Start your day deliciously with these Chocolate Coffee Overnight Oats! With creamy oats mixed with chocolate and a hint of coffee, this breakfast is both yummy and energizing.
They’re perfect for busy mornings—just prepare them the night before and grab them in the morning. Who knew healthy could taste so good? I might have to make extra for snacks too! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are the star of this recipe! They soak up the milk and soften perfectly overnight. If you prefer a quick option, you can substitute with quick oats, but they will be mushier.
Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is light and nutty, but you can use any milk you like. Whole milk or oat milk also work well. For a creamier texture, try coconut milk.
Cocoa Powder: This provides the rich chocolate flavor. If you want a deeper taste, chocolate-flavored protein powder could be a fun twist. You could skip it for a lighter version if desired.
Instant Coffee Granules: Instant coffee gives a coffee kick without brewing. For a substitute, try espresso powder or even a splash of brewed coffee if you are methodical about soaking time.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds natural sweetness. Honey or agave syrup can be used for similar sweetness. Keep in mind that honey is not vegan, if that matters!
How Do You Make Sure Your Oats Soak Up Enough Liquid?
Getting the right soaking technique is key to achieving the perfect texture for overnight oats. The goal is to ensure that all dry ingredients are well combined with the liquid. Here’s how:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl, ensuring that cocoa powder and coffee granules dissolve well.
- Use a whisk for best results, and scrape the bottom of the bowl to avoid clumping.
- After adding to jars, press down slightly to remove air pockets, ensuring they are fully immersed in liquid.
- Seal tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow for maximum absorption.
Stirring before serving can also help if some ingredients settle. Enjoy your creamy, chocolatey oats!
How to Make Chocolate Coffee Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh raspberries (for topping)
- Chopped almonds (for topping)
- Dark chocolate chips (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. After you mix everything together, you’ll need to refrigerate the oats overnight, or for at least 4 hours, so they can soak and become creamy. It’s a perfect make-ahead breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. In it, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon to stir everything together until all the ingredients are well blended. You want to see that beautiful chocolate mixture throughout!
2. Divide and Store:
Next, it’s time to portion out the mixture. Take two mason jars or airtight containers, and divide the oat mixture evenly between them. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; just make sure they are about the same! With the mixing done, it’s time to seal them up.
3. Refrigerate Overnight:
Seal the jars tightly and place them in the refrigerator. You can let them soak overnight or, if you’re in a hurry, leave them for at least 4 hours. This soaking time is key to getting those oats nice and soft!
4. Serve and Top:
In the morning, take the jars out of the fridge. If the oats have settled a bit, give them a good stir to mix everything together again. Now comes the fun part! Top each jar with fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of chopped almonds, and some dark chocolate chips for that extra treat.
5. Enjoy!
Your chocolate coffee overnight oats are ready to be enjoyed! Grab a spoon, dig in, and savor the deliciousness. You’ve made a tasty and nutritious breakfast. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute unsweetened almond milk with any milk of your choice, like cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just keep the same measurement to ensure the consistency remains creamy. If you prefer a richer taste, whole milk or cream can also work well!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey! Just stick to plant-based milk and enjoy a delicious vegan treat. You can also enhance the flavor with a dash of plant-based whipped cream as a topping if you like.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Instant Coffee Granules?
If you don’t have instant coffee granules, you can substitute with brewed coffee. Use about 1/4 cup of cooled coffee in place of the almond milk to maintain the liquid measurement. Alternatively, you could leave out the coffee altogether for a chocolate-only version, or try adding a dash of espresso powder for a similar flavor.
How to Store Leftover Overnight Oats?
If you have any leftover oats, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They might thicken a bit more, so adding a splash of milk or yogurt before enjoying can help bring back the creamy texture!
