If you love a hint of rich coffee flavor with your morning oats, Mocha Overnight Oats are about to become your new breakfast obsession! This recipe blends espresso, chocolate, and creamy yogurt for a make-ahead treat that feels decadent but takes just minutes to prep. Every bite tastes like your favorite mocha—only heartier, healthier, and perfect for kickstarting the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Coffee Shop Flavors—At Home: Enjoy the chocolatey-coffee magic of your favorite café drink, all in a quick, wholesome breakfast.
- Meal Prep Perfection: Make a double batch and enjoy ready-to-eat, energy-boosting mornings all week long.
- Super Customizable: Amp up the nutrition with your favorite add-ins or adjust the sweetness and strength for your ideal mocha.
- No-Cook, Minimal Cleanup: Everything comes together in one jar—no stove, no stress, and hardly any dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You just need a handful of pantry basics to make Mocha Overnight Oats, and each one pulls its weight! These simple ingredients layer together to create a breakfast that’s creamy, chocolatey, and full of bold, perky flavor—plus, there’s plenty of room for add-ins to make it your own.
- Old-fashioned oats: Use rolled oats for the best texture—they soften overnight but still keep that lovely chewy bite.
- Yogurt (plain or vanilla): Makes your oats ultra-creamy and adds a tangy richness; vanilla yogurt sweetens things up even more.
- Espresso or strong coffee: The star of the mocha show! Go bold for a deep coffee kick, or swap in decaf for a gentle boost.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This transforms everyday oats into a breakfast treat that’s pure, chocolatey indulgence—but still totally wholesome.
- Vanilla: Enhances both the chocolate and coffee flavors, making every bite taste like dessert-for-breakfast.
- Honey: Just enough natural sweetness to balance out the cocoa’s richness—but maple syrup is also delicious here!
- Add-ins (chia seeds, flax meal, hemp hearts, berries): These boost the nutrition, fiber, and texture, and you can mix ’n’ match according to what you love or have on hand.
Variations
It’s so easy to make these Mocha Overnight Oats your own! Whether you’re working with special dietary needs or just want to shake things up, these creative twists keep breakfast exciting and suited to your taste.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the yogurt for a creamy coconut or almond milk yogurt, and you’ll still get that luscious texture with a delicious plant-based twist.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter (or almond butter) for extra richness and that classic flavor combo everyone loves.
- Protein Power-Up: Add a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder—a great option if you’re fueling a workout!
- Low-Sugar Version: Omit the honey and sweeten to taste with your favorite sugar-free sweetener, or go totally unsweetened if you love bold, dark-chocolate flavor.
How to Make Mocha Overnight Oats
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients
Start by grabbing two sturdy jars or containers—wide-mouthed mason jars work perfectly. Add ½ cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup yogurt, ¼ cup strong coffee or espresso, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon honey to each jar. Want to boost nutrition? Sprinkle in up to 1 teaspoon each of chia seeds, flax meal, or hemp hearts. Toss in a handful of berries if you like them bursting with morning flavor!
Step 2: Mix, Cover, and Chill
Give each jar a thorough stir, making sure all the cocoa dissolves and everything’s evenly blended. If you’ve used a lot of add-ins, splash in another tablespoon or two of liquid to keep things creamy. Pop a lid on your jars and put them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or let them work their magic overnight so you wake up to ready-to-eat oats!
Step 3: Enjoy—Cold or Warm!
In the morning, simply grab a jar, give it a quick stir, and dig in. For a cozy breakfast, microwave your Mocha Overnight Oats for about 30 seconds to take the chill off. Top with extra berries, a swirl of yogurt, chocolate shavings, or anything you’re craving.
Pro Tips for Making Mocha Overnight Oats
- Espresso Intensity: The stronger your coffee or espresso, the bolder your mocha flavor! Don’t be shy about choosing a rich roast for that true café punch.
- Perfect Cocoa Mix-In: Sift your cocoa powder before adding to avoid pesky lumps—smooth oats guaranteed every time.
