Almond and Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats are a fabulous way to start your day! They combine creamy oats, crunchy almonds, and rich dark chocolate for a tasty breakfast.
Making them is super easy—just mix everything and let it sit in the fridge overnight. I love waking up to a delicious breakfast that’s ready to go—breakfast doesn’t get any better than this!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base for your oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best since they absorb liquid well. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Milk: You can use regular milk or any plant-based option. Almond milk is a great choice to complement the almond flavor! If you prefer creaminess, try coconut milk.
Yogurt: This adds a creamy texture. If you want to keep it dairy-free, substitute with coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. You can skip it if you’d like a lighter version!
Chia Seeds: These are optional but they help thicken the oats and add some healthy omega-3s. If you don’t have them, try flax seeds as a substitute.
Almond Butter: This is for richness and flavor. If you can’t have nuts, sunflower seed butter or tahini makes a good alternative.
Cocoa Powder or Dark Chocolate: Use whichever you prefer. For a richer taste, melted dark chocolate is a treat! For less sugar, choose unsweetened cocoa powder.
How Do You Make Creamy Overnight Oats?
Getting creamy overnight oats is all about the right ratios and mixing. Start with old-fashioned oats, as they soak up the liquid beautifully. Combine them with milk, yogurt, and your favorite nut butter. The key is to let them soak well in the fridge.
- Mix all dry ingredients first, then add in wet ingredients like milk and yogurt.
- Ensure everything is stirred well—this prevents clumps and guarantees flavor in every bite.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Make sure to use a container with a tight lid to avoid spillages.
- In the morning, stir the oats again. If they appear thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Almond And Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, like almond milk)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for texture and nutrition)
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder or 1 oz melted dark chocolate
- 1-2 tsp sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, or agave)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Topping:
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds plus a few whole almonds for topping
- 1-2 tbsp dark chocolate chunks or shaved dark chocolate for topping
- Optional: drizzle of melted dark chocolate for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time. After that, just let the oats soak in the fridge overnight—at least 4-6 hours for the best results. So, it’s a quick prep with a deliciously easy breakfast ready to go when you wake up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a medium jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, yogurt (if you’re using it), chia seeds, almond butter, cocoa powder (or melted dark chocolate), sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or spoon to stir everything together until it’s well mixed. You want the cocoa or chocolate fully incorporated for that delicious flavor!
2. Add the Almonds:
Next, gently fold in the chopped almonds. This will keep them crunchy while adding a nutty flavor. Be careful not to mash them up; you want to maintain that nice, chunky texture.
3. Refrigerate the Mixture:
Cover the jar or bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator overnight (or at least for 4-6 hours). This soaking time is crucial as it allows the oats to absorb the liquid and flavors, making them soft and delicious.
4. Stir and Adjust Consistency:
The next morning, give your overnight oats a good stir. If they look a bit thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. It should be creamy and delightful!
5. Top Your Oats:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Top your oats with whole almonds, dark chocolate chunks or shavings, and drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top if you’re feeling indulgent!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your rich and creamy Almond and Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or even a tasty snack. Enjoy every bite of that delightful combination!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but they will result in a softer texture since they absorb liquid faster. If using quick oats, reduce the soaking time to about 2-4 hours, or you can prepare them the night before for a smoother consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make the Almond and Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats vegan, simply use plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) and a vegan yogurt alternative. For the sweetener, opt for maple syrup or agave nectar, which are both vegan-friendly!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give them a good stir before eating, and add a splash of milk if needed to refresh the texture.
Can I Substitute Almond Butter?
Definitely! If you don’t have almond butter on hand, you can substitute it with any nut butter like peanut butter, cashew butter, or for nut-free options, try sunflower seed butter. Each will impart a unique flavor to the oats!
