Delicious & Easy Nutella Overnight Oats: Your Ultimate Healthy Meal Prep Breakfast
Prepare to revolutionize your mornings with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Nutella overnight oats recipe. Combining wholesome old-fashioned oats, rich hazelnut spread, a touch of cocoa powder, nutritious chia seeds, creamy milk and yogurt, and a hint of vanilla, this no-cook breakfast is a game-changer for busy individuals and meal prep enthusiasts alike.
If you’re seeking a make-ahead breakfast idea that’s both convenient and made with simple ingredients, look no further. Imagine waking up to a ready-to-eat, sweet, and satisfying meal that requires zero cooking time. By preparing a few jars on Sunday, you can enjoy a delightful and nutritious breakfast throughout your entire week, saving precious minutes on those hectic mornings.
This chocolatey delight isn’t just about convenience; it’s also a surprisingly healthy way to indulge your sweet tooth in the morning. Old-fashioned oats are a fantastic source of whole grains and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and sustained energy. (A quick note for those with celiac disease: always choose oats specifically labeled as gluten-free to ensure they haven’t been cross-contaminated during processing.) Furthermore, the inclusion of chia seeds significantly boosts the fiber content, adding essential omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health. It’s a breakfast that tastes like a treat but fuels you like a champion.
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Why You’ll Love These Nutella Overnight Oats
Here’s why these Nutella overnight oats will quickly become a staple in your breakfast routine:
- Effortless Meal Prep: Say goodbye to frantic mornings! Prepare a batch (or several) on Sunday and have a delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast waiting for you every day of the week. Simply grab a jar from the fridge and go.
- Rich in Fiber and Nutrients: Packed with the goodness of old-fashioned oats and nutrient-dense chia seeds, this recipe is a fiber powerhouse. It helps keep you full and satisfied, supports digestion, and provides a healthy dose of omega-3s.
- Irresistible Nutella & Chocolate Flavor: Indulge in the beloved combination of chocolate and hazelnut. With real Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread and a touch of cocoa powder, these oats offer a deeply satisfying and subtly sweet flavor profile that feels like a decadent treat.
- Quick & Easy: With only about 5 minutes of active preparation time, this recipe is perfect for even the busiest schedules. No cooking required – just mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Customizable: This base recipe is incredibly versatile. Easily adjust sweetness, milk type, yogurt, and a variety of toppings to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Craving more overnight oatmeal recipes? Be sure to explore my peanut butter overnight oats (which can be made without chia seeds) for another classic flavor, or try the protein powder overnight oats for an extra boost of energy and satiety. If you’re curious to learn more about the incredible health advantages, delve into the numerous benefits of chia seeds.
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Essential Ingredients for Nutella Overnight Oats
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it relies on common pantry staples, meaning you likely have most of these ingredients on hand already. For specific quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below. Don’t worry if you need to make adjustments; I’ve included helpful substitution notes further down to customize your perfect bowl.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These are the star of our overnight oats! Also known simply as rolled oats, they provide the perfect chewy texture once soaked. Avoid quick oats or instant oats, as they tend to become too mushy and soggy in overnight recipes. For a gluten-free option, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Milk: The liquid base for hydration and creaminess. You can use any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s cow’s milk (whole, skim, 2%) or a dairy-free plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. Each offers a slightly different flavor and nutritional profile.
- Plain Yogurt: Adds an extra layer of creaminess, tanginess, and a boost of protein and probiotics. Whole milk yogurt provides a rich texture, but Greek yogurt (for extra protein and thickness) or any plain dairy-free yogurt (like almond or coconut yogurt) works wonderfully.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Essential for that deep chocolatey flavor without adding extra sugar. Use good quality baking cocoa for the best results. This complements the Nutella beautifully.
- Nutella: The star flavor! This classic chocolate hazelnut spread provides sweetness, richness, and that distinct nutty flavor. While homemade Nutella can be an option (try this homemade Nutella recipe), the store-bought version is perfectly convenient.
- Maple Syrup: Our chosen natural sweetener. Maple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor alongside the sweetness. You can adjust the amount to your preference or substitute with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses are crucial for achieving the perfect thick consistency. They absorb liquid and swell, creating a pudding-like texture while also adding significant fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. If you prefer to omit them, you may need to reduce the milk slightly for a thicker result.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding warmth and a subtle aromatic note to the oats.
- Salt: Just a small pinch of salt is a secret weapon in sweet recipes, balancing the flavors and making the chocolate and hazelnut taste even more vibrant.
- Optional Toppings: These are where you can truly personalize your overnight oats! Think fresh fruit, extra Nutella drizzle, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips. See below for more topping inspiration.
Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for precise quantities and detailed nutritional information.
