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I started making these chocolate protein overnight oats last year when I was trying to fix my terrible habit of skipping breakfast on busy mornings. As someone who perpetually hits snooze and races out the door, having something ready to grab from the fridge has been a game-changer. The best part? It tastes like dessert but actually keeps me full until lunch.
Last month my roommate kept stealing spoonfuls from my jar until I finally made her own batch. Now she makes them twice a week and has stopped buying those overpriced protein bars she was addicted to.
What You'll Need
- Old fashioned rolled oats - The thick kind, not quick oats which turn to mush
- Almond milk - Or whatever milk you prefer
- Cocoa powder - The real stuff, not hot chocolate mix
- Protein powder - I've tried whey, plant-based, and egg white - they all work
- Maple syrup - Just a little for sweetness
- Vanilla extract - Unless you're using vanilla protein powder
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I once tried making these with chocolate protein powder AND cocoa powder and it was chocolate overload even for me. Now I usually use unflavored protein and let the cocoa powder do the heavy lifting flavor-wise.
Nighttime Prep
- Basic Mix
- Dump everything in a jar or container and stir until combined. Don't worry if the protein powder seems clumpy at first - it'll dissolve as it sits. The mixture will look pretty liquid, but the oats soak up a ton of moisture overnight.
- Jar Selection
- Use something with a tight-fitting lid that you can easily eat from. I have a collection of mason jars that are perfect, but old salsa jars work just as well (and they're free).
- Quick Customization
- If you like your oats thicker, use less milk. If you prefer them more porridge-like, add a splash more. I've found that different protein powders absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust based on your brand.
- Storage Solution
- Pop it in the fridge where you'll see it in the morning. I literally put mine right in front of the coffee creamer so I can't miss it when I'm half asleep.
- Topping Ideas
- In the morning, add whatever toppings sound good. My go-tos are sliced banana, a spoonful of peanut butter, and sometimes a few chocolate chips if I'm feeling wild.
The first time I made these, I used quick oats because that's what I had. Big mistake! By morning, I had chocolate cement. I've learned that real old fashioned oats maintain their texture much better for overnight soaking.
Perfect Pairings
I usually eat these straight from the jar with a cup of coffee on weekday mornings. On weekends when I have more time, I sometimes transfer them to a bowl and go crazy with toppings - fresh berries, sliced banana, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.
If I know I have an extra long morning ahead, I'll add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the mix. They make it even more filling and add some healthy omega-3s. Just be prepared to add a bit more liquid since chia seeds absorb a ton.
Recipe Tweaks
Want it even more chocolatey? Add a few chocolate chips on top in the morning. They'll melt slightly into the oats as you stir.
Need more protein? Use Greek yogurt instead of some of the milk. It makes them extra creamy and adds even more protein.
Watching calories? Skip the maple syrup and use a sweetened protein powder instead. Or add a mashed very ripe banana for natural sweetness.
Busy Morning Tips
I often make 2-3 jars on Sunday night to get me through the first part of the week. Just line up your jars and assembly-line the ingredients.
If you're really short on time, you can prep dry ingredient jars for the whole week. Just combine the oats, protein powder, and cocoa powder in multiple jars, then add the wet ingredients the night before.
For grab-and-go breakfasts, pack toppings in a separate small container if they need to travel with you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
- Yes, you can substitute quick oats, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats give the best texture for overnight oats.
- → How long do these chocolate overnight oats stay good in the refrigerator?
- For optimal taste and texture, enjoy within 24 hours of preparation. They're safe to eat for up to 3 days, but the texture may become softer over time.
- → Can I add toppings to these oats?
- Absolutely! Try sliced banana, berries, chopped nuts, chia seeds, or a dollop of nut butter on top just before eating for extra flavor and texture.
- → What kind of protein powder works best?
- Any protein powder works - whey, plant-based, or collagen. If using flavored protein powders, adjust the other flavor ingredients as mentioned in the recipe notes.
- → Can I make these without protein powder?
- Yes! You can skip the protein powder and just enjoy chocolate overnight oats. The texture will be slightly different, but they'll still taste great. Consider adding Greek yogurt for protein instead.