- Extra Creamy Texture: Prefer silkier oats? Use Greek yogurt or add a splash of milk to the mix before refrigerating.
- Batch Prep Like a Pro: Make several jars at once and feel like the most organized (and well-caffeinated) version of yourself all week!
How to Serve Mocha Overnight Oats
Garnishes
When serving, a sprinkle of fresh berries or a handful of cacao nibs takes your Mocha Overnight Oats from everyday to extraordinary. Shaved dark chocolate, toasted coconut, or even a dollop of whipped cream will make your oats look (and taste!) completely irresistible—feel free to make it fancy, even if it’s just for you.
Side Dishes
Pair your oats with a glass of cold brew, a smoothie loaded with greens, or a plate of crisp apple slices. On busy mornings, Mocha Overnight Oats are satisfying solo, but if you like a bigger breakfast, scrambled eggs or smoked salmon toast make a beautiful, protein-packed side.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those gorgeous mocha layers by serving in clear glasses or small mason jars. For a brunch buffet, line up individual jars on a pretty tray and let guests pick toppings. Or, make a “build-your-own oats” bar with bowls of fresh fruit, nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mocha Overnight Oats keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Seal them tightly in jars or containers, and you’ll have a grab-and-go breakfast (or snack!) whenever you want. If the oats have thickened too much, just stir in a splash of milk or coffee to loosen before enjoying.
Freezing
You can freeze Mocha Overnight Oats, but the texture may change a bit once thawed. For best results, freeze without fresh fruit or toppings, then defrost overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving. Add your favorite garnishes fresh in the morning for the tastiest results.
Reheating
These oats are delicious cold right out of the fridge, but if you crave a warm mocha hug, microwave them for 30–40 seconds until just heated through. Give them a good stir midway so they warm evenly, and add a splash of milk if needed for extra creaminess.
FAQs
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Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso in Mocha Overnight Oats?
Yes, you can! Simply dissolve your favorite instant coffee granules in hot water and let it cool before mixing into the oats. Adjust the strength to fit your flavor preferences—just aim for a bold, rich brew to get that classic mocha vibe.
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Are Mocha Overnight Oats gluten-free?
They absolutely can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. All other base ingredients—yogurt, cocoa, coffee, honey—are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious breakfast option for those sensitive to gluten.
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Can I make Mocha Overnight Oats without yogurt?
Definitely. You can substitute the yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt or simply use extra milk (dairy or non-dairy) for soaking. The oats may be a bit less creamy, but the flavor and texture are still delicious!
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Is it okay to add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, adding a scoop of protein powder (especially chocolate or vanilla) is a fantastic way to bump up the nutrition, making these oats even more satisfying and energizing for busy mornings.
Final Thoughts
Give these Mocha Overnight Oats a spot in your weekly routine, and you’ll wake up excited for breakfast—coffee, chocolate, and oats all in one spoonful! If you try them, I’d love to hear how you topped yours or any delicious twists you added. Here’s to starting your day chocolatey, caffeinated, and just a little bit fancy!
Print
Mocha Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Refrigerate
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day with a delicious and energizing breakfast by making these Mocha Overnight Oats. Packed with the goodness of oats, yogurt, espresso, and cocoa powder, these oats are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Customize with your favorite add-ins for a nutritious morning treat!
Ingredients
Oats:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
Yogurt:
- 1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
Espresso:
- 2 long shots of espresso, or 1/2 cup strong coffee
Cocoa Powder:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Vanilla:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Honey:
- 2 tablespoons honey
Add-ins:
- Chia seeds, flax meal, hemp hearts, and berries for serving
Instructions
- Fill the jars: Fill each jar with ½ cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup yogurt, ¼ cup coffee or espresso, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate: Cover the jars with a lid and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Warm up for 30 seconds in the microwave, or enjoy cold.
Notes
- Nutritional add-ins, up to 1 teaspoon of each per jar, like chia seeds, flax meal, or hemp hearts can be added before refrigerating overnight. Add a little more liquid, about a tablespoon or two, since these add-ins will absorb liquid. Stir well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 62mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
