Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats

Name: Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons chia seeds; 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes

I love preparing Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats for busy mornings when I need a nutritious yet indulgent start to the day. Combining rich cocoa powder and fresh strawberries creates a delicious balance that turns a simple bowl of oats into a delightful treat. The best part? You can customize the toppings according to your taste! This recipe is as easy as it gets—just mix the ingredients the night before, let them work their magic in the fridge, and wake up to a scrumptious breakfast waiting for you.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T12:17:27.780Z

When I first tried Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats, I couldn’t believe how simple and satisfying they were. The joy of waking up to a ready-made breakfast is unparalleled, especially when it’s as flavorful as this! I found that using quality cocoa powder makes all the difference, giving the oats a deep, rich chocolate flavor that really shines through.

Another tip I’d like to share is to let the oats soak overnight for at least 8 hours. This not only ensures they’re perfectly creamy but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When I added fresh, sliced strawberries just before serving, it brought the whole dish to life and added that refreshing burst that I adore!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, chocolatey goodness with the freshness of strawberries
Convenient make-ahead breakfast that's perfect for busy mornings
A delightful way to enjoy oats in a new, exciting way

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When making Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats, the quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor and texture. Opt for rolled oats rather than instant oats; they absorb liquid more gradually, resulting in a creamier consistency. If you're vegan or lactose-intolerant, using almond or oat milk can provide a luscious, rich base without sacrificing flavor. Don't skimp on the cocoa powder; using unsweetened high-quality cocoa will enhance the chocolatey profile while balancing the sweetness from the strawberries and maple syrup.

Fresh strawberries can elevate your dish, but their quality is key. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. If strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen ones at half the quantity, as they’ll release more juice when they thaw. For a twist, experiment with other berries, like raspberries or blueberries, which complement chocolate beautifully. Each berry brings its unique tartness, balancing the sweetness of the oats.

Perfecting the Texture

Texture is everything in Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats. To achieve that creamy consistency, ensure you thoroughly mix the oats, milk, and chia seeds, as the chia seeds will absorb liquid and help thicken the mixture overnight. A whisk can be particularly useful here; it helps break up any clumps of cocoa and ensures an even distribution of flavors. If the mixture appears too thick in the morning, you can simply stir in a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Don’t hesitate to let the dish sit in the refrigerator for an extra hour or two after the initial overnight soak. This additional time allows flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the oats reach optimal softness. Just remember that soaking for too long may cause them to become overly mushy, so monitor the time closely to keep that perfect bite.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious breakfast!

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

These ingredients blend perfectly for a sweet and satisfying breakfast!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to whip up your Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats!

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, cocoa powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.

Refrigerate

Transfer the oat mixture into a container or jar with a lid. Seal it tightly and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Serve

In the morning, give the oats a good stir and top with fresh strawberries before enjoying.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious breakfast!

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider topping your oats with nuts or granola. You can also mix in other fruits like bananas or blueberries for variety.

Serving Suggestions

While this Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats recipe is delicious on its own, you can enhance it further with your favorite toppings. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making it a more substantial breakfast. Pair it with a sprinkle of crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft oats and juicy strawberries. You could also drizzle a bit more maple syrup or chocolate sauce for an indulgent finish.

For a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dollop of nut butter—both can elevate the flavor profile while adding complexity. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, topping the dish with granola keeps it interesting and adds texture. A handful of coconut flakes can also provide additional sweetness and a tropical twist.

Storage and Meal Prep

Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Simply prepare multiple jars at once to have a grab-and-go breakfast ready for busy mornings. If you notice the oats getting overly thick after a couple of days, stir in a splash of milk to refresh them. Just be sure to add any toppings, especially fresh fruits, right before serving to maintain their freshness.

For those wanting to enjoy these oats warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high, then stir and heat again if needed. This quick solution allows you to enjoy your oats as a warming breakfast on cooler mornings while retaining all the delicious flavors you've infused overnight.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be a bit different. Instant oats may become too mushy.

→ How long can I store these oats in the fridge?

They can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use almond or soy milk to make it vegan.

→ Is there a way to make this lower in sugar?

You can reduce the amount of maple syrup or substitute it with a sugar-free sweetener.