Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

In addition to tasting toppings, you can keep your overnight oats from tasting like a bland mess by adding a little extra flavoring. Try mixing vanilla extract into your oat mixture, or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. (Check out the recipes below for some more fun spice add-ins.)

You can also add jams or jellies or purees if you want something a bit sweeter, without needing to use table sugar at all. Banana & cinnamon! Whenever I make my oatmeal without a banana, it's noticeably less sweet -- the banana alone does wonders.

They provide sustained energy and can help keep you full throughout the morning. Oats are particularly rich in soluble fibre, specifically beta-glucans, which can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels. Fibre also supports digestive health.

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Since overnight oats are really just oats that have been left to soften for hours in liquid — usually milk of some sort — to break down and become porridge-like, if you use too little liquid, the oats won't be able to soften enough and get that creamy consistency. Instead you'll have something more like cement.

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

Using the wrong oat-to-milk ratio: If you don't add enough milk, some of the oats will soak up all of the liquid before the rest of the oats can absorb any, creating an uneven texture. Some oats will be very soft while others might still be chewy.

No, yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. You can use nut butter, banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds? Chia seeds add a nice thick and creamy texture.

Is overnight oats better with milk or yogurt? ›

Greek yogurt: Not only does Greek yogurt make overnight oats more filling, but it also gives the oats a super-creamy texture.

Though typically served cold, overnight oats can be eaten warm if you wish. But it is usually eaten cold; that's why it's a grab-and-go breakfast. If you prefer warm oats in the morning, just place them in the microwave for a minute.

If you use sweetened non-dairy milk, taste the soaked oats before adding more sweetener. Sweeteners for Overnight Oats: Soaking dried fruit — use your favorite — alongside the oats sweetens the mixture nicely, but you can stir in additional sugar, maple syrup or honey to taste just before eating.

Yogurt: Greek yogurt lends richness, flavor, and lots of protein to help you take on the day.

Since overnight oats are really just oats that have been left to soften for hours in liquid — usually milk of some sort — to break down and become porridge-like, if you use too little liquid, the oats won't be able to soften enough and get that creamy consistency. Instead you'll have something more like cement.

Yogurt: Give your oats an extra boost of protein with a scoop of your favorite Greek yogurt. Tip: While you can add the mix-ins the night before, I like to portion them out separately as pictured, but wait to add them until right before serving. That way my oatmeal is extra fresh and not soggy!

Soak in milk

Go with regular or choose an alternative milk if you prefer the flavour, or if you're vegan. Soak the oats overnight until soft and creamy.