Name: Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: PT-488994H24M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon chia seeds; 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice); 1/3 cup diced fresh strawberries; 2 tablespoons dairy-free yogurt or Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess); Pinch of salt; Additional sliced strawberries and dark chocolate shavings for topping (optional)

Creamy oats infused with rich cocoa and layered with juicy strawberries, this breakfast feels indulgent while staying wholesome and nourishing. I love that it tastes like dessert but keeps me fueled for the day ahead.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/3 cup diced fresh strawberries

2 tablespoons dairy-free yogurt or Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)

Pinch of salt

Additional sliced strawberries and dark chocolate shavings for topping (optional)

Directions

In a mason jar or airtight container, I combine oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, salt, and vanilla extract.

I stir in the maple syrup and almond milk until everything is well mixed.

Then I fold in the diced strawberries and yogurt if I want extra creaminess.

I seal the jar and refrigerate it overnight (or at least 4–6 hours).

In the morning, I give the oats a stir and top them with more strawberries and chocolate shavings if I want a little extra indulgence.

I enjoy it cold, or I heat it in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if I prefer it warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 serving.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Chill time: 4–6 hours (overnight is best)

Cook time: 0 minutes

Total time: 5 minutes plus chilling

Calories: about 290 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap strawberries for raspberries, cherries, or blueberries for a fruity twist.

I use peanut butter or almond butter to add richness and extra protein.

For extra indulgence, I stir in a spoonful of chocolate chips before refrigerating.

I make it with coconut milk when I want a creamier, dessert-like version.

I layer it with granola in the morning for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store the oats in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. If I make a few jars ahead, they stay fresh and ready to grab. When I want it warm, I microwave it for 30–60 seconds, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe because steel-cut oats don’t soften enough overnight. Rolled oats give the best creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes, I often skip the maple syrup and rely on the natural sweetness of strawberries, or I use a sugar-free sweetener instead.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. I like using almond milk and dairy-free yogurt, but any plant-based milk works great.

Can I double or triple this recipe?

Yes, I often make multiple jars at once for meal prep. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings I want.

How can I make it more filling?

I add a scoop of protein powder, nut butter, or extra chia seeds to make it more satisfying and protein-packed.

Conclusion

I love how these chocolate strawberry overnight oats give me a balanced breakfast that feels like dessert but keeps me energized. With simple ingredients, endless variations, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to week after week.