Almond Joy Overnight Oats
A creamy, nutty, and naturally sweetened overnight oats recipe inspired by the classic Almond Joy candy bar. High in fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, this no-cook breakfast is ready in minutes and perfect for meal prep or a quick, satisfying start to your day.
Equipment
- 1 mason jar or small bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Base:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup coconut milk or any preferred plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Pinch of kosher salt
Toppings:
- 7 almonds chopped
- 1 square dark chocolate chopped
- Pinch of shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare Your Container: Choose a clean mason jar, small bowl, or any airtight container you prefer. A mason jar works especially well because it allows for easy layering and storage. Make sure it’s completely dry before adding ingredients to prevent any unwanted moisture from affecting the oats’ texture.
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In your chosen container, add ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats. Rolled oats are perfect for overnight soaking because they soften without turning mushy. Next, pour in ½ cup of coconut milk or your preferred milk alternative. This will provide a creamy texture and a hint of natural sweetness. Add 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut, which contributes flavor and healthy fats, a teaspoon of maple syrup for gentle sweetness, and a pinch of kosher salt to balance all the flavors.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir all the base ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the oats are evenly coated with the coconut milk, maple syrup, and coconut. This step ensures every bite will have a consistent flavor and texture, with the coconut and sweetness evenly distributed throughout the oats.
- Add Toppings Thoughtfully: Once the base is mixed, it’s time to add the fun part: the toppings. Sprinkle 7 chopped almonds over the oats for crunch and plant-based protein.Chop 1 square of dark chocolate into small pieces and scatter it evenly on top—these little pockets of chocolate will melt slightly as the oats absorb the milk, creating delightful bursts of flavor. Finally, finish with a small pinch of shredded coconut for extra texture and a visually appealing touch.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Secure the container with a tight-fitting lid or cover it with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and allow the oats to soak overnight or for at least 4 hours. During this time, the oats will absorb the liquid and soften, while the flavors of coconut, chocolate, and almonds meld beautifully, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Enjoy Your Breakfast: When ready to eat, remove the oats from the fridge. Give them a gentle stir to mix the toppings with the base. You can enjoy them cold directly from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer a slightly less chilled breakfast. Optional: add extra maple syrup, chocolate, or coconut on top for a more indulgent experience.
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: These overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them ideal for meal prep. Simply prepare multiple jars at once and grab one each morning for a quick, satisfying, and nutritious breakfast. The flavors deepen over time, so they taste even better the next day.
Notes
- Coconut milk can be substituted with any plant-based milk or regular milk. Whole milk gives a creamier texture.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup depending on preference.
- Use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut based on taste and dietary goals.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, switch to milk chocolate or add an extra chocolate square.
- Prep multiple servings at once for easy meal prep and grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Rolled oats work best; quick oats may become too mushy, and steel-cut oats require longer soaking.
