These Brownie Batter Chocolate Overnight Oats are rich and decadent, but still healthy enough for breakfast. Loaded with fibre, protein and healthy fats to prevent an energy crash!
Got an oatmeal hater in your life? I guarantee you can convert them to love oatmeal (or at least hate it a little less) with two recipes: my cookie dough overnight oats, or these rich, chocolate overnight oats that taste just like brownie batter.
I'm a person who would love to eat brownie batter for breakfast, but I'll settle for these delicious high protein overnight oats because my body likes that better. But don't get me wrong: these oats are still just as decadent as your favourite Betty Crocker mix, without being overly sweet for the morning.
These chocolate overnight oats are thick, chocolate-y and creamy from Greek yogurt. It's truly a breakfast I get excited about the night before!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- No blood sugar crashes. Oatmeal is a great source of fibre. Paired with protein and healthy fats, these chocolate overnight oats are a balanced breakfast so you can start your day with sustained energy.
- Make ahead breakfast. Overnight oats are easy to make ahead for the week, which is essential especially for busy mornings.
- Low in added sugar. These may be brownie batter overnight oats, but they definitely don't have as much sugar as actual brownies. In one serving, there's only a ½ tablespoon of maple syrup. A little goes a long way!
Ingredients
Oats. Quick, minute or rolled oats will all work. Quick or minute oats will result in a smoother texture, while rolled oats will be chunkier. Steel cut oats will not work as they are much tougher and require cooking.
Chia seeds. These are essential for creating a thick, brownie batter texture. Chia seeds are also a source of healthy fats and have 5g of fibre per tablespoon. If you want to learn more about why I love them, check out this post.
Chocolate protein powder. Any will work. My personal favourite is the Smooth Chocolate flavor from Nuzest or the Enhanced Chocolate Collagen from Organika- check out this page if you want to try either of them and save some money!
Salt. Adding a little pinch of salt does wonders to complement the rich flavours from the cocoa.
Greek yogurt. I use Greek yogurt in my overnight oats to add additional protein. It also creates a creamy, brownie batter-like texture so don't skip it!
Milk. Any milk can be used, but I recommend soy or cow milk for more protein.
Cocoa powder. Use a natural, unsweetened cocoa powder.
Maple syrup. For natural sweetness! Honey will also work, I just like how maple complements chocolate flavours.
Vanilla extract. Pure or artificial are fine.
Chocolate chips. Milk, semi sweet, or dark chocolate chips will all work great! If you want a no added sugar option, you can try cacao nibs.
Toppings. This is where you can get creative. Walnuts, strawberries, shredded coconut or peanut butter are all great options.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
In a 10-oz jar stir together oats, chia seeds, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder and salt.
Add milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir well until the oats are fully combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
In the morning, top with desired toppings and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
To make dairy-free: Use a dairy-free milk and yogurt. Dairy-free chocolate chips such as these are delicious too.
To make vegan: Follow dairy-free swaps and ensure your protein powder is vegan.
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Like all of my overnight oat recipes, there's so many flavour options:
- Chocolate peanut butter: add a drizzle of peanut butter, chopped peanuts and some chocolate chips
- Chocolate strawberry: top with chopped fresh strawberries and chocolate chips
- Bounty bar: top with unsweetened shredded coconut and a chocolate drizzle or chocolate chips
- Classic brownie batter: top with chopped walnuts and chocolate chips
- Mint chocolate: add an ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract and top with fresh mint
Equipment
- Mason jars (I like the 10-oz Weck jars!)
Storage
These overnight oats will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container or jar.
Top Tip
To try to create a classic brownie batter texture, these overnight oats are on the thicker side. If you like thinner adds, replace the yogurt with 3 tablespoon of milk.
Although these are brownie batter overnight oats, they aren't super sweet. If you do like sweeter oats, add an additional ½ tablespoon of maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! These are perfect for an easy meal prep option.
To help create a thicker texture while also adding additional protein! Greek yogurt is also a source of nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus and other vitamins and minerals.
Any plain yogurt of choice will work, the only difference is the oats will be slightly thinner. For a thicker consistency, I recommend Greek yogurt or skyr.
These are chocolate protein oats, which helps with sustained energy- especially when paired with healthy fats and fibre! All bodies are different, but this breakfast generally fits the guidelines for balanced blood sugar.
Add 1.5 tablespoon of cocoa powder and an additional 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. If you want to boost the protein content of the oats, I recommend adding hemp hearts or smooth cottage cheese as a topping!
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
If you were a fan of these chocolate overnight oats, try these recipes next:
- Tiramisu Overnight Oats
- Zucchini Brownie Baked Oats
- Chocolate Greek Yogurt with Peppermint Magic Shell
- Chocolate Orange Baked Oats
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these chocolate overnight oats, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Brownie Batter Chocolate Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder see notes for substitutions
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt see notes for substitutions
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips optional
For topping:
- Chopped walnuts
- Fresh strawberries
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a 10-oz jar stir together oats, chia seeds, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder and salt.
- Add milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir well until the oats are fully combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- In the morning, top with desired toppings and enjoy!
Rebecca says
These oats are delectable! I put some frozen berries on them overnight which made it seem like Black Forest oats!
Brooke says
I made these today and enjoyed them. The recipe needs significantly more sweetness. I used sugar free syrup for 3x recipe and had to quadruple the amount--there's literally zero sweetness anywhere else in the recipe.
I ended up cutting the servings in half and eating the portion with a serving of dannon flavored greek yogurt to cut the richness and add some creaminess.
Nicole Addison says
Hi Brooke- sorry these weren't a hit with you! The sweetness is coming from the maple syrup, chocolate protein powder and the mix-ins however if you didn't find them sweet enough it's likely due to your protein powder as some aren't quite as sweet as others! I would recommend just adding a bit more maple syrup next time or using vanilla Greek yogurt!
Brooke says
They were a hit, i made them for a second week in a row! I just had to make a few small tweaks for my personal preferences. Thanks for the recipe!
Stephanie Ross says
So easy and very delicious! Will definitely be a staple around here!