Fuel up your breakfast with these delicious high protein overnight oats without protein powder! Thick and rich these protein overnight oats are
are topped with a thick, creamy, chocolate ganache for maximum indulgence.
Whip up a few jars and transform your everyday breakfast into something much more protein-packed and dessert-like!
Skip the chaos in the mornings and have something on hand to grab.
These high protein overnight oats are a delicious blend of dairy-free fuel and chocolate indulgence (and these overnight oats with protein powder are more like dessert!).
Given that most of us struggle to start our day with a high-protein breakfast (outside of eggs!), this make-ahead recipe makes it easy to step up to your goals (though here are great ways to boost protein intake without protein powder).
Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet.
As a mom of three, having healthy, dairy-free breakfast recipes pre-made, and on hand saves my sanity in the morning. This is why I know you’ll fall in love with this recipe!
And if you need more healthy stuff on hand, check out these gluten free dairy free snacks to keep you fueled!
Why You'll Love Them
- Dairy-free and gluten-free
- Naturally sweetened
- Topped with thick, rich chocolate
- 25 grams of protein
- Thick and creamy (dessert for breakfast?!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry, you’re all set to whip up these high protein overnight oats! Though most are made with Greek yogurt, that's not the case here. In fact, you won't find any Greek yogurt or protein powder.
Regular oats: make sure to use regular rolled oats and not quick oats. Learn more about different types of oats and how to use them. Likewise, double-check that they’re certified gluten-free.
Collagen powder: one of the healthiest forms of protein and the secret ingredient in these protein overnight oats (and things like protein mug cake)! Learn the difference between collagen and protein powder as well as natural foods high in collagen to help keep you young.
Chia seeds; these little seeds are powerhouses of nutrients (chia seeds one of the three foods I recommend every toddler has in their diet!). They also absorb liquid to keep the high-protein overnight oats creamy.
Coconut milk: a dose of healthy fats that also helps to make the recipe indulgent. Learn everything you need to know about coconut milk.
Dairy-free milk: any non-dairy milk will work for the recipe. We use creamy, dreamy, homemade hemp milk most often.
Honey: you only need a little bit for this recipe but it makes the overnight oats more like dessert so don’t skip it!
Chocolate topping: this is a blend of dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil, and non-dairy yogurt. It comes out thick, rich, and almost fudge-like on the top of the oats.
How To Make Protein Overnight Oats
- In a bowl combine all the ingredients for the overnight oats and mix well.
- Let sit for 5 minutes and stir again.
- Portion into a flat container or mason jar.
- Make the chocolate topping by melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Stir in the vanilla and yogurt until mixed.
- Spread on top of the oats and pop into the fridge for four hours minimum.
Important Teaching Tips
Make sure to use coconut milk from a can and not anything watered down when you're making the high protein overnight oats. Drain the water from the can too. You want the thick, white creamy part only.
Let the mixture sit for five minutes and remix. This helps the chia seeds distribute better and not stick to the bottom.
These high-protein overnight oats make one large serving or two very small, snack-size servings.
Because vegan protein powder absorbs so much liquid, you can't use protein powder in place of collagen.
However, if you were to try it, opt for whey protein powder as it doesn't absorb as much. Learn more about how to choose protein powder for your goals.
If using a mason jar, I would portion half the oats, top with chocolate, and then put the rest of the overnight oats and chocolate on top. It will make it more decadent with each bite.
However, if using a flat container, you can portion it all at once.
These protein overnight oats are chunky and chewy. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the oatmeal ingredients before portioning them and topping them with chocolate.
Think overnight oats are slimy? If you love a creamier texture (versus chewy) blend the base before topping them with chocolate. It's a texture game-changer!
How To Store Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are best stored in the fridge in a sealed jar or airtight container. Stored like this they'll last up to 3 days.
Enjoy them right out of the fridge.
Do not freeze overnight oats. Once frozen they don't retain their texture when thawing.
Choosing Collagen Powder
It’s no surprise that these overnight protein oats are made with collagen powder!
All the protein without the bloat.
I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.
Learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth as how to increase protein intake.
Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.
And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.
Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.
I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.
Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Flavor Variations
This overnight protein oats recipe is very basic in terms of flavor: vanilla oats with chocolate on top. However, if you want to vary it, it's easy to do, simply skip the chocolate on top and try adding in some of the flavors below.
Apple cinnamon: skip the chocolate but add in half a teaspoon of cinnamon, a bit of almond butter, and some fresh, grated apples.
Tropical: add in shredded coconut to the base and top the oats with chopped mango or any fresh fruit.
Chunky monkey: add a tablespoon of peanut butter and one teaspoon of cacao powder to the base. Top the oats with slices of banana, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Overnight Oats
If you want to switch up the flavor to something like chocolate protein overnight oats, you can definitely use chocolate collagen. Or add 1 teaspoon of cacao powder.
