Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats are a sweet and creamy breakfast treat! With oats soaked in milk, cocoa, and a hint of coconut, it’s like having dessert for breakfast.
It’s super quick to make! Just mix, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and wake up to a yummy meal. I love adding extra coconut on top for that crunchy joy! 🥥✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: These are the base of your overnight oats. You can use quick oats for a softer texture, but I prefer rolled oats for their heartiness. Steel-cut oats are also an option, though they need longer soaking.
Coconut milk: This adds a lovely richness. If you want a lighter option, almond or oat milk works great too! Just keep in mind they’ll slightly change the flavor.
Chia seeds: They help thicken the oats and add healthy omega-3s. If you don’t have them, flax seeds can be a good substitute. Just make sure to grind them first!
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate flavor. Don’t swap it for sweetened cocoa or it might overpower the dish. You can also use raw cacao for a more intense taste!
Maple syrup or honey: Both add sweetness, but you can use agave nectar or a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer. I find that maple syrup complements the coconut flavor beautifully!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture?
The key to creamy overnight oats is letting them soak long enough. Legally, you can soak them for 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, becoming soft without being mushy.
- Combine all dry ingredients first; this prevents clumping.
- Stir in your liquid well to ensure everything mixes evenly.
- Check the texture in the morning! If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
For extra creaminess, you can always blend the mixture before refrigerating. It’s a fun twist that adds a different texture!
Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup coconut milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut or coconut flakes (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh raspberries or fruit of choice for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and needs to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. So, it’s perfect to make before bedtime and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl or a jar with a lid, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. This way, the ingredients blend evenly.
2. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the coconut milk, maple syrup (or honey), and the vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until all the dry ingredients are soaked and blended with the liquid. It’s okay if it looks a little chunky – it will smooth out as it chills!
3. Refrigerate and Let Soak:
Cover the bowl or jar with a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit overnight or for at least 4 hours. This soaking time allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a creamy texture.
4. Stir and Adjust the Consistency:
When you’re ready for breakfast, take it out of the fridge! Give the oats a nice stir. If it looks too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. You can adjust it based on how creamy you want your oats.
5. Add Toppings:
Now the fun part! Top your oats with extra coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips, or cacao nibs. You can also add fresh raspberries or your favorite fruit for some extra flavor and color!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your delightful, chocolatey coconut overnight oats! They’re not only delicious but also healthy and satisfying. Perfect way to kick-start your day!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can! Quick oats will yield a softer and creamier texture, but they can become mushy more quickly than rolled oats. If you’re using quick oats, decrease the soaking time if you prefer them to retain some texture!
Can I Substitute the Coconut Milk?
Absolutely! You can use any milk of your choice, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just keep in mind that changing the milk may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
The overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Feel free to add fresh toppings right before serving to keep them from getting soggy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based milk and maple syrup! Just ensure you don’t use honey and you’re all set. Enjoy your guilt-free breakfast!