Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats

$- 1 cup rolled oats - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) - 2 tablespoons cacao powder I love starting with rolled oats. They give the base a hearty texture. Using unsweetened almond milk makes the oats creamy, but you can use any milk you prefer. Cacao powder adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sugar. - 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Maple syrup gives a nice sweetness. Honey works well too if you prefer it. A touch of vanilla extract brightens the flavor of the oats, making them taste special. - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - Fresh strawberries for flavor and garnish - A pinch of salt Chia seeds pack in nutrients and help thicken the mix. Fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor. The pinch of salt balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors in this dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 2 tablespoons of cacao powder, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Stir these ingredients well. This mix gives your oats a rich chocolate flavor and a great texture. Now, take another bowl. Whisk together 2 cups of almond milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth. This blend adds sweetness and creaminess to the oats. Next, slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir as you pour. This helps coat all the oats evenly. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries. These fresh berries add a burst of flavor and color. Finally, divide the mixture into jars or containers. Be sure each jar has an even amount of strawberries. Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate them overnight or for at least 4 hours. This lets the oats soak up all the flavors and softens them. When you’re ready to eat, stir the oats and add a splash of milk if needed. Enjoy your tasty chocolate strawberry overnight oats! To get the right thickness, adjust the liquid you use. If you like thicker oats, use less almond milk. If you want them creamier, add more milk. This way, you control the texture. Play around with the amount until it feels just right for you. Toppings can make your oats even better. Here are some ideas: - Sliced strawberries for freshness - Cacao nibs for a chocolate crunch - Crushed nuts for added protein and flavor These toppings not only taste great, but they also give your oats a fun look. These oats are perfect for busy mornings. You can make them the night before. Just mix everything and store it in jars. In the morning, grab a jar as you rush out. If you want to add toppings, do it right before eating. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: Make sure to use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture. They add a natural sweetness that enhances the dish. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey according to your taste preferences. You can always add less and adjust after refrigeration if you prefer a less sweet option. Chia Seed Benefits: Chia seeds not only add nutrition but also help thicken the oats as they soak. For an even thicker consistency, add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds. Meal Prep Friendly: These overnight oats can be made in batches and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them a great option for quick breakfasts throughout the week. {{image_2}} You can easily make chocolate strawberry overnight oats vegan. Use unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk you like. Maple syrup works great instead of honey. This keeps your oats sweet and vegan-friendly. Feel free to switch up the fruit in your oats. Bananas are creamy and sweet. Blueberries add a nice burst of flavor. Raspberries give a tangy twist. Mixing fruits keeps breakfast exciting and tasty! Adding spices can boost the flavor of your overnight oats. Cinnamon brings warmth and sweetness. Nutmeg adds a cozy touch too. Just a pinch can make a big difference in taste. Try these to find your favorite flavor combo! Store your chocolate strawberry overnight oats in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place them in the fridge if you plan to eat them within a few days. The oats will stay good for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them later, take care to cover them tightly to avoid drying out. You can freeze chocolate strawberry overnight oats for later. Use freezer-safe containers or jars. Leave some space at the top because the oats will expand. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Heat them in the microwave for a quick breakfast. Add a splash of milk to help with the texture. Chocolate strawberry overnight oats can last in the fridge for about four days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating, like an off smell or change in texture. You can use steel-cut oats, but the texture will change. Steel-cut oats are chewier and heartier. They take longer to soften. If you use them, soak them in milk overnight. This will help them soften. You may also need to add more liquid in the morning. Just stir and check the texture. To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may have gluten from cross-contact. You can also use quinoa flakes or buckwheat groats as a substitute. Both options give you a nice texture and taste. Always check the labels to ensure they're gluten-free. Yes, you can sweeten the oats in many ways. Use agave nectar, coconut sugar, or stevia for different flavors. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. If you like them sweeter, add more. If you prefer less, start with half the amount. Taste as you go for the best result. This blog post guides you through making chocolate strawberry overnight oats. You learned about the key ingredients, then the easy steps to prepare them. I shared tips to enhance flavor and how to customize your mix. Storing options help keep your oats fresh. Making this recipe is simple, and the oats are tasty and healthy. Enjoy this nutritious meal on busy mornings, and feel free to experiment with flavors. Now, you can start creating your own delicious variations!$

Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats

A delicious and nutritious breakfast option made with rolled oats, almond milk, cacao powder, and fresh strawberries, perfect for meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 4

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons cacao powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 pinch salt
to taste optional toppings: sliced strawberries, cacao nibs, or crushed nuts

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cacao powder, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture, stirring as you go to ensure all oats are coated.
Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, reserving a few for topping later.
Divide the mixture into individual jars or containers, ensuring an even distribution of strawberries.
Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
When ready to serve, give the oats a good stir and add a splash more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Top with reserved strawberry slices, cacao nibs, or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.

Keyword chocolate, healthy breakfast, overnight oats, strawberries