One of my favorite easy breakfasts is overnight oats! And this chocolate coconut overnight oats recipe combines is sure to please! Pretty much like dessert, but in breakfast form.
The texture is thick and creamy (just how I like mine) and absolutely delicious. It has sweetness from the coconut milk and coconut flakes, which balances perfectly with the slight bitterness from the cacao powder.
Just like all of my overnight oatmeal recipes, it is well-balanced for balancing your blood sugar and energy levels. It is packed with protein from Greek yogurt and protein powder. It also has complex carbs and fiber from oats and chia seeds, which helps slow down digestion. And healthy fats to keep you fueled until your next meal.
Enjoy them as a quick and easy breakfast, or as a post-workout meal!
Chocolate coconut overnight oats highlights
- easy to make – just add everything to a jar and mix to combine
- tastes like a mounds bar, but in overnight oats form
- balanced breakfast full of complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber
- great for meal prep – make one or a few for busy mornings
Ingredients
- rolled oats
- light coconut milk – we are using this as our liquid for maximum coconut flavor and making them super creamy
- greek yogurt – adds a little creaminess and some protein
- chocolate protein powder – for some protein to help balance the recipe
- unsweetened shredded coconut
- cacao powder
- chia seeds – this help absorb the liquid and add some more fiber
- pinch of salt – optional, but brings out the flavors
How to make coconut overnight oats
- Make overnight oats. Add all ingredients to a large jar. Stir well to combine or place the lid on the jar and shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until the mixture thickens.
- Enjoy! Eat out of the jar or transfer to a bowl and top with toppings of choice.
How long do overnight oats take
Overnight oats don’t really need to be “overnight”. I actually usually do “quick overnight oats” and make them the morning of, let them sit for an hour or two, and then enjoy. An hour is usually enough for the chia seeds and the oats to absorb the liquid.
I also don’t use that much liquid as I love them super creamy. The reason why most people make them at night is that it just makes your morning easier. Just grab and enjoy! But if you forget, you can totally make them the day of.
How long do overnight oats last
Overnight oats can last for up to 5 days in the fridge. The longer they sit, the more time to soak up the liquid. Overnight oats will last for 5 days, but they might be a little bit mushier than on day 3 or 4.
They make a great option for meal prep – I will make a few servings at a time (these jars are perfect for them) and just keep them in the fridge for something quick and easy to grab during the week.
Substitutions and additions
Overnight oats are so customizable and you can tweak them to your preference and your macronutrient needs. Here are a few suggestions for this overnight oat recipe:
- oats – you can use quick oats instead of rolled oats. While you can use steel-cut oats for overnight oats, they are a lot coarser (they aren’t as processed) and need to soak for at least 10-12 hours. You will need more liquid if using steel-cut oats as well. To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats.
- yogurt – use full-fat yogurt, fat-free yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt. You can also leave it out if you like.
- light coconut milk – full-fat coconut milk will work instead, but you might need more since it is thicker. You can also try coconut milk from a carton in the refrigerator section at the grocery store.
- protein powder – I used whey protein powder, but any kind of protein powder should work (collagen or vegan) based on your dietary needs.
- cacao powder – cocoa powder will work instead of cacao.
And here are some additions:
- nut butter – any kind of nut or seed butter will work. I think almond butter would be super delicious to add an almond joy flavor.
- vanilla extract – to a little vanilla flavor.
- sweetener – maple syrup or honey will work if you like your oats sweeter.
- toppings – fresh fruit (strawberries, banana), coconut flakes, nut butter, cinnamon, nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or cacao nibs are all great choices to put on top!
More overnight oats recipes
If you love quick and easy healthy recipes, check out our free 30-Minute Meals Recipe Book!
Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (50 grams)
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder (30 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt (2 ounces)
- 2/3 cup light coconut milk
- pinch of sea salt
instructions
- Make overnight oats. Add all ingredients to a large jar. Stir well to combine until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until the mixture thickens.
- Enjoy! Stir to combine again and either eat out of the jar or transfer to a bowl. Top with toppings of choice.
Austin says
These are awesome! Often times I will eat these before bed, they tend to curb my late night sweet cravings. Coconut makes it taste like an mounds bar 🙂
Kelly says
They really do taste like that! Thanks for trying them Austin and glad you enjoyed them!
Amelia Miller says
Looks very tasty. I will definitely try to cook. Thank you.
Kelly says
Hope you enjoy it, Amelia!
Adrienne says
These are SO good and rich and decadent it feels like I’m eating dessert for breakfast. I’ve been making these for breakfast for the past week straight. I add in a mashed up banana. I’ve also topped it with some chopped almonds which was very delicious. If you’re looking for a very easy go-to breakfast I would highly recommend this recipe.
Kelly says
So happy to hear you are loving them so much! The banana and the toppings sound so good too! Thanks for trying them, Adrienne!