Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats are a tasty and easy breakfast treat! You mix rolled oats, banana, and cocoa powder, then let them sit in the fridge overnight. Yum!
In the morning, you have a creamy and sweet meal waiting for you. I love adding some nuts on top for a little crunch. It’s like dessert for breakfast! 🍌🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These oats work best for overnight oats because they soak up the liquid nicely. If you’re in a pinch, quick oats can be used, but they may be a bit mushier. Just don’t use instant oats, as they’ll turn too gooey.
Banana: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess. If you prefer, you can replace the banana with applesauce for a different flavor. It won’t have the same texture but works great!
Milk: I recommend using almond or oat milk for a lovely nutty taste. You can also use regular milk or soy milk. Each option will give a slightly different flavor, but all work well!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the oats a rich chocolate flavor without added sugar. If you want something sweeter, try using chocolate-flavored protein powder as a substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Overnight Oats?
Preparing overnight oats is super easy! The process mainly involves mixing and letting it sit. Here are my tips to perfect it:
- Combine dry and wet ingredients well before refrigerating. Ensure the oats are coated with liquid.
- Chia seeds are a great addition for extra nutrition, but if you don’t have them, just skip them.
- Cover tightly to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in!
- In the morning, stir to blend the ingredients and adjust the consistency with a splash of milk if needed.
- Don’t forget to personalize your oats with your favorite toppings, like nuts, seeds, or more fruit.
Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (reserve a few slices for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for texture and nutrition)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Dark chocolate shavings or chips for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Just mix everything together and pop it in the fridge. You’ll need a minimum of 6 hours of refrigeration (or overnight) for the oats to soften and soak up all the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, and chia seeds (if you’re using them). Stir them together to make sure they’re well mixed.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the mashed banana, milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything well so the oats are fully coated and all ingredients are combined.
3. Cover and Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap to keep everything fresh. Place it in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the oats to soften and soak in all the delicious flavors.
4. Serve Your Oats:
In the morning, take out your oats and give them a good stir. If they seem too thick, feel free to add a splash of milk to get the consistency you like. If you’re transferring to a serving jar or bowl, do so now.
5. Add Toppings:
Top your oats with banana slices and sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings or chips on top for that extra chocolaty goodness!
6. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your chilled, creamy, chocolatey banana overnight oats! They make for a delicious and energizing breakfast.
Can I Use Different Sweeteners?
Absolutely! If you’re not into maple syrup or honey, you can use agave syrup, stevia, or even leave it out altogether if you prefer a less sweet option. Just adjust according to your taste!
Can I Substitute Other Ingredients?
Yes! You can swap out rolled oats for quick oats if you’re in a hurry, but keep in mind they may have a softer texture. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you could use chocolate protein powder for a flavored boost instead.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you can add a bit more milk to adjust the consistency if needed.
Can I Add More Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, or even other fruits like berries for extra flavors and textures. Just remember that adding fresh fruit will change the taste, so mix and match to find your favorite combination!