Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds

Published: Oct 8, 2022 · Modified: Mar 14, 2025 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

🧾 Ingredients

Rolled oats: Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) work best for overnight oats. I used gluten-free oats. They get soft enough while not being too mushy. You could use quick oats, but you won't have as much texture. You could also use steel-cut oats. If you do you'll want to soak them for the full 8 hours or more. You'll have more texture than rolled oats.
Soy milk: Adds protein and flavor. You can use vanilla almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or any non-dairy milk.
Raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder): Adds the chocolate flavor. You can also use cocoa powder.
Peanut butter: For its creamy nutty flavor. You can use whatever your favorite is: all-natural peanut butter or shelf-stable peanut butter.
Chia seeds: I added chia seeds for some protein and fiber. You can leave them out if you like.
Pure maple syrup: I used maple syrup because it is one of my favorite sweeteners. You could also use agave syrup, dates, brown sugar, white sugar, or a sugar-free sweetener.
Cacao nibs, dark chocolate chunks, or chocolate chips: I like cacao nibs for the bitter chocolaty taste. When I updated this recipe I used dark chocolate chunks to add a little sweetness. You could use cacao nibs, dark chocolate chunks, or dark chocolate chips, or leave them out altogether.
Salt: To enhance the flavors and bring out the sweetness of the maple syrup. I like to sea salt.

To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

📖 Variations / Additions

Chocolate chips

Raspberries, strawberries, or other berries

Almond butter, cashew butter or other nut butter

Sunflower seed butter

Vegan yogurt or vegan Greek yogurt

Coconut milk

Almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk or other dairy-free milk

Nuts: peanuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds

Vanilla extract

Protein powder for some extra protein

Granola

Hemp seeds

Flax seeds

Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom

Berries or banana slices

🔪 Instructions

Steps for making overnight oats in order.

Step 1: Add dry ingredients to a mason jar or airtight container.

Step 2: Whisk to combine.

Step 3: Add wet ingredients.

Step 4: Stir the oat mixture and let sit overnight.

Step 5: In the morning add dark chocolate chunks or cacao nibs to the oatmeal.

💭 Tips

You may want more liquid than I've listed. Start with the amount shown and check the consistency in the morning to see if you want more after it's been absorbed.

Add the cacao nibs or chocolate chips right before you eat it.

If you try this with vegan yogurt or coconut milk you may want more liquid because it will make the oats thick and dense.

🍽 Serving

You can eat this overnight oatmeal straight from the fridge or heat it up in a bowl if you wish. To heat them, remove the lid and microwave at 30 second intervals until warmed to your liking.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats in a mason jar.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

What Type Of Oats Do I Use For Overnight Oats?

Old fashioned rolled oats work the best for overnight oats. They have a soft texture, but are not too mushy.

Are Overnight Oats Eaten Cold?

You can eat them cold or hot. You can heat them up in the microwave at 30 second intervals until hot.

What Milk Is Best For Overnight Oats?

I like soy milk for some added protein, but you can use whatever kind you like. You can even use coffee.
That way, you get your breakfast and coffee all in one, like my Mocha Almond Overnight Oats.