Are you looking for a breakfast that feels indulgent but is healthy? I have a delightful treat in store for you – Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats! This nutritious recipe combines the classic appeal of chocolate with the zesty freshness of oranges.
Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats are so convenient. Just spend a few minutes preparing them before you go to bed and wake up to a delicious healthy treat.
Whether you need a quick breakfast on a busy morning, a meal prep option for the week, or a satisfying snack for the kids, this recipe is fantastic.
You’ll also be pleased to know that this oat recipe not only tastes scrumptious, but is loaded with many nutritional benefits.
For another delicious healthy breakfast idea try my Mango Smoothie Bowl.
For lots more information about oats read my article on the benefits of overnight oats vs cooked.
Why you should make this:
- Healthy
- Convenient – this makes a great on the go breakfast to take to work
- Great for meal prep fans or busy families
- Makes a great after school snack for kids
Variations of Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats
- Get creative with additional toppings such as chopped banana, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds or a small drizzle of nut butter.
- To make this vegan and lactose free, replace the yoghurt and cow’s milk with plant based yoghurt, full fat coconut milk or another plant based milk.
- This recipe can be adapted into a dessert – layer the overnight oats with yoghurt and berries to make a delicious healthy dessert.
- Or for a more indulgent treat, layer with whipped cream and add chocolate shaving to the top!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have oats daily?
Yes! Oats are very nutrient dense and eating a portion of oats everyday is a great way to gain health benefits such as reduced cholesterol, improved blood sugar levels and good bowel health.
The versatility of overnight oats means you can get a variety of nutrients in your diet by adding different toppings to your oats, such as berries, banana or apples.
Are chocolate orange overnight oats healthy?
This overnight oats recipe is healthy and provide several nutritional benefits:
Fibre – The rolled oats and dates are rich in fibre, keeping you full, satisfied and looking after your bowel health.
Polyphenols – The cocoa powder is rich in polyphenol antioxidants which will reduce inflammation as well as many other possible health benefits.
Vitamin C – The orange juice and zest will give you a vitamin C boost.
How many calories are in a serving of Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats?
This recipe provides 376 calories per serving. To reduce the calorie content for weight loss you could use low fat yoghurt and milk and replace the sugar with a sweetener of your choice.
Are overnight oats high in protein?
This dish packs in the protein with its combination of oats, yoghurt, and milk. One serving provides around 14g of protein.
How Long Should You Leave Overnight Oats?
The term “overnight” oats can be a bit misleading. While leaving them overnight is a common practice, it’s not mandatory. You can actually prepare them in as little as 2 hours which is great if you want to serve this as a dessert.
Ingredients for Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats
For one serving of this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
½ cup of rolled oats – these provide a filling, nutritious base for this dish.
¼ cup of plain yoghurt – this adds the creaminess. Opt for Greek yoghurt for extra protein.
¼ cup of milk – you can use your choice of milk, whether it’s dairy or plant-based. It provides just the right ratio of liquid for the oats to soak in.
1 tbsp of cocoa powder – for that indulgent chocolate flavour.
1 tbsp of chopped dates – these help to sweeten the dish and add a chewy texture and toffee flavour.
The zest and juice of ½ a fresh orange – for the Terry’s Chocolate Orange taste.
1 tbsp brown sugar – it needs some sweetness to counter the bitterness of the cocoa powder. You can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.
A very small pinch of salt – to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavours.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making chocolate orange overnight oats couldn’t be simpler:
Add all of the ingredients to a jar, screw on the lid and shake well until everything is well combined.
Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Enjoy straight from the jar, or decant to a bowl and top with some fresh or tinned mandarin orange pieces.
To prepare more than one serving just multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need.
What Not to Add to Overnight Oats
While overnight oats are incredibly versatile, there are a few ingredients that may not work well due to their texture or flavour profile when left to soak overnight. Here are some things to avoid:
Fresh Fruit: Delicate fruits like bananas, apples, and berries may become mushy when added to overnight oats. It’s better to add them just before serving for a fresh, crisp texture.
Nuts and Seeds: While nuts and seeds can add a delightful crunch, they can also become soggy when soaked for too long. To maintain their texture, sprinkle them on top just before eating.
Protein Powder: Some protein powders can thicken overnight oats too much, resulting in a less appealing texture. If you want to boost protein content, consider stirring in the protein powder right before eating.
Meal Prep and Storage of Overnight Oats
Looking to streamline your mornings or plan ahead for the week? Here are some tips for meal prep and proper storage:
Batch Preparation: Prepare multiple servings at once to save time.
Use Airtight Containers: Store your overnight oats in airtight containers or jars. These containers keep the oats fresh and prevent any unwanted odours or flavours from seeping in.
Refrigeration: Once prepared, you can refrigerate your oats for up to 3-4 days. They’ll remain delicious and safe to eat during this time.
Customise Daily: While you can prepare several servings in advance, don’t forget to customise your toppings and extras daily to keep things exciting.
To recap, overnight oats are a health-conscious choice, offering balanced nutrition and a wealth of benefits. You can enjoy them every day as part of your breakfast or as a snack. With a little creativity, they can even transform into a dessert-worthy treat.
Why not give this recipe a try, and discover the magic of the chocolate and orange flavours. Feel free to experiment with toppings and extras to make it your own.
I’d love to hear from you! If you try this Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats recipe or have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please share your experience.
Enjoy your oats!
Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup plain yoghurt
- 1/4 cup milk – cow's or plant based
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp chopped dates
- 1/2 orange, zest and juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 very small pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a jar and screw on the lid. Shake well until everything is well combined
- Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight
- Enjoy straight from the jar or decant to a bowl and add some fresh or tinned mandarin oranges
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