These Nutella Overnight Oats taste like dessert for breakfast while offering the convenience, creaminess, and nutrition of make-ahead oats. In about 5 minutes you combine rolled oats, milk, cocoa, and creamy hazelnut spread, then refrigerate overnight. By morning you have a rich, chocolatey grab-and-go breakfast that’s ideal for busy weekdays or anyone who loves Nutella.
Why I Love Nutella Oats
Mornings can be rushed, so make-ahead breakfasts like overnight oats are a game changer. I prep several jars on Sunday evening and enjoy them all week. This Nutella version is especially satisfying because it hits dessert notes while still being practical. Highlights:
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Excellent for meal prep and grab-and-go mornings
- Pairs well with many toppings
- Reminds you that make-ahead breakfasts make busy mornings easier
Ingredients that Matter
You probably already have most of these on hand. Below are the key ingredients and why they matter:
- Nutella – A creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread that gives these oats their signature flavor. You can substitute another chocolate nut spread if preferred.
- Rolled oats – Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats will become softer and steel-cut oats are not recommended for overnight soaking.
- Milk – Any milk works: dairy or plant-based (oat, soy, almond). You can also use yogurt for a thicker result.
- Cocoa powder – Boosts the chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
- Flaxseeds – Ground flax or chia add fiber, omega-3s, and help thicken the mixture.
- Salt – Just a pinch to enhance the chocolate notes.
- Toppings – Fresh fruit, granola, or nuts add texture and nutrients.
- Maple syrup or honey (optional) – Add if you prefer a sweeter breakfast.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
How to prepare Nutella Overnight Oats
Making overnight oats is straightforward. Follow these steps and a few simple tips for the best results:
Whisk together the milk (or your chosen liquid), cocoa powder, and most of the Nutella in a mixing bowl until smooth. Warming the mixture briefly (about 15–30 seconds in the microwave) helps the cocoa dissolve and makes it easier to combine.
Stir in the rolled oats, ground flaxseeds, and a pinch of salt until everything is evenly coated.
The mixture will be quite liquidy at this stage—this is normal. The oats absorb the liquid as they chill.
Divide the mixture into jars or an airtight container. Press the oats down so they’re submerged, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Hint: After chilling, loosen remaining Nutella with a splash of warm milk and drizzle it over the oats for a silky topping.
Substitutions
The recipe is flexible. Here are some common swaps depending on dietary needs or preferences:
- Rolled oats – For gluten-free, buy oats labeled gluten-free.
- Nutella – Any chocolate nut butter works; keep in mind many contain milk.
- Milk – Use whole, low-fat, or plant-based milk; yogurt can be used for a thicker texture.
- Flaxseeds – Substitute chia seeds if you prefer.
- Yogurt – Replace milk with 1 cup plain yogurt for a richer, thicker overnight oat.
Toppings for Overnight Oats
Top your Nutella overnight oats straight from the fridge or add toppings for flavor and texture. Good options include fresh berries, sliced banana, granola, or chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Fruit adds vitamins while granola and nuts add crunch and extra protein.
Variations
Try these simple variations to change the flavor or texture:
- Banana Nutella Oats – Mash a ripe banana into the mixture for natural sweetness.
- Nutella Protein Oats – Stir in a scoop of protein powder before refrigerating.
- Peanut Butter Nutella Oats – Replace half the Nutella with peanut or almond butter.
- Mocha Nutella Oats – Add 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder for a mocha twist.
- Quick-Oats Version – Use quick oats for a softer, more pudding-like texture.
Storage
These overnight oats store well in the refrigerator for 4–5 days when kept covered. The recipe makes two 1-cup servings; scale up as needed. If you don’t have jars, use an airtight container and portion at serving time. Avoid freezing, as the texture changes unfavorably.
Adam’s Pro Tip
If you prefer warm oats, microwave a covered jar for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway, to create a Nutella porridge. Alternatively, let a chilled jar sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving, then refrigerate any leftovers promptly.
FAQ
Stored covered, overnight oats keep for 4–5 days. They will continue to soften the longer they sit.
Yes. Using yogurt yields a much thicker texture; you can also combine half milk/half yogurt for balance.
No. Nutella contains milk ingredients, so the recipe is not dairy-free.
Quick oats will give a softer, porridge-like result. Steel-cut oats are too firm for a single overnight soak and are not recommended.
Any dairy or plant-based milk works. Choose based on flavor and desired creaminess.
Start with less sweetness and add more at serving if needed. Nutella adds sweetness, or use maple syrup or honey to taste.
Yes. Oats and seeds provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nutella adds flavor and sugar—balance it with fruit, nuts, or yogurt for added nutrition.
More Breakfast Recipes
If you enjoyed this, try other simple breakfast ideas like fruit-topped cakes, muffins, or different overnight oat flavors for variety.
Recipe
Nutella Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 2 cups (2 x 1-cup servings)
Description
These Nutella Overnight Oats taste like dessert for breakfast but keep the ease and nutrition of make-ahead oats. Stir together the ingredients in minutes, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy a chocolatey, ready-to-eat breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (plus 2 tsp for the topping)
- 3 Tbsp Nutella, divided
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed (or chia seeds)
- 1 pinch table salt
- Granola, berries, or banana slices for serving
Instructions
- Whisk together 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons Nutella, cocoa powder, and maple syrup (if using) in a bowl. If needed, warm briefly to help dissolve the cocoa and blend the Nutella smoothly.
- Stir in the oats, flaxseeds, and salt. Divide into two 1-cup jars or an airtight container, pressing the oats so they are submerged. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon Nutella with 2 teaspoons milk until loosened and drizzle over the oats. Top with granola, berries, or banana slices.
Notes
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
- This recipe yields two 1-cup servings. Scale as needed.
- Use any type of milk or substitute yogurt for a thicker texture.
- Nutella contains milk, so this recipe is not dairy-free.