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Nutella Overnight Oats
Making Nutella overnight oats couldn’t be easier. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you’ll have a wholesome and delicious breakfast waiting for you. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Begin by adding all of your base ingredients into a jar or a bowl. This includes the old-fashioned oats, milk, plain yogurt, cocoa powder, Nutella, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to scrape out all the Nutella from the spoon to get every bit of that delicious flavor.
Step 2: Stir Thoroughly
Stir everything together vigorously until the Nutella and cocoa powder are completely dissolved and evenly mixed into the liquid. It’s important to ensure there are no lumps of cocoa powder or streaks of Nutella. At this stage, the consistency will appear thin and quite milky – this is exactly what you want! The oats and chia seeds will do their magic overnight.
Step 3: Refrigerate
Cover your jar or bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the oats to soak and thicken overnight, or for a minimum of four hours. This chilling period is crucial as it allows the oats to soften and the chia seeds to swell, creating that desirable creamy, pudding-like consistency. The longer they chill, the creamier they’ll become.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
The next morning, your Nutella overnight oats will have transformed into a thick, creamy, and delightful breakfast. Remove them from the fridge, give them a good stir, and they’re ready to serve. Enjoy them cold directly from the jar, or if you prefer a warm breakfast, simply microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your liking.
For a truly gourmet experience, I love to top mine with a little extra Nutella drizzle, fresh diced strawberries for a burst of freshness, and some crunchy toasted hazelnuts to complement the hazelnut flavor of the spread. Get creative with your toppings!
Creative Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Oats
While Nutella overnight oats are fantastic on their own, toppings can take them to the next level of deliciousness and add extra nutrition. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:
- Fresh Berries: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries add natural sweetness, a touch of tartness, and vibrant color. They pair wonderfully with chocolate and hazelnut.
- Sliced Bananas: A classic pairing with chocolate, bananas add creaminess and natural sweetness.
- Chopped Toasted Hazelnuts: A must for enhancing the hazelnut flavor and adding a delightful crunch. Toasting them briefly in a dry pan really brings out their aroma.
- Extra Nutella Drizzle: For the ultimate indulgence, a swirl of extra Nutella on top before serving is always a good idea.
- Mini Chocolate Chips or Shaved Chocolate: Because you can never have too much chocolate! Dark chocolate chips can add a nice bittersweet contrast.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted or untoasted, coconut adds a tropical note and a pleasant chewiness.
- Granola: For even more crunch and texture, a sprinkle of your favorite granola is perfect.
- Nut Butters: A dollop of peanut butter or almond butter can add extra protein and a different nutty flavor profile.
- Whipped Cream or Coconut Cream: For a truly decadent dessert-like breakfast.
- A Pinch of Sea Salt: A flaky sea salt sprinkle can surprisingly enhance the chocolate flavor.
Customizing Your Nutella Overnight Oats: Smart Substitutions
One of the beauties of overnight oats is how easily they can be customized to fit your dietary needs, preferences, or simply what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Nutella overnight oats truly your own!
- Milk Alternatives: This recipe is incredibly flexible when it comes to milk. While cow’s milk (any fat percentage) provides a classic rich base, feel free to use any dairy-free alternative.
- Almond Milk: A lighter option, great for those watching calories or preferring a subtle nutty flavor.
- Oat Milk: Known for its creaminess, oat milk can make your overnight oats extra velvety.
- Soy Milk: A good source of protein, offering a neutral taste.
- Coconut Milk: For a hint of tropical flavor and a richer texture.
- Cashew Milk: Provides a smooth, creamy consistency with a mild flavor.
Remember that the nutritional values will vary based on your milk choice, so adjust accordingly if you have specific dietary goals.
- Yogurt Varieties: The plain whole milk yogurt in this recipe adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess, along with protein. You have many options here:
- Greek Yogurt: If you want even more protein and a thicker consistency, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent choice. It will also add a more pronounced tang.
- Non-Fat or Low-Fat Yogurt: For a lighter version.
- Dairy-Free Yogurts: Plain almond, cashew, or coconut milk yogurts are fantastic for vegan versions. Just be mindful of added sugars in some brands.
Again, nutritional content will shift with different yogurt types.
- Chia Seeds (To Keep or Not to Keep?): Chia seeds are a magical ingredient in overnight oats, primarily acting as a thickener and a nutritional powerhouse. They absorb a significant amount of liquid, giving the oats their characteristic pudding-like texture, while also adding fiber and omega-3s.
- Without Chia Seeds: If you prefer to omit chia seeds (perhaps due to texture preference or availability), your oatmeal will have a much thinner, runnier consistency. To counteract this, you might consider reducing the amount of milk by about 1-2 tablespoons or increasing the yogurt slightly to achieve a thicker result. The oats will still soften, but it won’t be as “set.”
