Brownie Batter Overnight Oats are a fun and yummy way to start your day with a chocolatey twist. They mix creamy oats with rich cocoa, a hint of sweetness, and just a touch of that brownie batter flavor we all love. The texture is smooth and thick, with a little chewiness from the oats that makes every spoonful so satisfying.
I love making these oats the night before because they’re ready and waiting for me in the morning—no fuss, just grab and go. Sometimes, I like to add a few chocolate chips or a sprinkle of nuts on top for a little extra crunch. It feels like a simple treat that still gives me a good boost of energy for the day ahead.
These oats remind me of my favorite chocolatey dessert but without the heaviness. It’s a great way to enjoy that brownie flavor in a breakfast that feels both comforting and a bit playful. If you’re someone who likes breakfast to be quick and tasty, give these a try—you might find yourself smiling every morning!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are great because they soak up liquid and soften overnight but still keep a nice texture. If you prefer a smoother result, try quick oats, but avoid steel-cut as they stay too firm without cooking.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives that rich chocolate taste. I like to use natural cocoa for a brighter flavor, but Dutch-processed cocoa works too—just expect a slightly milder taste.
Chia Seeds: These help thicken the oats and add a bit of fiber. If you don’t have chia seeds, ground flaxseeds are a good substitute, though texture will be slightly different.
Milk & Yogurt: Using any milk you like works here—dairy, almond, oat, or soy. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, but plant-based yogurts work well for dairy-free. I prefer plain or vanilla flavors to keep sweetness balanced.
Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness. You can also use agave or a sugar-free syrup depending on your preference.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate bring that brownie batter feel. For a healthier twist, try cacao nibs or skip them for less sugar but still tasty oats.
How Can You Get the Best Texture in Overnight Oats?
Getting the perfect creamy but thick overnight oats is all about the soaking time and balance of wet to dry ingredients. Here’s how:
- Make sure oats are fully covered with milk and yogurt—too little liquid makes them dry, too much makes them watery.
- Chia seeds play a big role in thickening. Let the mixture chill at least 5 hours, but overnight is best for softness.
- Stir well before refrigerating to avoid clumps of cocoa or chia.
- In the morning, if it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk and stir to loosen.
- For extra creaminess, adding yogurt or even a spoonful of nut butter before soaking helps.
These tips help the oats soak evenly and become rich, smooth, and very satisfying—just like a bowl of brownie batter but healthy and ready to eat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jar or small bowl – perfect for mixing and storing your oats overnight.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps keep your ingredients balanced for the best texture.
- Mixing spoon or small whisk – for blending cocoa, oats, and liquids smoothly.
- Refrigerator – essential for chilling the oats to soften and thicken them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a scoop of peanut butter for a chocolate-peanut combo that’s creamy and rich.
- Swap strawberries with fresh raspberries or banana slices for a fresh fruity twist.
- Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for some crunch and healthy fats.
How to Make Brownie Batter Overnight Oats?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- Fresh strawberry, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 5 hours (or overnight) for chilling in the refrigerator. It’s a great make-ahead breakfast that’s quick to put together the night before and ready to enjoy in the morning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl or a jar, stir together the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk.
3. Fold in Chocolate:
Gently fold in half of the chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, distributing them evenly through the mixture.
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover your bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 5 hours, but preferably overnight. This lets the oats soften and the chia seeds thicken the mixture.
5. Serve and Garnish:
In the morning, stir the oats well. If too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. Spoon into a serving jar or bowl, then top with the remaining chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Garnish with a fresh strawberry on top for a pop of color and freshness.
6. Enjoy!
Enjoy your brownie batter overnight oats chilled, either straight from the jar or served in a bowl. This easy breakfast combines the rich taste of chocolate with creamy oats and a little crunch—just like brownie batter but healthy and quick.
Can I Use Frozen Fruit for the Topping?
Yes! Just thaw frozen strawberries or other berries in the fridge or at room temperature before adding them on top. Avoid adding frozen fruit directly, as it can make the oats watery.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Make sure your sweetener and chocolate chips are vegan-friendly too.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Keep in the Fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Stir well before eating, and add a little milk if the oats have thickened too much over time.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Definitely! Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey and taste before chilling. You can always add more sweetener in the morning if you want a sweeter breakfast.
