A rich, creamy, and absolutely crave-worthy breakfast that tastes like dessert—but it’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein to power you through your morning.
Dessert for Breakfast? Yes Please.
When you’re craving something sweet but want to stay on track with your health goals, Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are the perfect solution. Think: all the comfort of a peanut butter cup in a spoonable, wholesome breakfast format.
These oats are naturally sweetened, made with pantry staples, and they’re so indulgent, no one would guess they’re actually good for you.
In our house, this recipe is a serious favorite—especially with my kids, who love the idea of eating “chocolate pudding” for breakfast.
I love it just as much because it comes together in five minutes flat and sits overnight in the fridge. By morning, it’s perfectly thick and creamy, ready to grab and go.
This recipe is also endlessly customizable. Use almond butter instead of peanut butter, throw in a scoop of protein powder, or top it with banana slices, berries, or even some crunchy granola for texture.
Whether you need an easy meal prep breakfast or a healthier dessert option, this recipe hits the mark.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ¼ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (for creaminess & protein)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Banana slices
- Dark chocolate chips or shavings
- Extra peanut butter drizzle
- Granola
- Crushed peanuts
- Coconut flakes
Pro Tips
- Mix cocoa powder into milk first – This ensures it dissolves evenly and avoids clumps.
- Use natural peanut butter – It blends smoothly and adds rich flavor without added sugar.
- Stir twice – Mix once when assembling and again after 10 minutes to keep chia seeds from clumping.
- Let it chill overnight – The oats and chia need time to absorb the liquid and thicken into pudding-like perfection.
- Top it right – Add toppings just before serving to keep things fresh and crunchy.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or whisk
- Small mixing bowl (optional if mixing outside the jar)
Substitutions and Variations
- No Greek yogurt? Swap for a dairy-free yogurt or add extra almond milk.
- No chia seeds? Use ground flaxseed or reduce liquid slightly.
- Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup, a mashed banana, or a few drops of stevia.
- Want more protein? Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder (increase milk as needed).
- Allergy-friendly? Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
Make-Ahead Tips
These oats are perfect for meal prep! Store in individual jars or containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To prep in bulk, double or triple the recipe and portion into grab-and-go jars. Add toppings just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together almond milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and cocoa powder until smooth.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes, then stir again.
3. Refrigerate Overnight
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, until thick and pudding-like.
4. Top and Serve
In the morning, give it a good stir and top with banana slices, chocolate chips, a drizzle of peanut butter, or any other favorite toppings.
Leftovers and Storage
Keep your oats in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add a splash of milk if the mixture thickens too much.
For easy mornings, prep multiple jars at once and grab one on your way out the door. Just wait to add toppings until the morning to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Rich, Creamy, and Perfectly Balanced
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are exactly what breakfast should be: quick, nourishing, and completely satisfying.
With a flavor combo that never fails (hello, chocolate + peanut butter), they’re sure to become a regular part of your weekly meal prep.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Did you top it with banana or go for full dessert mode with whipped coconut cream? Leave a comment and let me know!