Start your day with a healthy dose of chocolate with this recipe for Brownie Batter Overnight Oats. This simple, no-cook breakfast is the ultimate meal-prep solution, combining hearty rolled oats with rich cocoa powder and a touch of sweetness to create a breakfast that tastes as decadent as licking the brownie batter spoon. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to have a treat waiting for you, even on the busiest mornings.
This recipe takes just five minutes to mix together the night before, and the refrigerator does all the work. You’ll wake up to a thick, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey breakfast that’s ready to grab and go. It’s a simple, wholesome classic for any chocolate lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Like Dessert: All the rich, chocolatey flavor of brownie batter in a healthy breakfast form.
- 5-Minute Meal Prep: The perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
- Healthy & Filling: Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds to keep you full and energized.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Made with just a handful of common kitchen staples.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned)
- 2/3 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips
- Optional Toppings: Fresh raspberries, sliced bananas, a swirl of peanut butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mason jar, small bowl, or any container with a lid, add the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and salt. Give them a quick stir to combine.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together until well combined, making sure there are no dry spots of cocoa powder and the chia seeds are evenly distributed. If using, stir in the mini chocolate chips.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Serve: The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If they are thicker than you’d like, add another splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Top with your favorite additions and enjoy cold.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: For a deeper, richer chocolate flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of instant espresso powder along with the cocoa powder. It enhances the chocolate taste without making it taste like coffee.
- Add Fruit: Fresh raspberries or sliced cherries are a delicious addition that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite chocolate or unflavored protein powder with the dry ingredients. You may need to add an extra splash of milk.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter before chilling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I warm this up?
- Absolutely. While traditionally eaten cold, you can warm these overnight oats in the microwave for 60-90 seconds for a cozier breakfast that tastes like a warm brownie.
- How long do these last in the refrigerator?
- You can meal prep these for up to 4 days. Store them in individual airtight containers in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go breakfast all week.
- Can I use steel-cut or quick oats?
- Rolled oats provide the best chewy texture. Quick oats will result in a much softer, porridge-like consistency, while steel-cut oats will not soften enough without being cooked.
Serving Suggestions
- These brownie batter overnight oats are delicious served chilled, straight from the fridge. For an extra treat, top them with a few mini chocolate chips, fresh raspberries, or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before eating.
5 Minute Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
Dessert for breakfast? Yes, please! These nourishing brownie batter overnight oats are rich, chocolatey, and creamy while being completely vegan. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving—without protein powder or Greek yogurt!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl or measuring cup
- Whisk
- 500 mL (pint) jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup hemp milk, soy milk, or other plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (whole or ground)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon mini dark chocolate chips (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional topping)
Instructions
- In a glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Then whisk in cocoa powder and plant-based milk.
- Stir in oats and chia seeds, then pour into a 500 mL (pint) jar. Fasten the lid and store in the fridge for 4 hours or up to 4 days.
- To serve, stir to break up chia clumps, then add your desired toppings such as chocolate chips or walnuts.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to break up clumps of chia. Customize with toppings like chocolate chips, walnuts, or berries. Great for meal prep!
