Almond Joy Overnight Oats (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Almond Joy Overnight Oats – These creamy chocolate coconut overnight oats feel like such a treat to wake up to! They’re a great breakfast for a busy morning or whenever you need something easy. (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Now that we’re back to our school morning routine, I’m back in quick & easy breakfast mode. Anyone else? Anything I can do the night before to make the morning shuffle a bit easier is the name of the game, and that’s where a healthy breakfast like these Almond Joy Overnight Oats come in.

Mixed up in minutes, these chocolate coconut overnight oats go into the fridge overnight (or for a few minutes the morning of–whichever!), and all I need to do in the morning is add a few toppings (if I want!), and I’m ready to dive in. I LOVE a breakfast like this–amazing flavor…quick and easy…plus chocolate + coconut + almonds?

YUM.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started…

Here’s What You Need to Make Almond Joy Overnight Oats:

• (Gluten-Free) Rolled Oats. Like all my overnight oats recipes, our Almond Joy Overnight Oats start with rolled outs. We’re gluten-free, so I always buy certified GF oats like Bob’s Red Mill, Thrive Market, Trader Joe’s, or One Degree brands. Rolled oats strike the perfect texture. (Quick oats get too soft, while steel-cut stay too hard & chewy)
• Chia Seeds. To thicken the mixture and make it nice and creamy (while getting in some plant-based protein and healthy fats while we’re at it!), I always add chia seeds. They’re easier than ever to find–even places like Target and Walmart carry them!
• Dark Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. It’s amazing just how much chocolate flavor you can coax out of unsweetened cocoa powder. I like using Dutch cocoa powder (sometimes labeled dark cocoa or alkalized cocoa) because it gives the most chocolatey look. It’s also less acidic raw than regular unsweetened cocoa, but use whichever you have!
• Shredded Coconut. Unsweetened shredded coconut is the first step in taking this recipe from chocolate overnight oats to Almond Joy overnight oats. If you have the time (it only takes a few minutes!), I *highly* recommend toasting the coconut first for even more delicious flavor.
• Sliced or Chopped Almonds. To pump up our Almond Joy Overnight Oats flavors, I add sliced or chopped almonds. These will soften somewhat overnight, so if you prefer them more crisp, feel free to add them right before eating. It’s up to you! (I usually garnish with extra!)
• Pure Maple Syrup. Just a little sweetness from syrup makes these flavors sing!
• Vanilla + Almond Extract. A little vanilla and just a few drops of almond extract highlight all the gorgeous chocolate, coconut, and almond flavors we’re trying to bring out.
• A Tiny Pinch of Salt. I always recommend a tiny pinch (less than 1/8 tsp.) of salt with my overnight oats. It balances the flavor beautifully.
• Almond Milk or Light Coconut Milk. Either of these will play up the Almond Joy notes, but I love light coconut milk the best. It has a creamier texture!
• Your Favorite Toppings. Now that you’ve got the basic Almond Joy Overnight Oats recipe, you’re ready for my favorite part: The TOPPINGS!

The Best Toppings For Almond Joy Overight Oats.

Strictly speaking, you don’t *need* to add any extra toppings in the morning if you’re in a rush, but I really think they add a lot. Here are some of our favorites…

• Mini Chocolate Chips. A few mini chocolate chips go a long way! A tiny sprinkle adds a chocolatey crunch and makes these chocolate coconut overnight oats feel like a real treat.
• Sliced or Chopped Almonds. I love the softer almonds mixed in, then I love adding a few fresh ones on top for a bit of crunch. SO GOOD. (Again, toasting the almonds will add lots of flavor!)
• Coconut. A bit more coconut looks and tastes great! (Especially if you’ve toasted it. 😉)
• Cacao Nibs. If you want the chocolatey crunch without any added sugar, antioxidant rich cacao nibs can be a great way to go. They do run bitter, so if you’re not used to them, start small. (I LOVE THEM.)
• Fresh Berries. Non-traditional, but fresh berries are a great flavor pairing with every element in these Almond Joy Overnight Oats! (berries + coconut/chocolate/almonds = love)

FAQ + TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST ALMOND JOY OVERNIGHT OATS:

MAKE THEM CREAMIER! If you like your chocolate coconut overnight oats a bit thicker, you can use a few tablespoons of yogurt in place of some of the milk. It adds quite a bit of thickness even with just a few tablespoons.

REGULAR COCOA POWDER VS. DARK COCOA POWDER. I prefer using dark cocoa powder (sometimes labeled Dutched cocoa or alkalized cocoa powder) in our Almond Joy overnight oats because it really channels that rich chocolatey color. It also happens to be less acidic when eaten raw, which is a perk since many folks eat their overnight oats cold. If you only have regular unsweetened cocoa powder, it will also work–you just won’t get the same rich color and the flavor may be less chocolatey. You can add a bit more cocoa powder if needed to compensate.

BEST CONTAINERS FOR OVERNIGHT OATS. I prefer containers with lids, since they easily store overnight in the fridge. I love Weck jars, like these ones (pictured in the post) or these ones, or these more budget-friendly containers.

HOW LONG DO OVERNIGHT OATS LAST IN THE FRIDGE? Generally speaking, overnight oats last well 2-3 days in the refrigerator for the best texture, but can last up to 4-5 days. They will continue to soften and thicken as time passes, so you may need to add a drizzle of milk before serving.

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