Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 2 cups almond milk; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon chia seeds; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; Chocolate shavings or chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love starting my day with a bowl of Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats! This delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a perfect balance that fuels my mornings. The best part? It's incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing me to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast without any hassle. Plus, the ingredients are healthy, making it a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies my chocolate cravings while keeping me energized for the day ahead.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T20:57:27.327Z

When I first experimented with overnight oats, I was skeptical about the flavor and texture. However, after trying this Chocolate Strawberry version, I was instantly hooked. The chia seeds add a delightful creaminess, and they soak up the chocolate milk beautifully. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a dessert-like breakfast without compromising on health.

One key tip I’ve learned is to use ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and flavor. I also love adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder to up the chocolatey goodness. Pairing this with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup elevates it even further!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Creamy texture that makes every bite feel indulgent
Perfect for meal prepping and quick breakfast solutions

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats is the rolled oats, which provide a chewy texture and a healthy source of fiber. They absorb the liquid overnight, transforming into a creamy base. Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the right consistency; quick oats may become too mushy. The almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor and creaminess, while cocoa powder infuses rich chocolate notes that create a dessert-like experience, making your breakfast feel like an indulgence.

Chia seeds serve a dual purpose in this recipe: they not only contribute nutritional benefits like Omega-3 fatty acids but also act as a thickener. When combined with the liquid in the oats, chia seeds swell and create a lovely, pudding-like texture. If you're looking to add more protein or a different texture, consider substituting half of the chia seeds with ground flaxseeds, but be aware that this may slightly alter the flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best aspects of overnight oats is their meal prep convenience. These oats can be prepared up to five days in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. If you choose to add toppings like fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings, it's best to do that just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the oats from becoming soggy.

If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh strawberries, you can freeze them for later use. Wash and slice the strawberries, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the strawberries to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be added directly to your overnight oats, just remember they will thaw slightly in the fridge overnight, releasing juice that can add extra flavor to the oats.

Ingredients

For the Overnight Oats

1 cup rolled oats
2 cups almond milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings or chips (optional)

Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate overnight.

Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond milk, cocoa powder, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.

Refrigerate

Divide the mixture into two jars or bowls and seal them with lids. Place them in the refrigerator to chill overnight, allowing the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid.

Serve with Toppings

In the morning, top your overnight oats with sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or chips if desired. Enjoy cold!

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats!

Pro Tips

For a thicker consistency, increase the chia seeds slightly. Experiment with different toppings like bananas, nuts, or yogurt for added texture and flavor.

Texture and Flavor Enhancements

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, experiment with the ratios of cocoa powder and sweetness. If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder by one tablespoon, but do keep an eye on the sugar content. This helps to ensure the dish maintains a delightful sweetness without becoming overly decadent. A pinch of salt can also amplify the chocolate flavor, making it even more luxurious.

In terms of texture, the final consistency of your overnight oats should be creamy but not overly thick. If you find the oats too dense after refrigeration, simply stir in a splash of almond milk until the desired consistency is reached. For extra indulgence, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on top before serving to elevate the creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

While sliced strawberries are a classic topping, there are many other delicious options that can complement the chocolate flavor. Consider adding sliced bananas for natural sweetness or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for a delightful crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter can elevate the nuttiness and provide added protein, making it an even more satisfying meal.

For those who enjoy a more decadent treat, serve your overnight oats in a parfait style by layering the oat mixture with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola in a tall glass. This not only looks appealing but allows for a variety of textures in every bite. You can also customize each serving, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy their preferred flavor combinations.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk or any other plant-based milk you prefer.

→ How long can I keep these in the fridge?

These overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ Can I add protein powder to the recipe?

Absolutely! Just add a scoop when combining the ingredients.

→ Are these oats gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rolled oats, this recipe can be enjoyed by those with gluten intolerance.