Chocolate Raspberry Overnight Oats are a tasty breakfast you can prep the night before. With creamy oats mixed with rich cocoa and sweet raspberries, they make your mornings special.
The best part? You just mix everything in a jar and let it sit overnight. Waking up to this treat feels more like dessert than breakfast. Who doesn’t love that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for overnight oats as they soak up the liquid well. If you only have quick oats, you can use them, but the texture will be softer. Steel-cut oats won’t work here, as they need to be cooked longer.
Chia Seeds: These add a nice thickness to the oats while providing fiber and omega-3s. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can omit them, but the texture will be different. A tablespoon of ground flax seeds can also serve as a substitute.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This gives the oats their chocolate flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, consider using chocolate milk instead of regular milk, or adding more sweetener. Raw cacao powder is a great alternative for a richer flavor.
Milk: You can use any type of milk, including almond, oat, or cow’s milk. If you’re dairy-free, almond or soy milk works great. You could also use yogurt for a thicker consistency!
Fresh Raspberries: These provide a healthy burst of flavor. If raspberries aren’t in season, feel free to use frozen ones! Just remember to thaw and drain them first to avoid too much extra liquid.
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Overnight Oats?
The texture of overnight oats is key to making them enjoyable. Here are some tips to ensure yours turn out perfectly:
- Use a good ratio of wet to dry ingredients. This recipe offers a great balance with 1/2 cup oats to 1/2 cup milk plus chia seeds.
- Mix well to ensure all the cocoa powder is dissolved. This prevents lumps and makes sure that chocolate flavor is evenly distributed.
- Let the oats soak overnight. This is essential for the oats and chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid and soften up. If you’re in a hurry, soak for at least 6 hours.
- If you find your oats too thick in the morning, simply stir in a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Chocolate Raspberry Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (almond, dairy, oat, etc.)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for topping)
- Dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, for garnish
- Optional: pinch of sea salt flakes for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need to let it chill overnight. So, just mix everything in a jar before bed, and it will be ready for a delicious breakfast in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine All Ingredients
In a mason jar or a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This is the base for your delicious oats!
2. Mix Thoroughly
Using a spoon or a fork, stir all ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder hiding in there!
3. Add Raspberries
Gently fold the fresh raspberries into your mixture, being careful not to mash them too much. You want some whole raspberries that will burst with flavor when you eat them!
4. Seal and Refrigerate
Seal the jar with a lid or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in your fridge and let it sit overnight, or for at least 6 hours. This is where the magic happens!
5. Morning Time!
When you wake up, take your jar out of the fridge. Stir the oats well. If you find they’re a bit thick, just add a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Top and Serve
Now for the fun part! Top your oats with a few extra fresh raspberries, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips on top, and if you like, add a pinch of sea salt flakes for a delightful contrast.
7. Enjoy Your Breakfast!
Dig in and enjoy your rich, chocolaty, raspberry-filled oats! They make for a super tasty and nutritious start to your day!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before mixing them into your oats to avoid excess moisture. You can gently mash them as you add them to incorporate their flavor.
Can I Substitute Chia Seeds with Something Else?
If you don’t have chia seeds, you can skip them, but your oats may be less thick. Alternatively, you can use ground flax seeds for a similar texture and nutritional benefits.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Oats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir well before eating and add a splash of milk if they’ve thickened up too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already easily adaptable to a vegan diet. Just use maple syrup as your sweetener and any plant-based milk of your choice. Enjoy your vegan chocolate raspberry oats!
