Craving something chocolatey, nutty, and indulgent for breakfast? These Snickers Overnight Oats have all the rich, dessert-like flavors of the classic candy bar—creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and chocolate—but in a wholesome, high-fiber, make-ahead meal that’s perfect for busy mornings.
A Candy Bar for Breakfast (That’s Actually Good for You!)
Let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to eat a Snickers bar first thing in the morning? But instead of diving into a sugar crash, why not channel those same crave-worthy flavors into a protein-rich, heart-healthy breakfast?
These Snickers Overnight Oats are the perfect blend of taste and nutrition. Rolled oats soak up almond milk and cocoa powder overnight, becoming luxuriously creamy.
Swirls of natural peanut butter, chopped dates for caramel sweetness, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of dark chocolate make it feel totally indulgent—but every ingredient serves a purpose. Fiber, protein, healthy fats, and just enough natural sweetness make this the ultimate fuel for your day.
Even better? It takes just 5 minutes to prep the night before. No cooking, no fuss—just grab your jar in the morning and enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or date syrup (optional)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 Medjool dates, chopped (for caramel flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or drizzle of melted dark chocolate
Pro Tips
- Use natural peanut butter – It blends easily and gives that classic roasted peanut flavor without added sugars or oils.
- Chop your dates small – This helps them mimic the caramel texture and flavor in every bite.
- Stir twice – After mixing, let the oats sit for 10–15 minutes, then stir again to prevent chia seeds from clumping.
- Add toppings right before serving – That way, your peanuts stay crunchy and the chocolate drizzle is fresh.
- Need more protein? Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder to the mix!
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or glass container with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for mixing
- Small knife and cutting board (for chopping dates)
- Microwave or stovetop (if melting chocolate for drizzle)
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-free? Use sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds instead of peanut butter and chopped peanuts.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and dark chocolate without milk solids.
- No cocoa powder? Use a tablespoon of chocolate protein powder or cacao nibs instead.
- Want it sweeter? Add a mashed banana or a bit more maple syrup to the mix.
- Make it crunchy: Stir in cacao nibs, chopped almonds, or granola just before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
Snickers Overnight Oats are perfect for meal prep. Make 3–4 jars at once and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. To save time in the morning, prep your toppings the night before and store them separately to keep them fresh.
You can even freeze the base in portioned containers and defrost in the fridge overnight.
How to Make Snickers Overnight Oats
1. Mix the Base
In a mason jar or container, combine oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Stir until fully combined.
3. Add Dates and Chill
Stir in chopped Medjool dates. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, stir well. Top with a drizzle of peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and melted dark chocolate.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight jar. If the oats thicken too much, stir in a splash of almond milk. Keep toppings like chopped nuts and chocolate separate until ready to serve for the best texture.
Want to take it on the go? Prepare in individual jars with lids and bring toppings in a little snack bag or container.
A Sweet Start That Fuels Your Day
These Snickers Overnight Oats are proof that breakfast doesn’t have to be boring to be good for you. With creamy oats, peanut butter, cocoa, and that perfect chewy-salty-crunchy topping combo, it’s like waking up to dessert that also keeps you full until lunch.
Whip up a batch tonight and see how your mornings transform. And if you make your own twist—maybe almond butter, or a layer of banana slices—be sure to share it in the comments below!