My family is obsessed with overnight oats, and these Chocolate Overnight Oats are the ultimate go-to in our house. They’re ridiculously easy to make, totally kid-approved, and the perfect way to kick off the day with something delicious.
As a mom of three, I’m all about simple, 7-ingredient recipes, and this one checks every box. No fuss, no fancy ingredients—just a quick, make-ahead breakfast that you can prep in minutes. Chances are, you already have everything you need in your pantry!
I love starting the morning with something quick, yet filling, and this oatmeal recipe makes that so easy. While some people lean toward fruity flavors (hello, mango overnight oats and blueberry overnight oats), I’m all about chocolate (looking at you, chocolate smoothie). The best part? Everyone can customize their oats just the way they like them!
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Yogurt: I love using Greek yogurt for its thick, creamy texture, but any yogurt you like will work, even dairy free options.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice here—quick oats get too mushy!
- Milk: Any kind you like! Want to double down on the chocolate? Try Trader Joe’s Chocolate Oat Milk or your favorite chocolate-flavored milk alternative.
- Chocolate Syrup: I usually go for my homemade version, but you can swap in cocoa powder and a bit of maple syrup for a lower-sugar option. Or skip the chocolate syrup all together and just use the chocolate milk.
Step-by-Step Directions
Set up your jars. Find your lids before you start—nothing’s worse than making a batch and realizing you're missing that last lid!
- Measure out the oats. Add them to each jar, making sure you have an even base layer.
- Add yogurt and milk: Use a measuring cup to keep things neat mix together the yogurt, milk and chocolate sauce, then stir slightly so the oats start to absorb the liquid.
- Seal and chill. Pop the lids on and refrigerate overnight.
- Enjoy. When you're ready to eat, just give it a good stir, add your favorite toppings, and dig in!
Helpful tools
I don’t always need special tools, but when I'm making a big batch of chocolate overnight oats, these few items are game-changers:
- Mason Jars: The 8oz wide-mouth ones are perfect for my kiddos appetites—not too big, not too small. Plus, they stack well in the fridge. If you are hungrier in the morning, try these 12 oz jars or something like these Weck Jars.
- Bulk Oats: Buying old-fashioned oats in bulk (think Costco or Whole Foods bins) saves money and ensures you always have some on hand.
- 4-Cup Liquid Measuring Cup: Helps speed up the measuring process when making a big batch for meal prep.
- Dry Goods Scoop: Perfect for scooping out your oats and distributing them into the jars easily.
Flavor variations
If someone in your house isn’t all in on chocolate (can’t relate, but okay 😆), here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Apple Cinnamon Oats: Great for little ones—use baby oatmeal for a smoother texture!
- Carrot Cake Overnight Oats: Feels like dessert for breakfast but totally nutritious.
- Vanilla Overnight Oatmeal: For the family member who likes to keep it classic, simple vanilla never fails.
Topping ideas
Toppings take Chocolate Overnight Oats to the next level! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Nut Butter: Drizzle some melted peanut butter or almond butter for a chocolate-peanut butter combo (like in my chocolate peanut butter smoothie).
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, and cherries pair great with chocolate.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Perfect for turning breakfast into an afternoon snack or even dessert.
- Chopped Nuts: Add a little crunch—walnuts, almonds, or pecans work great.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Feeling fancy? A dollop of homemade whipped cream makes this simple breakfast feel extra indulgent.
Storage Tips
The overnight oats store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Perfect for prepping over the weekend, make a few different flavors at one time so you have a variety of options each morning (you won’t get bored, and your kids will love having a choice).
I like using wide mouth mason jars for storing overnight oats, but any container with a lid that seals will work. Weck Jars are great, as are deli containers if you are on the go.
More simple breakfast ideas
- 7-Ingredient Dairy Noodle Kugel
- 5-Minute Spinach Pesto
- 3-Ingredient Blueberry Dump Cake
- 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Did you try this recipe and and love it? 😍 Let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!
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📖 Recipe
Simple Chocolate Overnight Oats
Equipment
Ingredients
Overnight Oats
- ½ cup Old fashioned Oats
- ½ cup Milk (any type you'd like)
- 1 TB Yogurt
- 1 TB Chocolate syrup (homemade or store bought)
Instructions
Make the Overnight Oats
- Measure the oats in a clean 8oz wide mouth mason jar. Mix the milk, yogurt and chocolate in measuring cup. Once mixed pour over the oats. Cover and seal jar and put in fridge for at least 12 hours or up to 5 days.
Refrigerate and Enjoy!
- When you are ready to, stir all the ingredients together, add you toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Make the recipe dairy free: Simply substitute the yogurt for a dairy free yogurt and substitute the milk for any plant based milk you like. Almond milk is my favorite substitute, but oat milk and coconut milk would also work well
- Storage Tip: Chocolate overnight oats store well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Perfect to make ahead so you can grab and go in the morning.
- Topping Ideas: Some of our favorite topping choices include chopped nuts, melted peanut butter and chocolate chips.
- Make a big batch: This recipe doubles and triples easily. Simply mix all the ingredients up in a larger bowl, then portion into the jars.
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