Start your morning with these indulgent yet healthy Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats!
Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this no-cook breakfast is perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
With creamy coconut milk, rich cacao, and a hint of shredded coconut, it’s satisfying, energizing, and naturally sweetened, making it a nutritious and delicious everyday breakfast choice.
Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 1 large jar (16 oz)
- 1 spoon (for stirring)
- 1 Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats 50 g
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder 30 g
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 oz
- 2/3 cup light coconut milk
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Gather All Ingredients: Before you begin, assemble all your ingredients on the countertop. Measure out the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, cacao powder, chia seeds, shredded coconut, Greek yogurt, coconut milk, and a pinch of sea salt. Having everything ready ensures a smooth and efficient process and prevents missing any key components.
- Choose Your Container: Select a large jar or airtight container for mixing and storing your oats. A jar with at least 16 ounces capacity works well. This allows room for stirring, thickening, and expansion of the oats and chia seeds without overflowing. The container will also serve as a convenient, portable breakfast vessel.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In your jar, start by adding the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, cacao powder, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and sea salt. Layering the dry ingredients first helps prevent clumps and ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the oats. Stir lightly to combine the dry mixture before adding liquids.
- Add Creamy Yogurt: Spoon the Greek yogurt into the jar over the dry mixture. Greek yogurt adds creaminess, protein, and a slight tang that complements the chocolate and coconut flavors. Make sure to spread it evenly so that every bite of oats will have a creamy texture.
- Pour Coconut Milk Slowly: Measure 2/3 cup of light coconut milk and pour it gradually over the oats and yogurt mixture. Pouring slowly allows you to control the consistency and ensures that the dry ingredients absorb the liquid evenly. Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical flavor and healthy fats that make the oats rich and satisfying.
- Thoroughly Mix Everything Together: Use a spoon to stir all the ingredients together until completely combined. Make sure there are no dry pockets of oats or clumps of protein powder. Stirring well also helps the chia seeds start absorbing the liquid, which will thicken the mixture beautifully as it rests.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Once fully mixed, tightly seal the jar or container with its lid. Place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, though overnight is ideal. This resting period allows the oats and chia seeds to soak up the liquid, creating a creamy, pudding-like consistency that’s ready to enjoy in the morning.
- Check Consistency and Stir Again: After the resting period, remove the jar from the refrigerator and open the lid. Stir the oats gently to ensure the texture is uniform and creamy. If desired, you can adjust the consistency by adding a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of yogurt before eating.
- Add Optional Toppings: For added flavor, texture, and nutrition, consider topping your oats with fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of nut butter. Toasted coconut flakes or dark chocolate shavings also pair wonderfully with the chocolate coconut flavor. Personalize it to your taste!
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats are now ready to eat! You can enjoy them directly from the jar for a grab-and-go breakfast, or transfer them to a bowl for a more traditional presentation. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, chocolatey, and coconut flavors while keeping you full and energized.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Protein Powder: Opt for a chocolate protein powder you enjoy, whether whey, plant-based, or collagen, to enhance both flavor and nutritional value.
- Adjust Sweetness Carefully: The recipe is naturally lightly sweet; if you prefer a sweeter version, add a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Chia Seeds for Thickening: Chia seeds absorb liquid and create a pudding-like texture. If you prefer a looser consistency, reduce chia or add extra coconut milk.
- Overnight or Minimum Rest: While 2 hours is sufficient for absorption, overnight resting ensures maximum creaminess and flavor melding.
- Customize Toppings Freely: Fresh berries, banana slices, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter enhance taste, texture, and nutrient profile.
Chef’s Secrets To Maximize Flavor
To make your overnight oats truly exceptional, consider a few chef-approved tricks.
First, lightly toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes before adding it to the oats—this brings out a deeper, nutty flavor.
Second, use full-fat or light coconut milk depending on your richness preference; full-fat yields creamier oats while light keeps calories lower.
Stir the mixture thoroughly to avoid clumping of protein powder and cacao, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture.
Finally, let the oats rest overnight for the flavors to meld fully, as the chocolate and coconut notes intensify over time.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats are versatile and easy to serve.
Enjoy them straight from the jar for a quick, on-the-go breakfast, or transfer to a bowl for a more indulgent presentation.
Add fresh fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
For added crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts, cacao nibs, or granola on top.
A light drizzle of nut butter or dark chocolate can elevate this breakfast into a satisfying, dessert-like treat without compromising health.
Storage Tips For Maximum Freshness
Store your overnight oats in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
This makes them perfect for meal prep, allowing you to grab a ready-to-eat breakfast during busy mornings.
If you prefer a thicker consistency after storage, stir in a small splash of coconut milk before serving.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of oats and chia may change when thawed, becoming overly gelatinous or watery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt such as coconut or almond yogurt.
It will maintain creaminess and protein content while keeping the recipe entirely plant-based.
2. How can I make it sweeter naturally?
If you prefer sweeter oats, add mashed banana, a touch of maple syrup, or a few Medjool dates.
These natural sweeteners enhance flavor without processed sugar.
3. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats work, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats are recommended for optimal texture and creaminess after soaking.
4. Can I double or triple the recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! Simply multiply all ingredients and divide into individual jars for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Just ensure each jar has enough liquid for absorption.
5. How do I get a creamier texture?
Use full-fat coconut milk or slightly more Greek yogurt, and stir well before refrigerating.
Letting the mixture rest overnight allows the oats and chia to fully soften, resulting in a luscious, creamy consistency.
