A simple and delicious plant-based twist on traditional thick and creamy overnight oats, featuring oats, chia seeds, almond butter, banana, cocoa, and protein powder. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Enjoy with fresh berries, bananas, and granola!
These Overnight Chocolate Protein-Powered Oats are an easy and simple way to start your day. And they consist of whole plant-based food to fuel your body all day long. Plus, you’ve got some fun and creative options to consider. You know you like options. I know I do.
This awesome combination includes healthy fiber, plant-based protein, and omega fats that are just what you need to get you started bright and early every morning. I love that you can do most of the work the night before to keep things super simple on a busy morning.
The stars include:
- Rolled Oats
- Chia Seeds
- Plant Milk
- Almond Butter
- Cacao or Cocoa Powder
- Chocolate Protein Powder
- Granola
- Fresh Fruit (Bananas and Berries)
- Cacao Nibs or Coconut Shreds
Let’s go over each key contributor.
Oats provide loads of fiber and antioxidants and are proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. I like using rolled oats in this overnight oats recipe. If you use a different kind, like instant oats, you may need to adjust the milk, but it may depend on the type of milk you’re using as well. Also, if you follow a gluten-free diet or are making this for someone who follows a gluten-free diet, please be sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free.
Chia Seeds are tiny little powerhouses. Not only do they contain tons of incredible plant protein, they are also rich in nutrients like antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. These play in concert to regulate your blood sugar, support your bones, and improve your heart’s health.
As for the plant milk, you can use any non-dairy milk you have on hand or prefer in this recipe. Both Oat + Nut Milk and Coco+Nut Milk are great options as they contain healthy fats to power you through the day. Any unsweetened unflavored milk should provide provide great results.
Almond Butter provides loads of healthy fats and protein. Plus, it tastes great! Feel free to make your own or use commercial almond butter. If you can’t enjoy almonds or prefer not to eat them, feel free to substitute with any other nut or seed you can enjoy. Some tasty options include peanut butter, cashew butter, pecan butter, sun butter, or hazelnut butter.
Cacao or cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants. It contains minerals our bodies need, including selenium, magnesium, chromium, and manganese. It’s also a great source of antioxidants. I also love chocolate and the way it tastes. It’s absolutely delicious! If you prefer a different flavor (like vanilla), no problem. Just realize that this won’t be chocolate-flavored overnights if you omit the cocoa. Obvious, I know.
As for the protein powder, there are so many great plant-based options available in the market today. But since I was introduced to Earth Chimp, it’s become my new favorite because it’s super natural, smooth, and delicious! I posted an honest review, created a delicious Red Velvet Hemp Heart Protein Smoothie and even sponsored a give away. Their chocolate flavored protein powder is perfect in this Overnight Chocolate Protein-Powered Oats recipe. (I am not affiliated with Earth Chimp and am not compensated by Earth Chimp).
Granola is the perfect topping that adds plenty of texture, fiber, and crunch! You can purchase a commercial granola or make your own. For a really tasty combination, try my Morning Glory Granola. It’s a great addition to this overnight oats recipe and is super yum!
The Fresh Fruit includes a mashed banana in the mixture and fresh berries atop the granola. Fruit contains so many health attributes, including fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. Plus, they add a natural sweetness, texture, color, and flavor!
And last but not least, Cacao nibs and shredded coconut add additional texture and contrast in this breakfast treat. They also taste incredible and contain their own health attributes.
Now that we’ve covered the primary ingredients, let’s put them together.
To make this Overnight Chocolate Protein-Powered Oats, simply combine the oats, chia seeds, and almond milk in bowl before you wind down the night before. Then, when you’re ready to serve the next morning, stir together. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
Now for the fun part!
To create a layered breakfast treat, transfer a third of the mixture to a separate bowl, and stir in the mashed banana and almond butter. Back in the remaining two-thirds bowl, stir in the cacao powder and protein powder.
To serve, divide half of the chocolate mixture among four clear glasses or bowls, then layer in half of the banana-almond mixture, then add in the remaining chocolate mixture, followed by the remaining banana-almond mixture.
Top with granola, fresh berries, sliced bananas, almond butter, cacao nibs, and shredded coconut, or as desired.
If you aren’t as eager to layer your treat, just scoop one-quarter of each of the mixtures into bowls and serve.
This Overnight Chocolate Protein-Powered Oats is a great make-ahead breakfast treat. You can create this on Sunday evening, then on Monday morning, divide your portions of the oatmeal among four air-tight containers, storing three for later in the week. Then add the berries and granola just before enjoying each morning.
This is where the option comes in!! If you prefer not to create the layers, you can prep everything the night before! It keeps things easier in the morning. I get it. Sometimes, less is more. You do whatever you need. Simply combine all of the ingredients (except the toppings) in a bowl. Then cover until morning. Sprinkle the granola and berries atop and enjoy!
Keep it simple, right?
I hope you enjoy this Overnight Chocolate Protein-Powered Oats as much as I do.
I would love to see your results! Please leave a comment and rate it down below, tag a picture @pebblesandtoast and #pebblesandtoast on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook! Enjoy!!
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup rolled oats*
- 1½ Tbsp chia seeds
- 1½ cups non-dairy milk**
- 1 banana, mashed
- 1 Tbsp almond butter
- 2 tsp cacao (or cocoa) powder
- 2 scoops plant-based chocolate protein powder
- ½ cup granola
- ½ cup fresh berries
- 2 tsp cacao nibs and/or shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, stir together the oats, chia seeds, and plant milk. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 6 hours.
- When serving, stir together the mixture, then transfer ½ cup of the mixture to a separate bowl, and stir in the mashed banana and almond butter. Back in the remaining two-thirds bowl, stir in the cacao powder and protein powder.
- To serve, divide half of the chocolate mixture among four clear glasses or bowls, then layer in half of the banana-almond mixture, then add in the remaining chocolate mixture, followed by the remaining banana-almond mixture.
- Top with granola, fresh berries, banana slices, cacao nibs, shredded coconut, and/or almond butter, as desired.
Notes
* Oats. If you follow a gluten-free diet, please check the label to ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. Cross-contamination is possible with oats.
** You can use any non-dairy milk in this recipe. Both Oat + Nut Milk and Coco+Nut Milk are great options as they contain healthy fats to power you through the day.
Overnight Chocolate Protein-Powered Oats
Ingredients
- ¾ cup rolled oats*
- 1½ Tbsp chia seeds
- 1½ cups non-dairy milk**
- 1 banana mashed
- 1 Tbsp almond butter
- 2 tsp cacao or cocoa powder
- 2 scoops plant-based chocolate protein powder
- ½ cup granola
- ½ cup fresh berries
- 2 tsp cacao nibs and/or shredded coconut optional
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, stir together the oats, chia seeds, and plant milk. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 6 hours.
- When serving, stir together the mixture, then transfer ½ cup of the mixture to a separate bowl, and stir in the mashed banana and almond butter. Back in the remaining two-thirds bowl, stir in the cacao powder and protein powder.
- To serve, divide half of the chocolate mixture among four clear glasses or bowls, then layer in half of the banana-almond mixture, then add in the remaining chocolate mixture, followed by the remaining banana-almond mixture.
- Top with granola, fresh berries, banana slices, cacao nibs, shredded coconut, and/or almond butter, as desired.