My first winter in grad school, the professors played a mean joke on us. Our classes started at 8 am three days a week and 7:30 am the other two. With the sun barely above the horizon, the temperatures weren’t much higher, and a thick fog rolled in every night with water droplets so big it almost felt like you took a second shower just by walking outside.
I started to dread my morning alarm clock, so to sleep in as long as possible and prolong the inevitable walk across campus, I began making my breakfast and lunch the night before. With enough papers to grade in the evenings, my meal prep as very basic and usually consisted of fruit and dry cereal, plus veggies and a sandwich, but every once in a while if I had an extra 5 minutes to spare, I mixed up overnight oats.
I usually kept things simple—milk, yogurt, cinnamon—but occasionally I threw in raisins to make them taste like my favorite oatmeal cookies or fresh fruit for a juicy twist. Although I may not have thought of them all with my brain so full of chemistry, the possibilities really were endless!
These Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats were one of my favorites. I just needed 5 standard pantry staples, nothing strange at all. And they’re so full of chocolate that they practically taste like a cross between hot chocolate and brownies!
For those of you who haven’t heard of overnight oats, they’re really easy to make. Simply add all of the ingredients to a jar or container with a lid, stir, cover, and let them chill overnight in the fridge. It’s a way to eat your oatmeal cold, but it still has the same soft texture as when you cook it on the stove. They’re great for the summer or breakfasts on the go!
I generally lean towards old-fashioned oats for these because I love their thick, hearty texture. Quick-cooking (aka minute or instant) oats will also work too, if that’s all you have in your pantry, but since we’re letting them sit for at least 8 hours (get as much beauty sleep as you can!), it isn’t necessary.
To boost the protein in these chocolaty oats, I turned to Greek yogurt. I’m not a fan of protein powder in my smoothies or overnight oats just yet. I haven’t quite gotten past its slightly grainy texture. Maybe someday! But for now, plain nonfat Greek yogurt adds the protein I want, as well as an irresistible creamy richness.
Since the yogurt alone won’t quite soften the oats all by itself, you’ll also add a tiny bit of milk. The mixture may look a little watery at first, but the oats act like little sponges while you sleep and soak up most of the moisture.
All of the chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder. You’ll need 2 tablespoons, and if you’re a chocoholic like me, make sure they’re heaping! To balance it out, add a little sweetener, however much you need to make your taste buds happy.
Then in the morning, grab a spoon and enjoy!
| Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats | | Print |
- ¼ c (25g) old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- ½ c (120g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ c (60mL) nonfat milk
- 2 tbsp (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tsp (9-14g) Truvia (or other sweetener), to taste
- Add all of the ingredients in the order that they’re listed to a mason jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Stir to combine. Screw on the lid, and refrigerate the oats overnight or at least 8 hours.
Any milk and yogurt will work. However, most yogurts don’t contain the same amount of protein and thick creaminess as Greek yogurt.
{gluten-free, clean eating, low fat, low calorie, high protein}
More overnight oat recipes from other food bloggers…
♥ Flax and Blueberry Vanilla Overnight Oats by Pinch of Yum
♥ Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats by French Press
♥ Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats by Crème de la Crumb
♥ Ambrosia Apple Pie Overnight Oats by The Sweet {Tooth} Life
I am soooo in love with the chocolate overnight oats. I’d never heard of overnight oats before, but they sounded delicious and they WERE! I’ve made them 4 days straight! I’ve tried the chocolate one thrice-its my fave and also tried the cinnamon roll flavor from the links you supplied- also good.
These things are delicious enough to consider as a dessert or pudding. Thanks
I’m so glad you’re enjoying them Carol! I’m really touched that you’ve made them three days in a row. That’s the best compliment I could’ve ever received! 🙂
Not going to lie, I’ve just spent the last half hour stalking your blog- Just came across it and already a huge fan! Pinning like crazy- Cannot wait to continue following on! 🙂
Thanks for your kind comments and pins Arman!
I have no words to describe how much I love this! I ate half at home and brought half to work so I can show it off to everyone eating instant oatmeal 🙂
I modified it slightly, I used coconut greek yogurt instead of plain (I’m a coconut fiend) and then didn’t have to use any additional sweetener. It was totally like eating cake batter for breakfast!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the oats Kay! You’re completely right about the cake batter thing. And dessert for breakfast is my favorite! 🙂
Wow, those look awesome! I’m also a student and love to have a quick yet tasty breakfast ready in the morning – seems like overnight oats are inevitable at some point!
Thank you! It’s so true — sleep usually takes priority over luxurious breakfasts during college! 😉
Just made this in preparation for tomorrow morning! LOVE your recipes, always!
Thank you so much Liz; I’m touched! I hope you enjoy the oats!
Just made these for the first time to take to Ladies’ Brunch tomorrow! ~fingers crossed~ They sound DELISH!!!! I was scared with protein in the name, as I didn’t want to add a powder, either. Now I’m so excited! 🙂
I really hope you and your friends enjoy the oats Sandi! 🙂
I did not get the sugar right, so they weren’t a super hit, but that’s okay! I came home and perfected for next time and ate a whole bunch myself, guilt-free! LOL! *THANK YOU!*
I’m glad you found the right sweetness balance for you Sandi, and there’s nothing wrong with extra chocolate leftovers you can keep all to yourself! 😉
can you heat these up or do you eat them cold? They sound yummy! Thanks
Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold — no heating necessary! I hope you enjoy them Tammy!