Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats

Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats

These Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats have been so popular over on my Instagram, so I thought I’d leave an easy-to-access recipe here on the blog for you all to use.

If you love your oatmeal/porridge thick, this hot chocolate overnight oats recipe is for you! These are the thickest, cake-iest overnight oats ever.

I absolutely adore overnight oats, and this hot chocolate overnight oats recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep in the evening (then in the morning you can just grab and go!). The soaking also makes them super thick and creamy.

As a side note, soaking your oats overnight may also make them easier on your digestion as their starches break down and phytic acid is reduced.

If you make this hot chocolate overnight oats recipe, please make sure to comment below or tag me in your recreations over on Instagram using @ginabnutrition or #ginabnutrition – I absolutely love to see them!

Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats

Are Overnight Oats Healthy For You?

Yes, overnight oats are generally considered a healthy and nutritious breakfast option. However, this does depend somewhat on what you’re adding in. Here’s why:

  1. Nutrient-Rich: Overnight oats are made with rolled oats, which are a good source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and B vitamins.
  2. Fiber Content: The oats and any additional fiber-rich ingredients (like flaxseeds) contribute to a significant amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can assist with weight management.
  3. Healthy Fats: If you’ve added ingredients like ground flaxseeds, nuts, or seeds to your overnight oats, you’re getting a dose of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
  4. Antioxidants: Ingredients like cacao powder and certain fruits contribute antioxidants to your overnight oats. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body and may contribute to overall health and disease prevention.
  5. Customizable: Overnight oats are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your nutritional needs and taste preferences. You can add fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, and natural sweeteners to enhance both flavor and nutritional value.
  6. Convenience: The “overnight” aspect of these oats makes them a convenient option for busy mornings. You prepare them the night before, and they’re ready to eat right out of the fridge in the morning.
  7. Dairy-Free Options: Overnight oats can easily be made with non-dairy milk, making them suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan or dairy-free diet.

However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and the ingredients you add. While ingredients like sweeteners (e.g., maple syrup), dried fruits, and nuts can enhance flavor and nutrition, they can also add extra calories. If you’re watching your calorie intake, be cautious with the quantity of higher-calorie toppings.

How To Make Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats…

If you’re looking to make this Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats recipe, you’ll need the following:

  1. Rolled Oats: Oats are the base of this dish and provide a hearty and nutritious foundation. They are a good source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which help provide sustained energy and promote digestive health. Rolled oats also add a creamy texture to the oats after soaking overnight.
  2. Ground Flaxseed: Flaxseeds are a rich source of dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans (antioxidants). Adding ground flaxseed enhances the fiber content of your oats, which is beneficial for digestion and heart health. The omega-3 fatty acids are good for brain and joint health, while lignans have potential antioxidant and hormone-balancing properties.
  3. Cacao Powder: Cacao powder is the raw form of cocoa and is rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids. It adds a rich chocolate flavor to your oats without the added sugar found in processed cocoa mixes. The antioxidants in cacao can have various health benefits, including potentially improving heart health and cognitive function.
  4. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It’s a better alternative to refined sugars due to its lower glycemic index and the presence of some minerals and antioxidants. However, it should still be used in moderation.
  5. Non-Dairy Milk: Non-dairy milk (such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk) provides the liquid component necessary for soaking the oats. It contributes to the creaminess and flavor of the oats while keeping the dish dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance or dietary preferences.
  6. Vanilla Extract (optional): Vanilla extract adds a pleasant aromatic flavor to the oats. While it’s optional, it can enhance the overall taste of the dish and complement the chocolate flavor. Additionally, vanilla extract has potential antioxidant properties.
hot chocolate overnight oats

Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats

Georgina Burgess
These Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats have been so popular over on Instagram, so I thought I’d leave an easy-to-access recipe here on the blog!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Course Breakfast
Servings 1 bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats use gluten free if required
  • 1 tbsp Ground Flaxseed
  • 1 tbsp Cacao Powder
  • 1 tsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 Cup Non Dairy Milk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optinal)

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together thoroughly
  • Either cover the bowl or empty into a jar
  • Place in the fridge overnight
  • The next morning, take them out of the fridge and stir well

Notes

Heat them up over the stove on a medium heat (or just eat them cold!)
Top with your favourite toppings and enjoy!
TOPPING IDEAS:
  • Almond butter
  • Peanut butter
  • Banana slices
  • Chia seeds
  • Frozen berries (I used blueberries)
  • Fresh berries
  • Cacao nibs
Keyword vegan breakfast

 Is It Okay To Heat Up Overnight Oats?

Yes, it’s absolutely okay to heat up overnight oats if you prefer them warm or if you want to change the texture. Heating them can make them more reminiscent of traditional oatmeal and can be quite comforting, especially during colder months. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Stovetop: Transfer the soaked overnight oats to a saucepan and heat them over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of additional milk if the oats become too thick during heating. Heat until the oats are warmed through and reach your desired consistency.
  2. Microwave: If using a microwave-safe container, you can microwave the overnight oats in short intervals, stirring in between. Start with 30-second intervals and adjust as needed to prevent the oats from overflowing or becoming too hot. Again, you can add a bit of milk if the oats need some moisture while heating.

Remember that the heating process might slightly alter the texture of the oats compared to their cold, soaked state. The oats may become softer and more like traditional cooked oatmeal. Additionally, some ingredients, like fruits or toppings that you added before soaking, might become softer or even melt during the heating process.

Experiment with the heating time to find the consistency you prefer. Whether enjoyed cold or warmed up, overnight oats are a versatile and nutritious breakfast option.

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5 Comments

  1. This looks so good! What a great breakfast meal prep for the sweet tooth!

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