If there’s one thing that makes mornings better, it’s waking up to a delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast that requires zero effort. And what could be better than something that tastes like dessert but is secretly packed with nutrition? Enter: Nutella Overnight Oats—a rich, chocolatey, and creamy breakfast treat that comes together in minutes and keeps you full for hours.
Overnight oats are one of the easiest meal prep breakfasts you can make. Instead of cooking oats on the stovetop or in the microwave, you simply mix everything together the night before and let the oats soak up the flavors and soften in the fridge overnight. By morning, they’re perfectly creamy and infused with the dreamy, nutty goodness of Nutella.
Not only is this recipe incredibly simple, but it’s also highly customizable. Whether you prefer a thicker, pudding-like consistency or something more liquidy, you can easily adjust the texture to your liking by tweaking the amount of liquid. Plus, you can switch up the add-ins, toppings, and mix-ins to keep things exciting.
These Nutella Overnight Oats are perfect for busy mornings, meal prepping, and even as a post-workout snack. They’re packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats that provide long-lasting energy and keep you feeling satisfied. If you have a sweet tooth but still want a balanced meal, this is the perfect way to enjoy Nutella in a healthier way.
Why You’ll Love These Nutella Overnight Oats
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but here are the top ones
- Zero Cooking Required – You don’t need to turn on the stove, boil water, or even microwave anything. Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy the next morning.
- Tastes Like a Decadent Dessert – Nutella gives these oats a rich, chocolatey, and nutty flavor that makes them taste almost like a chocolate mousse or pudding.
- Nutritious & Satisfying – Oats are loaded with fiber, chia seeds add omega-3s and protein, and Nutella provides healthy fats, making this a well-balanced meal.
- Totally Customizable – You can change the flavors, adjust the sweetness, add different toppings, and even boost the protein content if you need extra energy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a few jars at once, and you’ll have breakfast ready for the next 3–4 days with minimal effort.
How Long Does It Take to Make?
Even though these oats need to sit overnight to achieve that creamy texture, the actual prep time is incredibly quick. Here’s what you need to know
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: At least 4 hours, but preferably overnight
- Total Time: 5 minutes of work, then hands-off chilling
- Servings: 2–3, depending on portion size
Ingredients – What You’ll Need to make this Nutella Overnight Oats
The ingredients for Nutella Overnight Oats are simple and mostly pantry staples. Here’s a breakdown of what each ingredient does in the recipe
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats – Also called old-fashioned oats, these absorb liquid well without getting mushy. Avoid using quick oats (which turn too soft) or steel-cut oats (which don’t soften enough).
- 2 cups milk – You can use dairy or non-dairy milk like almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. The creamier the milk, the richer the oats will taste.
- ½ cup Nutella – The star ingredient! Nutella adds that signature chocolate-hazelnut flavor and makes the oats incredibly indulgent. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on how chocolatey you want them.
- 1 tbsp chia seeds – These tiny seeds are optional but highly recommended. They absorb liquid, helping to thicken the oats while adding fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and gives the oats a more well-rounded, dessert-like flavor.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey – Nutella is already sweet, so this is optional, but it helps balance the flavors, especially if you prefer a sweeter breakfast.
- Pinch of salt – A small amount of salt might seem unnecessary, but it helps bring out the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness.
Topping Ideas (Optional but highly recommended!)
Toppings add extra texture, flavor, and nutrients. Here are some delicious options to customize your oats
- Fresh fruit: Sliced bananas, strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for natural sweetness
- Crunchy elements: Chopped hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a satisfying crunch
- Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs: A little extra chocolate never hurts!
- Shredded coconut: Adds a tropical vibe and pairs well with Nutella’s nutty flavor
- Granola: Provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy oats
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Turn it into a Nutella smoothie! Blend the oats with a little extra milk for a thick, drinkable breakfast.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Nutella Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by adding the rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir everything together to distribute the chia seeds evenly—this ensures that they don’t clump together once the liquid is added.
Step 2: Prepare the Nutella Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, Nutella, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using). If your Nutella is too thick to mix easily, you can microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften it slightly. This makes it easier to incorporate into the milk.
Step 3: Combine Everything Together
Pour the Nutella-milk mixture over the oats and stir well. Make sure all the oats are fully coated and submerged in liquid. The mixture might seem thin at first, but don’t worry—it will thicken significantly overnight as the oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid.
Step 4: Store in Jars & Refrigerate
Divide the oat mixture into mason jars or airtight containers. Secure the lids and place them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer they sit, the better the texture will be.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
The next morning, take the jars out of the fridge and give the oats a good stir. If they seem too thick, simply add a splash of milk and mix again until you reach your desired consistency. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or granola, then dig in!
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer warm oats, microwave them for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway through, until they reach your preferred temperature.
Expert Tips for the Best Nutella Overnight Oats
- For ultra-creamy oats: Use whole milk or a mix of half milk and half Greek yogurt for a super creamy consistency.
- Let them sit overnight: The longer they soak, the better the texture. If you’re in a rush, 4 hours is the minimum.
- Adjust the sweetness: If Nutella alone is sweet enough for you, skip the maple syrup or honey.
- Use the right oats: Rolled oats work best—quick oats get too soft, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.
Tasty Variations to Try
- Banana Nutella Oats: Mash half a banana into the oat mixture before refrigerating.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oats: Swap Nutella for peanut butter and add 1 tbsp cocoa powder.
- Protein-Packed Oats: Stir in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
- Mocha Overnight Oats: Replace ½ cup of milk with cold brew coffee for a mocha flavor.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate spread.
Final Thoughts – Your New Favorite Breakfast!
These Nutella Overnight Oats are the ultimate combination of convenience, indulgence, and nutrition. They’re perfect for meal prep, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy them cold, warm, thick, or liquidy, this is one breakfast you’ll never get tired of.
Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below—I’d love to see your creations! 😊
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Creamy Nutella Overnight Oats – The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Nutella Overnight Oats are the ultimate chocolatey, creamy, and indulgent breakfast that you can prep in just 5 minutes! Made with rolled oats, Nutella, milk, and chia seeds, they create a delicious, no-cook meal that’s perfect for busy mornings. Just mix, refrigerate overnight, and wake up to a rich, dessert-like breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ cup Nutella (or chocolate hazelnut spread)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Chocolate shavings or crushed nuts (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, Nutella, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Pour the Nutella mixture over the oats and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into jars or airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, stir well and adjust the consistency with extra milk if needed.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or fruit, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker texture, add an extra ½ tablespoon of chia seeds.
- To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American