Ever get a craving for a rich, fudgy brownie at 8 in the morning? Yeah, me too.
But eating actual brownies for breakfast feels a little wrong. This recipe is the perfect fix.
It tastes just like brownie batter, but it’s a healthy breakfast that will keep you full all morning. Let’s make it.
Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
This is your new favorite breakfast. It’s a grab-and-go meal that feels like a total treat.
What You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready first makes everything go smoothly. It’s a habit I picked up in busy kitchens, and it works just as well at home.
- Rolled Oats: Don’t use the quick-cooking kind. They get too mushy.
- Milk: Any kind works. Dairy, almond, soy, oat milk—you pick.
- Greek Yogurt: This makes it creamy and adds protein. Plain is best.
- Cocoa Powder: Use the unsweetened kind. This is where the chocolate flavor comes from.
- Maple Syrup: For a little sweetness. Honey or agave works too.
- Chia Seeds: They help thicken the oats and add healthy fats.
- Vanilla Extract: A small splash makes a big difference.
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch. Salt makes sweet things taste better.
- Chocolate Chips: Optional, but are they really? Mini ones work great.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rolled Oats | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Greek Yogurt | 1/4 cup |
| Cocoa Powder | 2 tbsp |
| Maple Syrup | 1-2 tbsp |
| Chia Seeds | 1 tbsp |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | Pinch |
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Just a few basic kitchen items will do the job.
- A jar or a small bowl with a lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A spoon for mixing
How to Make Brownie Batter Oats
This is the easy part. It takes maybe five minutes to put together before you go to bed.
Step 1: Grab your jar or bowl. Add the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and salt.
Step 2: Stir these dry ingredients together. This helps make sure the cocoa powder doesn’t clump up later.
Step 3: Now add the wet stuff. Pour in the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix everything really well. Scrape the bottom and sides of the jar to make sure it’s all combined.
Step 5: Stir in the chocolate chips if you’re using them.
Step 6: Put the lid on your container and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
Step 7: The next morning, give it a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. Enjoy it cold!
Pro Tips
After making oats a thousand different ways, I’ve learned a few things. These little tricks make a big difference.
- Use Good Cocoa Powder. Don’t grab the cheapest one. A good quality cocoa powder has a much richer, deeper chocolate flavor. It’s the star of the show here.
- Don’t Skip the Salt. It sounds weird to add salt to something sweet, but trust me. A tiny pinch balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate taste more chocolatey. It’s a professional kitchen secret.
- Let It Rest. The magic happens in the fridge. The oats soften, the chia seeds gel up, and all the flavors mix together. Rushing it will give you soupy, crunchy oats. Give it the full night.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is easy to change up. You can make it fit your diet or just use what you have in the kitchen.
- For more protein: Add a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder. You might need to add an extra splash of milk.
- Make it nutty: A spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter adds great flavor and creaminess.
- Add some crunch: Top with chopped nuts, seeds, or cacao nibs before eating.
- Fruit it up: Fresh raspberries or sliced bananas on top are delicious with the chocolate.
| To Replace | Use This Instead | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Yogurt | Mashed Banana | Adds sweetness |
| Maple Syrup | Honey or Agave | Adjust to taste |
| Chia Seeds | Ground Flaxseed | Texture changes slightly |
| Milk | Any plant-based milk | For a vegan option |
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is already a make-ahead meal. But you can be even more prepared for a busy week.
You can mix the dry ingredients for several jars at once. Just put the oats, cocoa, chia seeds, and salt in your jars.
Store them in your pantry. Then, each night, just add the wet ingredients, stir, and pop a jar in the fridge.
Nutrition and Diet Swaps
This is a pretty healthy breakfast. But you can tweak it to fit your needs. The numbers below are just an estimate.
- To make it vegan: Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt or a bit of mashed banana.
- To make it gluten-free: Make sure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- To lower the sugar: Use less maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener. Use dark chocolate chips or skip them.
What to Eat With It
Honestly, this is a full meal by itself. It has carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
A simple cup of coffee or tea is all you really need.
If you want something extra, a side of fresh berries or a banana is a great choice. It adds a nice, fresh contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Leftovers and Storage
These oats are perfect for meal prep. They store really well in the fridge.
Just keep them in an airtight container. They will last for up to 4 days.
The oats will get a little softer each day, which some people actually prefer. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of milk and stir before eating.
FAQs
Here are some questions people often ask about making overnight oats.
Q1. Can I use steel-cut oats or quick oats?
Ans: It’s best to stick with rolled oats. Steel-cut oats won’t soften enough and will be too chewy. Quick oats will turn into complete mush.
Q2. Can I warm this up?
Ans: You can! Just pop it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. It turns into a warm, brownie-like oatmeal. Some people love it this way.
Q3. My oats are too thick or too thin. What did I do wrong?
Ans: Nothing! It’s easy to fix. If they’re too thick, stir in more milk until it’s the right consistency. If they’re too thin, add another teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit for 30 more minutes.
Wrapping Up
Now you know how to make a breakfast that tastes like dessert but is actually good for you.
It’s simple, quick, and a great way to start your day. Give it a try this week.
Come back and leave a comment to let me know how you liked it. I’d love to hear about any fun variations you come up with
