips for Best Results

• Use Rolled Oats: Rolled oats work best for overnight oats because they soften perfectly in the liquid without becoming mushy. Avoid using instant oats as they can become too soft.

• Customize the Recipe: This recipe is very flexible. You can adjust the amount of cocoa powder for more or less chocolate flavor, and you can swap the sweetener or toppings based on your preferences.

• Make It Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and replace the yogurt with a plant-based alternative.

Nutritional Benefits

• Oats: Oats are a great source of fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol levels and supports heart health. They also provide complex carbohydrates that give you sustained energy throughout the morning.

• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and can improve your mood while adding a delicious chocolate flavor to your oats.

• Chia Seeds: If you add chia seeds, you’ll get a boost of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, which can help keep you full and satisfied.

Conclusion

This simple chocolate overnight oats recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a nutritious and chocolatey breakfast without using Nutella. With wholesome ingredients and a creamy texture, it’s a satisfying meal that you can prepare the night before. Wake up to a delicious and ready-to-eat breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the day!