- Flax Seeds: Ground flax seeds can be used as a substitute for chia seeds, also acting as a thickener and providing omega-3s, but they might alter the texture slightly.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup is a natural and delicious choice, but you can use alternatives like honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, or even a sugar-free sweetener if preferred. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
- Hazelnut Spread: While Nutella is iconic, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, many brands now offer lower-sugar or organic hazelnut cacao spreads. You could also try making your own!
Essential Equipment for Overnight Oats
Making Nutella overnight oats is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal kitchen tools. You likely already have everything you need!
- Airtight Container: The most important piece of equipment! This can be a mason jar, a reusable food container with a lid, or even a simple bowl covered with plastic wrap. An airtight seal is key to keeping your oats fresh and preventing them from absorbing fridge odors.
- Spoon or Whisk: For thoroughly mixing all the ingredients.
While any container will work, a 12 oz wide-mouth mason jar is commonly used and photographed here, offering a convenient single-serving size. However, for easier stirring and to accommodate toppings, a 16 oz jar will provide a bit more room to mix without spilling and plenty of space for your favorite additions.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
These Nutella overnight oats are a dream for meal preppers. Here’s how to store them effectively and make the most of your prep time:
- Refrigeration: Store your overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes them perfect for preparing a week’s worth of breakfasts on a Sunday.
- Consistency Over Time: The oats will continue to soften slightly over time, becoming creamier each day. By day 4 or 5, they will be very tender. If you prefer a firmer texture, you might consider making smaller batches more frequently.
- Adding Toppings: For best results, it’s often a good idea to add most fresh toppings (like fruit or crunchy nuts) just before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy or losing their texture during storage. However, things like chocolate chips or a swirl of extra Nutella can be added the night before.
- Making Multiple Servings: To streamline your meal prep, simply multiply the recipe ingredients by the number of servings you want to prepare. Mix each serving in its own individual jar, or combine all ingredients in a large bowl, then divide evenly among your containers before refrigerating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Overnight Oats
Yes, “old-fashioned oats” and “rolled oats” refer to the same type of oat. They are oat groats that have been steamed, then rolled flat. Sometimes packaging might use one term, the other, or both interchangeably. They are ideal for overnight oats because they absorb liquid well without becoming overly mushy, offering a satisfying chewy texture.
The best milk for overnight oats truly depends on your personal preference and dietary needs.
- Cow’s Milk (Dairy): Offers a creamy texture and is high in protein and calcium. Whole milk provides the richest consistency, while skim or 2% milk are lighter options.
- Oat Milk: Very popular for its incredibly creamy texture and natural sweetness. It creates a smooth and decadent overnight oat.
- Almond Milk: A low-calorie, low-carb option with a neutral, slightly nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Soy Milk: A good plant-based source of protein, with a mild flavor profile.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a subtle tropical flavor and a rich, thick consistency.
- Cashew Milk: Offers a smooth, creamy texture similar to dairy milk.
Experiment with different types to find your favorite! Each milk will subtly influence the final taste and texture of your oatmeal.
Nutella is a widely loved chocolate hazelnut spread. It boasts a distinctly sweet, rich, and creamy texture that is incredibly smooth and spreadable. The dominant flavors are sweet chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, creating a decadent, slightly nutty, and deeply satisfying taste profile that makes it so popular worldwide.
Absolutely! While traditionally enjoyed cold, overnight oats can definitely be heated if you prefer a warm breakfast. Simply transfer your oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until warmed through to your liking. You can also warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Chia seeds play a crucial role in overnight oats for two main reasons. Firstly, they are exceptional at absorbing liquid, swelling up to 10-12 times their size. This creates the thick, pudding-like consistency that is characteristic of overnight oats. Without them, your oats would be much thinner. Secondly, they are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various micronutrients, making your breakfast even healthier and more satisfying.
More Delicious Overnight Oats Recipes
If you’re a fan of these delightful Nutella overnight oats, you’ll be thrilled to discover my other easy and flavorful overnight oats recipes. They are perfect for adding variety to your breakfast routine!
- Cookie Butter Overnight Oats
- Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Overnight Oats with Protein Powder
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
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Nutella Overnight Oats
Equipment
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Mason jar (16 oz)
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Nutella
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon toasted hazelnuts chopped (optional)
Instructions
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Add all of the ingredients except the hazelnuts to a jar or bowl and stir to combine until the Nutella and cocoa powder are completely mixed in.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight or a minimum of four hours.
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Remove from the fridge, stir the oatmeal, and serve cold or hot. Top with toasted hazelnuts (optional), more Nutella, and any other desired toppings. To heat, microwave in 30-second intervals.
Video
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The old-fashioned oats will become softer over time.