Brownie Batter Overnight Oats are the perfect breakfast treat when you want something sweet, rich, and super easy to prepare. Imagine creamy oats soaked overnight, mixed with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla that really brings out that brownie flavor. It’s like having a dessert for breakfast, but with all the good stuff to get your morning going.
I love making these oats the night before because when I wake up, they’re ready to enjoy right away. No fuss, no cooking, just grab a spoon and dig in. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra chocolate chips on top in the morning for a fun crunch. It’s become my go-to breakfast when I want something that’s both comforting and a bit special.
My favorite way to eat these is chilled, straight from the fridge, sometimes with a few fresh berries or a splash of milk. It makes mornings feel a bit easier and more fun, especially on busy days when I need a quick but satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a great way to switch up plain oats with a chocolaty twist that everyone seems to love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rolled oats
- These give the dish its creamy, chewy texture after soaking overnight. If you can't find rolled oats, old-fashioned oats work well too. Avoid instant oats—they get too mushy.
- Chia seeds
- These help thicken the oats and add a nice boost of fiber. If you don’t have chia, flax seeds are a good stand-in but soak them a bit longer for best results.
- Cocoa powder
- This is the key to that brownie flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa for rich chocolate taste. You can swap it for raw cacao powder if you want a more intense flavor and a boost of antioxidants.
- Maple syrup or honey
- Both add sweetness, but maple syrup brings a subtle earthy flavor. Feel free to use agave or a sugar-free syrup if you prefer.
- Milk
- Any milk works here—dairy, almond, oat, or soy—just pick your favorite. Plant-based milks keep it vegan and add their own subtle flavors.
- Chocolate chips
- Mini dark chocolate chips add little bursts of melty chocolate. You can use dairy-free or vegan chips as a substitute, or chop up your favorite chocolate bar.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture in Overnight Oats?
The secret to creamy and thick overnight oats is to let the oats and chia seeds soak long enough to absorb the liquid and soften. Here’s how:
- Mix all dry ingredients with your milk thoroughly to combine.
- Stir in chocolate chips gently; they’ll soften without melting completely overnight.
- Cover the jar or bowl tightly to keep moisture in.
- Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight—the longer, the better for creaminess.
- In the morning, stir the oats well to evenly distribute any liquid that has settled.
- If it feels too thick, add a splash more milk and stir to loosen it up.
- Add your favorite toppings like extra chocolate chips or fresh fruit for texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jars or small bowls – perfect for mixing and storing your oats overnight, plus easy for grab-and-go mornings.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the right amount of oats, cocoa, and milk for the best texture.
- Spoon or small whisk – for mixing ingredients smoothly without clumps.
- Lid or plastic wrap – to cover your jars or bowls and keep your oats fresh in the fridge.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a scoop of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Stir in fresh or frozen raspberries to balance the richness with a bright, tart flavor.
- Swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a sweeter, creamier taste.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor and add warmth.
Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Overnight Oats:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation takes just 5 minutes! Then, the oats need to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight so they get creamy and soft. That’s it—quick to prepare and ready whenever you want a delicious breakfast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a mason jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
2. Add Milk and Chocolate Chips:
Pour in the milk and stir well to combine all the ingredients smoothly. Then, fold in the mini dark chocolate chips, leaving a few to sprinkle on top the next morning.
3. Refrigerate Overnight:
Seal the jar or cover the bowl tightly. Place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the oats and chia seeds to soak up the liquid and soften beautifully.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
The next morning, give the oats a good stir to mix everything together. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top and add a splash of milk or fresh berries if you like. Enjoy your creamy, chocolaty brownie batter overnight oats right away!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jar or small bowl with a lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or whisk for stirring
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty twist.
- Mix in fresh or frozen raspberries for a fruity touch.
- Swap mini dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for added warmth and depth.
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
You can, but instant oats tend to get mushy overnight. For the best texture, stick with rolled or old-fashioned oats—they absorb the liquid nicely and keep a pleasant chew.
How Long Can I Store Brownie Batter Overnight Oats?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before eating, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Definitely! Use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy, and opt for maple syrup instead of honey. Also, choose vegan chocolate chips to keep it fully plant-based.
Can I Prepare More Than One Serving at Once?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients and divide the mixture into separate jars or containers. This makes a perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings.