These creamy chocolate overnight oats are a tasty breakfast that comes together with just four ingredients! You’ll love the smooth chocolatey flavor that makes mornings sweeter.
Just mix, refrigerate, and wake up to a delicious meal waiting for you! Seriously, who wouldn’t want a dessert-like breakfast to start their day? 🍫
I enjoy adding some fresh fruits on top for a pop of color and extra yumminess. It’s easy-peasy, and my mornings feel just a bit special with these oats ready to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These oats are key for the creamy texture and can absorb all the flavors. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work too, although the texture will be a bit different. Steel-cut oats are too chewy for this recipe.
Almond Milk: Almond milk adds a nutty flavor, but you can swap it with any other milk, like dairy, soy, or oat milk. Personally, I enjoy using coconut milk for a tropical twist!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is what gives this dish its rich chocolate flavor. You could also use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste or cacao powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Maple Syrup: This sweetener enhances the chocolate taste. If you’re short on maple syrup, honey or agave syrup are excellent alternatives. For a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute like stevia.
How Do I Ensure My Overnight Oats Are Perfectly Creamy?
Getting the right consistency is crucial for tasty overnight oats. The key is to ensure the oats are fully submerged in the liquid. Here’s how:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowel before transferring to containers.
- If you find the oats too thick in the morning, just stir in a little extra milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
- For added creaminess, try using a blend of yogurts or a splash of vanilla extract in the mix.
Remember to shake or stir the container a bit before serving to mix any settled ingredients at the bottom. Enjoy your chocolatey breakfast!
How to Make 4-Ingredient Creamy Chocolate Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- Optional: chocolate chips and puffed quinoa for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the oats soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s a simple make-ahead breakfast that will be ready for you in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, add your rolled oats, almond milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Use a spoon or whisk to stir everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure the cocoa powder is fully mixed in with no clumps!
2. Storing for the Night:
Once mixed, transfer your oats into a sealed container or individual jars. It’s important that the oats are submerged in the liquid, so tap the container gently if needed to make sure everything is covered. This helps the oats absorb the delicious flavors!
3. Refrigerating Overnight:
Place your container in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight works best. The oats will soften and become creamy—this is the magic of overnight oats!
4. Final Touches in the Morning:
When morning comes, take your oats out and give them a good stir. If the mixture seems a bit thick, just add a splash of milk to reach your preferred consistency. You want them creamy and delicious!
5. Serving and Enjoying:
Spoon your creamy chocolate oats into bowls and top with chocolate chips and puffed quinoa if you’d like. You can enjoy them cold, or if you prefer them warm, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. Enjoy your tasty breakfast!
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s not recommended to use steel-cut oats for this recipe, as they require a longer cooking time and won’t soften properly if left overnight. If you prefer the texture of steel-cut oats, try cooking them first and then combining with the other ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Almond Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond milk with any milk of your choice, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that different types of milk may alter the flavor slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftover chocolate overnight oats in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them in a sealed container, and when you’re ready to eat, give them a good stir. If they’ve thickened, you can add a splash of milk to loosen them up.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to personalize your oats with additional toppings like sliced bananas, berries, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add these toppings right before serving for the best texture!
