These Brownie Batter Overnight Oats are a yummy twist on breakfast! Made with cocoa powder and a touch of chocolate, they taste like dessert right in your bowl.
You can whip them up in no time and let them chill overnight. I love waking up to a tasty treat waiting for me. Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast? 🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats are perfect for this recipe as they absorb liquid well and provide a chewy texture. If you need a quicker option, quick oats can work, but they’ll be softer. Steel-cut oats are not recommended since they won’t soften enough overnight.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds help thicken the oats and provide fiber. If you don’t have them, you can try flax seeds, but they won’t thicken quite as well. Just crush them into a powder for better digestibility.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives that rich brownie flavor. Carob powder is a good caffeine-free substitute if you’re avoiding chocolate.
Sweetener: I use maple syrup for its nice flavor, but honey or agave syrup works too. For a low-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Milk: Almond milk is great for a nutty flavor, but any milk works here. Coconut milk adds a creaminess that can be really nice if you’re after a more decadent breakfast.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Consistency in Overnight Oats?
The key to creamy overnight oats is the right liquid-to-oat ratio. Start with 1 cup of liquid for every 1/2 cup of oats. Adjust based on your preference; if you like them thicker, use less liquid. Ensure to stir well so that oats and chia seeds are evenly soaked.
- Combine all dry ingredients first, and then add the milk. This helps distribute the cocoa and sweetener evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow oats to absorb the liquid. Overnight is best.
- Before enjoying, stir in more milk for a smoother consistency if it’s too thick.
Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
- 1 small banana, sliced (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires chilling overnight, or at least 4 hours, for the best texture. After that, it’s ready to eat! Perfect for busy mornings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This will form the base of your brownie batter oats.
2. Add the Milk:
Pour in the milk of your choice and stir well until all the ingredients are fully mixed together. Make sure the cocoa powder is evenly incorporated so that every bite is deliciously chocolatey.
3. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. This will add delightful melting pockets of chocolate throughout your oats!
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). This allows the oats and chia seeds to soak up the liquid and thicken nicely.
5. Prepare to Serve:
The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If they’re too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to loosen them up.
6. Top and Enjoy:
Top your oats with sliced banana and a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips for an added treat. Enjoy your rich, chocolatey Brownie Batter Overnight Oats straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl for a cozy morning meal!
Can I Substitute the Chia Seeds?
Yes! If you don’t have chia seeds, you can use flax seeds instead. Just grind them up a bit first. Both seeds help with thickening the oats, but if you can’t use either, you can skip them, though the texture may be less creamy.
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup and honey are great options, but you can also use agave syrup or a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol if you prefer a lower-calorie version. Just adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your choice.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftover Brownie Batter Overnight Oats will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. Before serving, stir again and add a splash of milk to refresh the consistency.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add nuts, berries, or even a dollop of yogurt. Drizzling with peanut butter or almond butter adds a delicious twist, too!