These Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats are a tasty way to start your day! With creamy oats, rich cocoa, and a hint of coconut, they’re like dessert for breakfast!
The best part? They’re ready when you are! I love grabbing a jar in the morning, knowing I’ve got a delicious treat waiting for me. Who says breakfast can’t be fun? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of your overnight oats. They soak up the liquid and get soft. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work too, but they may become mushier.
Coconut Milk: I love using unsweetened coconut milk for a rich, creamy flavor. You can substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or any nut milk if you prefer a different taste.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is essential for that chocolate flavor. If you want a sweeter version, try using sweetened cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder.
Chia Seeds: These add thickness and are a great source of omega-3s. If you don’t have them, you can omit them, but the texture will be slightly different. Ground flaxseed can also be a suitable alternative.
Maple Syrup or Honey: I usually sweeten with maple syrup for a comforting flavor. Feel free to use agave syrup or any sweetener you like, including stevia or coconut sugar.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Overnight Oats?
The texture of overnight oats is key! You want them creamy and easy to eat. Here are some steps to ensure your oats come out just right:
- Combine all your dry ingredients (oats, cocoa, and chia seeds) first to make sure they’re mixed well.
- Add your liquid slowly while stirring. This helps the oats soak evenly.
- Chill overnight! This helps the oats absorb the liquid and flavors. If the oats are too thick in the morning, just add a little extra milk.
- Don’t forget to top with coconut, nuts, and chocolate for added texture and flavor!
Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness and nutrition)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons shredded or flaked coconut (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (such as cashews or almonds), for topping
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chunks or chips, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires chilling overnight, or at least 6 hours. It’s a quick mix-and-store so that you can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast with no morning hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure the cocoa powder is evenly distributed throughout the oats.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the coconut milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly mixed and you can’t see any dry cocoa powder left.
3. Fold in Coconut:
Gently fold in the shredded coconut, being careful not to overmix. This will give your oats a lovely coconut flavor!
4. Let It Chill:
Cover your jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill overnight or for at least 6 hours. This soaking time is important so the oats can absorb the liquid and flavors.
5. Morning Time!
When you’re ready to eat, take the oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more of coconut milk to get your desired consistency.
6. Time for Toppings:
Top your oats with extra coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and dark chocolate chunks for some delightful crunch and extra flavor!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the oats cold or at room temperature straight from the jar or bowl. Dig in and enjoy your creamy, chocolatey, coconut-flavored breakfast treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Milk?
Absolutely! While coconut milk is delicious, you can substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any milk of your choice. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey. Just ensure all your add-ins, like chocolate chips, are dairy-free to stick to the vegan theme!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! These overnight oats are perfect for meal prep. You can make multiple jars at once and store them in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Just keep the toppings separate until you’re ready to eat!
What If I Don’t Have Chia Seeds?
No worries! Chia seeds are optional. If you skip them, the oats will still turn out delicious but might be slightly less thick. You could also consider using ground flaxseed as an alternative.
