Busy mornings trying to get ready for work and life are the reason we sometimes don’t get breakfast. Well, skip it no more! These chocolate strawberry overnight oats are made the day before and you drink them on the go, for optimum convenience!
Overnight oats are so easy to throw together, and, like the name implies, you do all the work the night before! As the oats sit overnight they get soft and delicious.
You can certainly eat them from a cup or bowl with a spoon if you have the time. If not, though, just put them in a to-go cup and drink them on the go!
There’s no more need to skip breakfast when you can grab and go and drink on your way to work, the gym, or anywhere else life takes you.
The other great thing is that you can flavor your overnight oats any way you like! This version tastes like a chocolate covered strawberry, but I’ve got a Raspberry Chocolate Overnight Oats option as well. Create your own favorite combination – it’s so easy!
You can swap any type of milk for the almond milk – soy, oat, dairy, etc
If you want it sweeter, add 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup to your mix
The dark cocoa powder can be swapped for regular, but I prefer the dark chocolate flavor here. Dutch process cocoa powder is dark, if you’re having trouble finding it. You can also sub in Nutella instead!
You can use shaved chocolate in place of the chocolate chips, or omit them altogether if preferred
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats
Combine all ingredients except fresh strawberries and chocolate chips in a tupperware, mason jar, or similar
Shake or stir well to combine, then place a lid on and store the mixture in the refrigerator at least 8 hours (but preferably overnight)
If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add a little extra milk to thin it out
Top with the fresh berries and chocolate chips and enjoy!
What to Serve With Overnight Oats
Whole grain toast
Nut butter
Bacon
Sausage
Turkey bacon
Fresh fruit
Yogurt
Smoothies
Infused water
Overnight oats are typically enjoyed on their own as a meal or snack. However, if you’re looking for a more substantial offering or if you’re still feeling hungry, these are great choices for what to serve. Adding protein and fat helps to make you feel more full!
You actually can use water with overnight oats, as it will still soften the oats. However, it will not make the oats creamy, so the texture is far less pleasant when compared to using milk of some kind.
That said, the use of water may be compensated by adding yogurt, nut butters, or something similar to add a creamy texture to the oats.
What is the Best Liquid For Overnight Oats?
Any type of milk is the best liquid for overnight oats. This includes regular dairy milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, almond milk, or similar.
Milk creates a creamier texture than water, which makes for better overnight oats.
Do You Stir Overnight Oats Before Putting Them in the Fridge?
Yes, you should stir overnight oats before putting them in the fridge. This ensures your ingredients are well distributed and that all of the oats are in contact with the liquid.
You may stir again in the morning to help loosen things up, and determine if you’d like to add more liquid to thin them out for consumption.
How Long Can Overnight Oats Sit in the Fridge?
Overnight oats themselves can sit in the fridge for 5 days, making it easy to prepare them for an entire work week. However, fresh fruits should be used within 24 hours.
If you plan to add fresh fruit to your oats, do so when you are ready to eat them instead of mixing them into the overnight oats ahead of time.
Can You Serve Overnight Oats Warm?
Yes, if you like, you can serve overnight oats warm. Simply place your desired portion in a microwave safe dish and heat in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until warmed.
Heating in small increments prevents the milk from scalding. Add fresh fruit and other toppings after heating.
What Kind of Oats to Use For Overnight Oats?
Use rolled oats for overnight oats. This includes protein added varieties, and overnight oat specific mixes. Just make sure it is labeled as rolled oats.
Quick or minute oats turn into mush when soaked overnight, becoming an undesirable texture. Steel cut oats are too tough, and will not soften well after soaking, resulting in hard, chewy oatmeal that is also not pleasant.
Recipe Pro Tips
If you won’t have time to add the toppings in the morning, you can put the strawberries and chocolate on top the night before (they just get a little soggy but still taste good)
Overnight oats can be made up to 24 hours in advance, so don’t stress about the exact time you need to make them to put them in!
Feel free to multiply the recipe to make as many servings as you’d like (it works great)!
Storage and Heating Tips
Store overnight oats in the refrigerator in a sealed container, like these overnight oats containers that you can eat or drink from directly! Plain overnight oats may be stored up to a week. Once fruit is added, consume within 24 hours
If desired, you can serve your overnight oats warm. Simply microwave a portion in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warm. Top with fresh fruits and other toppings after warming
¼Cupnonfat strawberry Greek yogurt(about ½ a single serving cup)
½Tspchia seeds(or more to taste)
1 ½Tspdark cocoa powder(unsweetened)
2-3Fresh strawberries, diced(about ¼ cup)
1Tbspdark chocolate chips
Instructions
Combine all ingredients except fresh strawberries and chocolate chips in a Tupperware, mason jar, or similar
½ Cup rolled oats, ⅓ Cup almond milk, ¼ Cup nonfat strawberry Greek yogurt, ½ Tsp chia seeds, 1 ½ Tsp dark cocoa powder
Shake or stir well to combine, then place a lid on and store the mixture in the refrigerator at least 8 hours (but preferably overnight)
If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add a little extra milk to thin it out
Top with the fresh berries and chocolate chips and enjoy!
2-3 Fresh strawberries, diced, 1 Tbsp dark chocolate chips
Notes
I like to use protein rolled oats, but any type of rolled oats is fine
You can swap any type of milk for the almond milk – soy, oat, coconut, dairy, etc
If you want it sweeter, add 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup to your mix
The dark cocoa powder can be swapped for regular, but I prefer the dark chocolate flavor here. Dutch process cocoa powder is dark, if you’re having trouble finding it. You can also sub in Nutella instead!
You can use shaved chocolate in place of the chocolate chips, or omit them altogether if preferred
If you won’t have time to add the toppings in the morning, you can put the strawberries and chocolate on top the night before (they just get a little soggy but still taste good)
Overnight oats can be made up to 24 hours in advance, so don’t stress about the exact time you need to make them to put them in!
Feel free to multiply the recipe to make as many servings as you’d like (it works great)!
Store overnight oats in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Plain overnight oats may be stored up to a week. Once fruit is added, consume within 24 hours
If desired, you can serve your overnight oats warm. Simply microwave a portion in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warm. Top with fresh fruits and other toppings after warming
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
