| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins (Needs to sit overnight) | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 495 | 27g | 8g | 53g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 14g | 13g | 0.02g |
There are few things as heart-warming and delightful as the fusion of flavors in the Chocolatey Cacao Overnight Oats. This recipe, peppered with the rich delights of berries, banana, almond butter and a generous dusting of cacao, is the embodiment of nutritious and delightful indulgence. I find it perfect for those early mornings when I crave a sweet, stick-to-your-ribs kind of breakfast that’s both wholesome and irresistibly delicious.
A Delicious Medley of Tastes from My Louisiana Roots and French Ancestry
Growing up in Louisiana and coming from a French lineage, I have always enjoyed sweet, hearty breakfasts and snacks. This recipe echoes some of the favorite flavors from my childhood home, presenting a delightful blend of Creole richness and French elegance.
The chocolatey cacao oats remind me of the dark, rich cups of chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) we would savor in France, while the fresh burst of berries and the nutty crunch of almonds match up with the bold, vibrant flavors typical of Creole cuisine. What’s more, the touch of coconut brings a whole new layer reminiscent of the traditional New Orleans coconut pastries I loved growing up.
The Healthful Indulgence
Even more pleasing, these Chocolatey Cacao Overnight Oats are packed full of quality, low-glycemic, plant-based ingredients making it a powerhouse option for a super healthy breakfast; filled with antioxidants, fiber, and proteins, it presents an ideal kick-start for your morning. Also, Oats are a whole grain and source of soluble fiber which can potentially protect your heart health. And let’s not forget about the chocolatey cacao, believed to have some excellent mood-enhancing properties.
Complement and Combinations
The beauty of this treat lies in its versatility. Think of it as a ‘base’, pairing well with countless dishes, such as mixed berry coulis for a tangy flavor or toasted almond and honey dip for those extra sweet days.
No matter how you serve it, these Chocolatey Cacao Overnight Oats are all about enjoying a little touch of what I like to call ‘everyday gourmet’ – bringing together the indulgence of dessert-like goodness with the hearty robustness of a morning meal. Bon Appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of rolled oats
- 4.5 cups of almond milk
- 6 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons of cacao powder
- 6 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups of mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup of cacao nibs
- 6 tablespoons of shredded coconut
- 6 tablespoons of almond butter
- 1.5 bananas, sliced
Method
Step One
Start by gathering all of your ingredients for the recipe. This includes the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, mixed berries, cacao nibs, shredded coconut, almond butter, and bananas.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, cacao powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure that all of the ingredients are fully combined.
Step Three
Once all of the ingredients are mixed together, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the mixture to sit overnight. This will give the oats time to absorb the almond milk and soften.
Step Four
After the oats have absorbed the almond milk, the next step is to add in your toppings. First, mix in the cacao nibs and shredded coconut into the oats. Then, top the oats with the mixed berries and slices of banana.
Step Five
The final step is to dish out your servings and add a dollop of almond butter on top of each. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer your oats a little sweeter.
Step Six
Enjoy your Chocolatey Cacao Overnight Oats! This easy-to-make, nutritious breakfast will give you all of the energy you need to start your day.
