Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
Brownie Batter Overnight Oats are a fun and delicious way to start your day with a little bit of chocolatey goodness. This recipe brings together creamy oats soaked overnight with…
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Brownie Batter Overnight Oats are a fun and delicious way to start your day with a little bit of chocolatey goodness. This recipe brings together creamy oats soaked overnight with cocoa powder and a touch of sweetness that tastes just like brownie batter. It’s thick, rich, and smooth, with the comforting texture of oats and the irresistible flavor of chocolate.
I love making these oats the night before because they’re ready to eat first thing in the morning—no fuss, no mess. I usually add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or some nuts for a bit of crunch. It feels like a treat, but it’s also filling and keeps me going for hours. Plus, it’s perfect for those mornings when you want something special but don’t have much time to cook.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy brownie batter overnight oats is with a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk on top. It adds a little creaminess and makes the whole thing even better. Trust me, this recipe is a sweet little surprise that makes breakfast something to look forward to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give a nice, creamy texture after soaking. You can swap for old-fashioned oats if needed but avoid instant oats—they can get mushy.
Chia Seeds: These thicken the oats and add fiber. If you don’t have chia, flaxseeds ground fine work well too.
Milk: Dairy milk works great, but almond, oat, or soy milk are perfect if you prefer plant-based options. Just pick unsweetened for better control over sweetness.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for that rich chocolate taste. Dutch-processed cocoa can soften flavor, so stick with natural cocoa powder for brownie-like depth.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup or honey give natural sweetness. Feel free to use agave syrup or a sugar-free syrup if you want to cut calories.
Chocolate Chips & Chunks: Mini chips mix evenly, while chunks add gooey bites. Dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips are good swaps for allergies.
Banana: Adds sweetness and creaminess on top. If bananas aren’t your thing, berries or chopped nuts also pair well.
How Can You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture in Overnight Oats?
Making overnight oats creamy and soft is all about soaking and mixing the right way.
- Stir oats, chia seeds, cocoa, and milk thoroughly so everything is combined and the cocoa powder is evenly spread.
- Chia seeds absorb liquid and thicken the mix—don’t skip them, as they give that pudding-like feel.
- Keep the mixture in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to soften the oats fully.
- In the morning, mix the oats again to break up any thick spots and evenly spread the chocolate and sweetness.
Tip: If the oats seem too thick, add a splash of milk before eating for a smoother consistency. Enjoy your chocolaty start!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jar or sealable container – perfect for mixing and storing your oats overnight without spills.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately for the best texture and flavor.
- Spoon or small whisk – makes stirring the oats, cocoa, and milk together easy and smooth.
- Small bowl (optional) – if you prefer to mix the ingredients before transferring to your jar.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a scoop of peanut butter for a rich, nutty twist that pairs well with chocolate.
- Swap banana slices for fresh raspberries to add a tart contrast and a pop of color.
- Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique spicy kick.
- Use almond or coconut milk to add a subtle nutty or tropical flavor to your oats.
How to Make Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate & Toppings:
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- ¼ cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks (optional, for layering)
- ½ banana, sliced (for topping)
- Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate (for drizzling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep. Then, you need to refrigerate the oats for at least 4 hours or overnight, so they soften and get creamy. It’s quick to put together, and then you just wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Oats and Chocolate Ingredients:
In a medium bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, salt, and milk. Stir well until everything is mixed and the cocoa powder is spread evenly through the liquid.
2. Add Chocolate Chips:
Stir in the mini chocolate chips gently, so they’re spread throughout the oat mixture.
3. Layer the Mixture:
Pour half of the oat mixture into a glass or jar. If you want extra chocolate, add a layer of chopped dark chocolate or chunks. Then, top with the rest of the oats mixture to fill your container.
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the jar or bowl, and put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This lets the oats and chia seeds soak up the liquid and get soft and creamy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
The next morning, stir the oats well if you like, then top with sliced banana, more mini chocolate chips, and drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate. Eat it chilled with a spoon, and enjoy your deliciously rich brownie batter flavored overnight oats!
Can I Use Frozen Fruit as a Topping?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen fruit like bananas or berries before adding them on top to avoid extra moisture making the oats watery. You can thaw quickly by leaving the fruit out for 15–20 minutes or using the microwave on a low setting.
Can I Make Brownie Batter Overnight Oats Sugar-Free?
Absolutely! Skip the maple syrup or honey and opt for a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also use unsweetened dairy or plant-based milk to keep it low in sugar.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Keep in the Fridge?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may change, and the oats could become too thick or mushy.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Without Chia Seeds?
Yes! Chia seeds help thicken the oats, but if you don’t have any, just increase the soaking time a bit to get a similar creamy texture. You can also try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed as a substitute.
