Brownie Batter Chocolate Overnight Protein Oats (2024)

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Introduction

These brownie batter overnight oats are chocolate-packed, high in protein and make the perfect fuel on the go. These oats are extra thick, somewhere between cookie dough and brownie batter, though the consistency is easy to adjust.

Overnight oats make such a handy breakfast for busy mornings. They’re portable, adaptable to suit your dietary needs and preferences, can be eaten cold and take just minutes to prepare the night before.

Oatmeal lover? Try this chocolate version and get theseCarrot Cake Overnight Protein Oats, Simple Creamy Banana Oatmeal andBaked Berry Protein Oatmealon your list to try next.

Recipe Highlights

• Vegan.
• Gluten-free.
• Prep in minutes.
• Taste like brownie batter.
• Thick texture.
• High in protein.
• Good for breakfast on-the-go.
• Add your favourite toppings.
• Use any pea protein.
• Can be sugar-free.

Ingredients

The complete list of ingredients with measurements is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Oats: Overnight oats are best made with rolled oats or large flake oats but you can also use quick oats. Do not use steel cut oats.
• Milk: You can use any plant-based milk you enjoy such as almond milk, oat milk or cashew milk. You can substitute water if needed but they’ll be creamier with milk.
• Protein Powder: This recipe calls for a pea protein vegan protein powder. Most vegan protein powders are made form pea protein, so you could use brands like Vega, Kaizen, Orgain, PVL, KOS or Naked Nutrition. Pea protein absorbs a lot of moisture so its best for a thick, chewy texture.
• Cocoa Powder: You can use cocoa powder, dark cocoa powder or raw cacao powder.
• Optional: I like to add vanilla and salt to enhance the flavour. Depending on the protein powder used, you may also want extra sweetener. You can use stevia for sugar-free, maple syrup or honey.

Variations & Add-Ins

• For more heathy fats and thickening, add 1-2 tbsp chia seeds, ground flax or hemp seeds (hemp seeds won’t thicken but flax and chia seeds will).
• Use half milk and half yogurt for an even thicker, creamier texture.
• Add 2-3 tbsp shredded coconut for chocolate coconut overnight oats.
• Powdered peanut butter works well for peanut butter flavour without overdoing the calories. You can swap half of the protein powder for peanut butter powder, or add 2-3 tbsp peanut butter powder plus some extra milk.
• Zucchini Chocolate Chip Oats: Add up to 1/2 cup finely grated zucchini and 1-2 tbsp cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips.
• Mocha Oats: Add 1 tsp espresso powder and/or replace 1/2 cup of the milk with coffee.
• Chocolate Orange Oats: Add 1 tsp orange zest.
• Other spices that work well are 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper or 1/4 tsp nutmeg.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a sealable jar or any airtight container and shake or stir well.

The recipe calls for 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup rolled oats and 44 g of protein, which is one scoop of Vega protein but may be more than one scoop for other brands. For best results, use a digital scale to measure the ingredients.

Make sure you mix well until there are no clumps of cocoa powder, protein powder or oats remaining. Seal the container and place in the fridge overnight or at least for 4-6 hours.

In the morning, give the oats a stir and enjoy them straight from the container or transfer them to a bowl. You can eat them as is or with your choice of toppings.

Common toppings include fresh berries, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and granola.

Topping Ideas

• Chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
• Sliced banana.
• Peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut or seed butter.
• Any nuts or seeds like walnuts, pecans, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds.
• Fresh berries like sliced strawberries or raspberries.
• Chia seed jam.
• Coconut yogurt.
• Granola.
• Shredded coconut.
• Dried cherries, cranberries or raisins.

Recipe FAQs

Recipe Notes

• This recipe comes out very thick with a doughy consistency. If you prefer more of a traditional oatmeal consistency, increase the almond milk to 1 cup.
• For sweetness, it depends on the protein powder used as some are sweeter than others. You may not need to add sweetener. Sweeten to taste with a pinch or stevia, a few drops liquid stevia or 2-3 tsp maple syrup or other liquid sweetener.
• Some readers have had issues with their oats being “soupy”. If you follow the recipe amounts as listed, these come out very thick with a batter-like consistency. For best results, please follow the recipe and measure your ingredients using a kitchen scale.

Storing Instructions

• Store overnight notes in an airtight container like a mason jar or Weck jar in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• While they may technically last a bit longer, the texture and flavor can deteriorate over time. It’s best to make only as much as you can consume within this timeframe.
• Overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold but they can be reheated in the microwave or in a small pot on the stovetop.