Protein powder and collagen are not interchangeable in this high protein overnight oats recipe. This is because vegan protein powder absorbs so much liquid that it would make the overnight oats too thick.
Overnight oats can be a great breakfast recipe when your goals are weight loss related. However, it depends on your personal goals and needs. For weight loss, starting your day with protein is best. So, make sure to use a high protein overnight oats recipe.
Whenever possible, use rolled oats over quick oats. Quick oats tend to make overnight oats recipes a bit more soggy and mushy. Rolled ones keep a chewier texture.
Overnight oats are best stored in the fridge. Freezing overnight oats results in a mushy texture once they thaw.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
More Overnight Oats Recipes
- Espresso overnight oats
- Easy berry overnight oats
- Dairy-free overnight oats
- Cookie dough protein overnight oats
- Peanut butter and jam overnight oats
Other High-Protein Snacks You’ll Love
- Protein powder overnight oats
- Chocolate banana chia pudding
- 30+ collagen powder recipes
- Maple pecan oatmeal
- Flourless protein brownies
- Cookies and cream protein shake
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate chip protein powder muffins
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- High protein cookies
- High protein pancakes
- Yogurt protein pancakes
- Chocolate protein fluff
- Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
- High protein snack recipes
High Protein Overnight Oats Without Protein Powder
Video
Equipment
- 1 Small mason jar
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Rolled oats gluten-free as needed
- 3 tbs Collagen powder
- 1.5 tbs Chia seeds
- 3 tbs Coconut milk
- 3 tbs Almond milk or hemp milk
- 1 tbs Honey
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- Topping
- 1.5 tbs Dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tbs Mini chocolate chips
- ½ tb Coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla
Instructions
- Combine the oats, chia seeds, and collagen in one bowl.
- Add in the liquid ingredients one by one and mix well until everything is smooth and combined.
- While it’s sitting, melt the chocolate chips, and coconut oil over very lot heat.
- Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla and yogurt until smooth.
- Stir the oats one more time then top with the chocolate yogurt.
- Pop in the fridge for four hours.
Notes
- Make sure to use coconut milk from a can and not anything watered down. Drain the water from the can too. You want the thick, white creamy part only.
- Make sure to let the mixture sit for five minutes and remix. This helps the chia seeds distribute better and not stick to the bottom.
- These oats are chewy and thick, if you like a smoother blend, blend the oats ingredients before portioning them.
- These high-protein overnight oats makes one large serving or two very small, snack-size servings.
- Because vegan protein powder absorbs so much liquid, you can't use protein powder in place of collagen. However, if you were to try it, opt for whey protein powder as it doesn't abrosb as much.
- You can store the oats in the fridge for 2-3 days in a sealed container.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Lauren says
This was fantastic! Mornings can be hectic at times and I was looking for quick and easy breakfast options that are somewhat healthy. I made some on sunday for the week and it was the perfect grab and go breakfast!
fitasamamabear says
Having ready made makes busy morning easy!
Rosemary says
I am the person who just doesn't eat enough protein. I tried these overnight oats, and that layer of chocolate on top was so delicious. It felt a bit like having a dessert for breakfast, which isn't a bad thing. Good tip on draining the coconut milk.
fitasamamabear says
Chocolate is life lol
Rhonda says
I need chia seeds everyday. I'm glad I found this recipe. Filling and full of nutrients. This is one of my favorites now.
fitasamamabear says
Glad you're enjoying it!
Myla says
I love how easy and delicious these overnight oats are! I used hemp milk for this recipe and they turned out fantastic! Blending the oatmeal ingredients gave them a smoother texture which I loved.
fitasamamabear says
Happy you enjoyed them!
Patty says
I love that these don't use protein powder, so I tried them right away! They came out great and I felt so satisfied and full afterwards. Thanks so much!
fitasamamabear says
It's a nice switch up!
Addison says
I love starting my day with both chocolate and protein - so this is great for me!
fitasamamabear says
It's a great combo!
Glenda says
I loved the addition of chia in these yummy oats! I'm all about that texture. And yum! Love the chocolate crunch on top. It felt decadent to be having it for breakfast. Delish!
fitasamamabear says
The chia is a nice fat boost for sure glad you enjoyed them!
Neena says
Chocolate for breakfast?! You know I am in! I am a huge oatmeal fan and have been looking for additional ways to add more chia into my diet. I love that these are overnight oats so I can prepare at night and still have a healthy breakfast even on the busiest mornings. Will be giving this one a try.
fitasamamabear says
Haha chocolate is a life staple, but yes, also a nice way to get some chia in. So happy you both enjoyed them.
Donna says
Made a bunch of these to keep in the fridge for hubs to grab-n-go for brekkie this week as it's a hectic one. Went down a treat!
fitasamamabear says
Literally keeps you sane when there's already a snack waiting!
Bella says
This made enough for my partner and I to have for breakfast for a couple days. We both really enjoyed them. Thanks for the great recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Ah that's awesome, glad everyone loved them!