These chocolate overnight oats with yogurt and chia seeds are the perfect make-ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert. They are easy to prepare, rich in protein, naturally gluten-free, and satisfying. A creamy mix of oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt makes up this delicious breakfast recipe. It comes together quickly and is the perfect option for breakfast or a snack at any time of the day.
You will also like my maple yogurt chia overnight oats and my numerous Healthy Breakfast Recipes.
These chocolate overnight oats with yogurt and chia seeds are rich in chocolatey flavour and creamy with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. This overnight oats recipe is perfect for anyone in need of a quick and easy breakfast option. They are naturally vegetarian and gluten-free with a vegan option. These no-cook oats are simple, delicious, and very satisfying. They are rich in bioavailable protein thanks to milk and Greek yogurt. Perfect for people who are busy and active, and loved by children and adults alike. A great family-friendly breakfast option for rushed weekday mornings!
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Ingredients In Chocolate Yogurt Chia Overnight Oats
This is just a snapshot of the ingredients you will need. For full quantities, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Yogurt: I recommend using Greek yogurt for its thick, creamy consistency and high protein content. However, any plain yogurt will work.
- Milk: You may use dairy or non-dairy milk. I always use organic non-homogenized whole milk.
- Rolled oats: Use regular old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick-cooking rolled oats may be used in a pinch, but do not use steel cut oats. Rolled oats or quick-cooking oats soften in the yogurt and milk and do not need to be cooked. However, I recommend using sprouted organic rolled oats because they are easier to digest than non-sprouted ones. I like One Degree Organic brand.
- Cocoa powder: You can use natural cocoa powder or raw cacao powder.
- Chia seeds: Since these seeds absorb liquid and expand while soaking, they help thicken the overnight oats. Also, they contain omega-3 fatty acids and fibre to aid digestion.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup is my sweetener of choice since it pairs so well with cocoa. You could use honey, but you won’t need to use as much since honey is sweeter than maple syrup.
- Salt: Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavour.
How to Make Chocolate Overnight Oats
One of the reasons overnight oats are so popular is that they are so easy to prepare. All you do is mix up all the ingredients in a container in the evening, refrigerate, and voila, breakfast is ready in the morning.
To make these overnight oats, simply stir together the yogurt, milk, oats, cocoa, chia seeds, maple syrup, and salt in a glass jar or container.
Cover with the lid and refrigerate overnight. The next morning (or when you are ready to serve), remove the lid and stir. Add a splash more milk to reach the desired consistency.
Add any toppings you like (fruit, granola, nut butter, toasted nuts/seeds), and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Tips
Make sure to keep the oats in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight. Overnight oats need time to allow the yogurt and milk to work their magic at softening the oats, as well as the chia seeds to thicken them.
If you don’t have any maple syrup on hand, you can use an equivalent amount of coconut sugar or a lesser amount of honey. However, I recommend maple syrup because its flavour pairs best with cocoa.
Don’t skip the salt. Adding a pinch of salt to any sweet recipe will help balance and enhance the flavours.
For a vegan option, make sure to use non-dairy yogurt and non-dairy milk. Note that these swaps will impact the protein content of your overnight oats.
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If you are on a gluten-free diet, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains can occur during processing.
Equipment You Need For Overnight Oats
For this recipe, all that you’ll need are measuring spoons, measuring cups, a spoon for stirring, and a glass jar or container.
Storage
Overnight oats can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Allison’s Top Tip
After lots of experimenting, I have come up with what I believe to be the perfect ratio of oats, yogurt, and milk in overnight oats: 1 part oats to 1 part yogurt to 1 part milk. For one serving of overnight oats, you’ll need ½ cup each of rolled oats, yogurt, and milk.
The amounts can be scaled up as needed, depending on how many servings you would like to make.
FAQ
Overnight oats taste subtly sweet and slightly tangy if you have added yogurt, as in this recipe. Because they are quite neutral in taste, you can get creative with your own flavours.
Overnight oats can be a good source of protein if you are using yogurt and milk. Yogurt and milk contain bioavailable protein, which means that the protein found in these foods is easy for humans to absorb and utilize. My recipe contains over 20 grams of protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and milk.
Yes, you can make overnight oats without chia seeds. However, chia seeds provide extra fibre and omega-3s and they also help to thicken overnight oats, giving them a thicker, pudding-like consistency.
Yes, overnight oats are a good pre-run breakfast because they provide plenty of complex carbohydrates and natural sugar from the maple syrup, giving you plenty of energy for your run.
I hope that you enjoy this overnight oats recipe. I’d love to know how you served yours. Let me know in the comments below! I’d also really appreciate it if you left a rating along with your comment. Ratings help more people find Up Beet Kitchen and allow me to continue sharing recipes with you!
Also, feel free to share a photo of your creations on social media and tag #upbeetkitchen. I love seeing my recipes being enjoyed in your homes and I’ll be sure to share!
And you can also follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Enjoy!
Related
Looking for other healthy breakfast recipes? Try these:
- Raspberry Greek Yogurt Smoothie Bowl
- Raspberry Cashew Butter Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Greek Yogurt Banana Overnight Oats
- Sweet Potato Blended Baked Oats
Chocolate Overnight Oats with Yogurt and Chia Seeds
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chocolate overnight oats with yogurt and chia seeds are the perfect make-ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert. They are easy to prepare, rich in protein, naturally gluten-free, and satisfying. A creamy mix of oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt makes up this delicious breakfast recipe. It comes together quickly and is the perfect option for breakfast or a snack at any time of the day.
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a glass jar or container and stir to combine.
- Cover with the lid and refrigerate overnight or for at least four hours.
- Stir and add a splash more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Top with fresh or frozen fruit, nut butter, chopped toasted nuts, and/or granola.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Overnight oats can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Category: Breakfast
Lou says
So happy to see you sharing recipes again, Allison! These look so good! Can’t wait to try them.
Allison says
Thanks, Lou! Happy to be getting back into the swing of things. Hope you enjoy!