Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are a tasty and easy breakfast treat! Creamy and rich, they combine chocolate with nutty peanut butter, making mornings feel special.
These oats are a lifesaver for busy days. Just mix everything the night before, and you’ll wake up to a delicious meal. I often add banana slices for extra sweetness. Yum! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: These are the base of the dish. I recommend using rolled oats rather than instant oats, as they hold up better overnight. If you prefer a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives the oats their rich chocolate flavor. If you’re looking for a sweeter alternative, try using cacao powder, which is less processed and packed with antioxidants.
Chia seeds: These optional seeds add thickness and nutrition. If they’re not available, you can skip them or replace them with ground flaxseeds for a similar texture and health boost.
Peanut butter: I love creamy peanut butter for this recipe, but you can switch it for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut butter you prefer.
Maple syrup or honey: Both add sweetness, but if you need a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Milk: You can use any milk, including almond, oat, or coconut milk. I personally enjoy almond milk for its light flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Overnight Oats?
The trick to achieving a creamy texture is all in the soaking process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine the dry ingredients (oats, cocoa, chia seeds, salt) thoroughly.
- Add the wet ingredients (peanut butter, maple syrup, milk, vanilla) and mix until smooth.
- If the mixture seems thick before refrigerating, don’t worry; the oats will soak up the liquid overnight.
- In the morning, check the consistency. If it’s too thick for your liking, just stir in a little extra milk until you reach your desired texture.
Enjoy your oats cold for a refreshing breakfast that’s full of flavor and good energy to kickstart your day!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for thickness and nutrition)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 ripe banana, sliced (reserve some slices for topping)
- Chocolate chips (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and requires a minimum of 4 hours (ideally overnight) to set in the fridge. That’s all you need to wake up to a delicious, wholesome breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, add the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. It’s important to combine these dry ingredients first to ensure the cocoa powder is evenly distributed.
2. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything until you have a smooth and consistent mixture. It should look a bit thick, but that’s okay; it will soften when soaked.
3. Add the Banana:
Gently fold in half of the banana slices into the mixture for a delightful fruity taste. This step adds natural sweetness and extra flavor!
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the fridge. Let the mixture sit overnight, or at least for 4 hours, so the oats can soak up the liquid and become soft.
5. Stir and Adjust Consistency:
In the morning, take your oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If they’re too thick for your liking, just add a splash of milk to loosen them up a bit.
6. Layer for Serving:
To serve, layer the overnight oats with the reserved banana slices. Drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top for that rich flavor boost!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle some chocolate chips and a light dusting of cocoa powder over the top as a lovely garnish. Enjoy your creamy, chocolate peanut buttery oats chilled, straight from the fridge!
This filling breakfast will keep you energized and satisfied all morning long. Enjoy!
Can I Use Instant Oats for This Recipe?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe. Instant oats may become too mushy after soaking. If you only have instant oats, reduce the soaking time and check the consistency frequently.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use maple syrup as your sweetener and any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. The peanut butter is already vegan, so you’re all set!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a good stir before eating, and you can add a splash of milk if they seem too thick.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can top your oats with sliced strawberries, blueberries, nuts, seeds, or even a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess. Customize it to your taste!
