Indulge in a breakfast treat that's impossible to resist– Brownie Batter Overnight Oats! Rich, decadent, and irresistibly creamy. Just spend 5 minutes preparing them, and they'll be eagerly waiting for you the next morning!
If you're not into eating chocolate for breakfast, these make the perfect sweet mid-day snack or even dessert.
Simply whisk together a few kitchen pantry staples and place in the fridge overnight.
This recipe is vegan, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free.
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What are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are the no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking oatmeal on the stovetop or microwave, you soak the oats with milk overnight.
The soaking process allows the liquid to be absorbed by the oats and it becomes creamy.
Ingredients
All you need to make this easy brownie batter overnight oats recipe is a handful of ingredients including old-fashioned oats, oat milk, plant-based yogurt, and cocoa powder.
Old-Fashioned Oats: This recipe uses Old-Fashioned Oats also known as Rolled Oats instead of quick oats.
Oat Milk: Oat milk is my favorite because it's super creamy and thick but almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or whichever plant-based milk you enjoy most will work.
Flaxseeds: Adding ground flaxseeds helps with thickness and creaminess. You can replace it with chia seeds.
Yogurt: Vegan yogurt is going to give these oats a nutritious boost while also making them more filling and creamy.
Cocoa Powder: Adding cocoa powder gives us that rich chocolate flavor that makes these oats taste like brownie batter.
Maple Syrup: Just a touch for added sweetness. Pure maple syrup is best!
Chocolate Chips: Brownies always have chocolate chips so adding a few is a must! I recommend the brand Enjoy Life.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Equipment
I recommend buying a few jars with lids so you can prep your overnight oats in advance to have them on hand for a few days.
I recommend either 8-ounce jars or 16-ounce jars.
Here are a few small jars that I recommend: 16oz Weck Jars with Glass Lids, 8oz Jars with Latch, and 16oz Mason Jars.
How to Make This Recipe
These delicious brownie inspired overnight oats are made for chocolate lovers!
Simple ingredients are whipped up to create a sweet and decadent snack, breakfast, or dessert that will satisfy that sweet tooth!
The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add the old-fashioned oats to a jar or container with a lid.
Step 2: Stir together the dry ingredients with the oats until well combined.
Step 3: Stir in the oat milk, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until completely combined and no cocoa powder is left dry.
Step 4: Stir in the vegan chocolate chips and seal the lid of the jar or container and place it in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for at least 4-6 hours but leaving it overnight yields the best results.
Next day, add any toppings you love and enjoy!
I topped mine with shaved chocolate and a dollop of plant-based yogurt.
Substitutions & Variations
Make it gluten-free: Make sure you are buying certified gluten-free oats and certified gluten-free oat milk.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Quick oats will be thinner and have a mushy consistency. I do not recommend them for this overnight oat recipe. Look for rolled oats or old-fashioned oats.
Oat Milk: Oat milk is my personal favorite but almond milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk will work as well.
Yogurt: Yogurt adds a creamy texture that I really enjoy. But you can use mashed banana or applesauce instead or ¼ cup canned coconut milk. This will alter the flavor.
Flaxseeds: If you don't enjoy flaxseeds, you can substitute it with chia seeds. Do not use whole flaxseeds. It has to be ground.
Pure Maple Syrup: Agave syrup is the best substitute for maple syrup.
Topping Ideas
This chocolate brownie overnight oats recipe is perfect for customizing to your preferences. Keep it simple with chocolate shavings and a dollop of yogurt or get creative.
Caramelized Bananas: Sauté banana slices in a little butter and brown sugar until caramelized. Bananas and chocolate are a delicious combination.
Fresh Fruit: Add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness with sliced bananas or fresh strawberries.
Dried Fruit: Sprinkle chopped dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, apricots, or dates for a chewy, sweet contrast.
Nuts: Toasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews would be tasty.
Yogurt: A dollop of vegan yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy contrast. This is my personal favorite topping.
Nut Butter: Drizzle some almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for a creamy, nutty flavor. Chocolate and peanut butter? Yes please!
Granola: Top your oats with a small handful of granola for extra crunch and texture.
Storage
This chocolate recipe is the perfect balance of healthy yet indulgent. It's great for meal prep breakfasts but is a satisfying dessert as well.
Store your overnight oats in an airtight jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips & Tricks
Use the appropriate jar: An 8oz jar will be filled to the top with oats and the toppings will overflow a bit so the jar won't close whereas a 16oz jar will allow room for toppings and the lid to close. The 16oz jar is preferred if you're taking the oats on the go.
Don’t Skip the Flaxseeds: The flaxseeds create a thick, creamy texture. If you don’t have flaxseeds, use chia seeds instead.
Salt your oats! I know this sounds weird but trust me. It will help balance and bring out the flavors and won't make your oatmeal salty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Go for it! Nuke them in the microwave in 30 second intervals until warm or warm them a small pot on medium low on the stove. The chocolate chips will melt so omit them until after they are warm.
Overnight oats made with quick oats tend to fall apart and get mushy much faster. They are not recommend for these brownie batter oats.
Yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. You can use nut butter, mashed banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Just keep in mind that what you choose will alter the flavor.
More Overnight Oat Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Don't forget to leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating down below if you try this recipe! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Instagram for more recipes and updates.
Recipe
Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup Old-Fashioned Oats
- ½ cup Oat Milk or other plant-based milk
- ¼ cup Plant-Based Yogurt unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
- 1-2 tablespoons Vegan Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Add the old-fashioned oats, oat milk, yogurt, ground flaxseed, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a jar or container with a lid and stir until well combined.
- Stir in the vegan chocolate chips and seal the lid of the jar or container and place it in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for at least 4-6 hours but leaving it overnight yields the best results.
- Next day, add any toppings you love and enjoy! I topped mine with shaved chocolate and a dollop of plant-based yogurt.
Notes
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Angelica says
I didn’t have chocolate chips so it was missing a key ingredient, but it was so delishhhh
Def adding it to my list of fav breakfasts
Liv says
Yayy!! So glad you enjoyed. Definitely add choc chips next time!! 🙂