Chocolate for breakfast? Yes, please! These chocolate banana overnight oats are rich, creamy and naturally sweetened but pack 23g of protein and 9g of fiber to keep you fueled all morning long.
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Breakfast at a Glance
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Planning Ahead: Prep at least the night before and up to 3 days ahead.
- Morning Effort: Zero- just grab and eat!
- Protein: 23g per serving
- Fiber: 9g per serving
Nessy's Note
If there’s one thing I’ll never get tired of, it’s chocolate (or possibly PB.. like these peanut butter overnight oats)- especially when it’s paired with banana.
These chocolate banana overnight oats are a simple, delicious way to get your chocolate fix first thing in the morning.
Creamy, chocolatey and naturally sweetened, they make breakfast feel like a treat (as do blended chocolate baked oats) while packing protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied all morning.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
The precise amounts needed can be found in the recipe card, but here’s a quick summary of the key ingredients and possible substitutions:
- Rolled Oats- Also known as old-fashioned oats or large flake oats, these create the best texture when making overnight oats.
- Greek Yogurt- This is what provides the liquid to soften the oats and makes the recipe high protein without the need for protein powder.
- Substitution: Any plain yogurt can be used but note that protein content will vary.
- Banana- This naturally sweetens the oatmeal and brings the banana flavor (as it does in this banana chia overnight oatmeal). For best results, use a ripe (yellow, slightly spotty) banana.
- Cocoa Powder- For the chocolate in these chocolate banana overnight oats. I used natural cocoa powder but dutch process is also fine.
- Substitution: Cacao powder can be used interchangeably with cocoa powder in this recipe.
- Ground Flaxseeds- This helps to thicken the oats and add extra fiber as they do in strawberry cheesecake overnight oats.
- Substitution: Chia seeds also work or they can be left out.
- Sea Salt- Enhances the cocoa flavor and balances sweetness.
Tips for the Best Banana Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Meal prep for the week. These banana overnight oats last up to 3 days in the fridge (while I say 5 days in several of my ONO recipes, I tend to prefer just 3 days when incorporating banana as I find it can taste off sooner), so you can prep for a few days ahead.
- Take it to another level of delicious. You can never go wrong with a spoonful of peanut butter on top for even more flavor (Banana + Chocolate + PB = perfection!).
- For troubleshooting, more tips and flavor customizations check out my ultimate guide to yogurt overnight oats!
They are ready to eat straight from the fridge. If you prefer them warm, microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated to your desired temperature.
Yes but the texture will be softer and less chewy than with rolled oats.
More Overnight Oats...
If you give this recipe a try, be sure to let me know what you thought in the comments below!
Banana Chocolate Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 1 jar or container with lid (at least 12 oz/360mL in size)
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana (ripe with a few brown spots)
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (I prefer 2% for a creamier texture but any type will work)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (large flake)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (or chia seeds)
Instructions
- In your jar or container (or a mixing bowl), mash the banana until mostly smooth.1 medium banana
- Add the Greek yogurt, cocoa and sea salt and stir well until fully combined.¾ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Stir in the rolled oats and flaxseed until evenly mixed.⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- If you mixed in a bowl, transfer to your container, cover and let the oatmeal sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for optimal texture).
- In the morning, enjoy your breakfast as you get all ready for your busy day.If the oats are thicker than you would like, you can stir in a couple of tablespoons of milk or water before eating.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Note: Nutritional information is estimated using an online calculator and accuracy is not guaranteed. Remember food is more than numbers and this info is intended as a support.
Marie says
These were so good! I was surprised how they were sweet enough with just the banana. Already prepped them for tomorrow morning again.
annette says
I've been loving the cinnamon overnight oats and the vanilla baked oats so much that I haven't been making anything else for breakfast. Finally tried this recipe and am sorry I hadn't done so sooner. Love the mellow cocoa flavor with the hint of banana. I also put fresh strawberries on top.
Very satisfying and filling - I made mine with the chia seeds.
Loved this recipe!
Janessa says
I'm so glad you liked these overnight oats, Annette! Strawberries on top sounds delicious.