Name: Brownie Blended Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon chia seeds; 3/4 cup plant milk (oat milk preferred); 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or another sweetener; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 tablespoon nut butter (optional); Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (for stirring in or topping)

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Brownie Blended Overnight Oats are my go to fix for those mornings when I want something that feels like dessert, but I still need real breakfast energy. If you have ever stared into the fridge half awake, craving chocolate, and also wanting something that will actually keep you full, this is for you. I blend the base so it turns into this thick, brownie like “batter” vibe, then I let the fridge do the work overnight. If you are shopping for a good blender or just curious what features actually matter, I bookmarked this guide and keep sending it to friends: choose the best blender for smoothies. The best part is you can meal prep a few jars and feel like your future self is being so thoughtful.

Ingredients Needed for Brownie Overnight Oats

This recipe is simple, but the small details make it taste like a real treat. I’m giving you my favorite combo, and then I’ll help you swap stuff later if you need to.

Rolled oats: 1/2 cup (old fashioned oats work best for a creamy texture)
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons (go darker if you love rich chocolate)
Chia seeds: 1 tablespoon (they thicken everything and make it extra pudding like)
Plant milk: 3/4 cup (oat milk is my favorite here)
Maple syrup or another sweetener: 1 to 2 teaspoons, to taste
Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon
Pinch of salt: tiny, but it makes the chocolate pop
Optional but amazing: 1 tablespoon nut butter for that fudgy feel
Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: for stirring in or topping

I also like adding a spoon of dairy free yogurt sometimes for extra creaminess, but it is not required. If you want it to taste more like brownie batter, do not skip the salt. It sounds boring, but it is the difference between “chocolate oatmeal” and “whoa, this tastes like dessert.”

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How to make these vegan brownie batter overnight oats

Okay, this is where the “blended” part makes everything feel indulgent. You are basically making a chocolate oat base that turns super smooth, then letting the oats and chia do their thickening magic overnight.

Step by step (no stress, promise)

1) Add your plant milk, cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla, salt, and nut butter (if using) to a blender. Blend for about 15 to 25 seconds until smooth.

2) Pour that chocolatey mixture into a jar or container, then stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds.

3) Fold in a few chocolate chips if you want those little melty bites. Cover and pop it in the fridge overnight, or at least 4 hours.

4) In the morning, give it a stir. If it is too thick, add a splash of plant milk. If it is too thin, add a pinch more chia and wait 10 minutes.

This is the exact kind of recipe where a decent blender makes your life easier, especially if you use nut butter or like a really smooth base. If you want to compare options, I found this helpful when I was upgrading mine: best blender guide for smoothies.

“I made this on a Sunday night and ate it half asleep on Monday morning, and it honestly felt like I was getting away with dessert for breakfast. Even my kid asked for a second jar.”

One more little note from my kitchen: if your cocoa powder is clumpy, blend the liquid stuff first, then add cocoa and blend again. It fixes that dry dusty situation fast.

Why these brownie batter overnight oats are so, so good for you

Let’s be real. We are calling them brownies because it is fun and they taste chocolatey, but the base is still a pretty balanced breakfast. Brownie Blended Overnight Oats can keep you full for a long time, especially if you add nut butter or some protein on top.

The simple nutrition breakdown

Oats bring fiber that helps keep you satisfied, plus they are gentle and cozy on the stomach. Chia seeds add even more fiber and healthy fats, and they also create that thick pudding texture without needing anything fancy. Cocoa powder is not just flavor, it is also loaded with antioxidants, and it makes the whole thing feel like a treat instead of a chore.

If you want to bump up the protein, top it with a scoop of dairy free yogurt, a spoon of hemp hearts, or even a little protein powder blended into the liquid base. I do that on days when I know lunch will be late.

Also, since this is a blended recipe, the texture is super consistent, which is great if you are picky about oats. I used to be the person who said “I do not like overnight oats” until I tried blending the base. Total game changer. I learned a lot about what makes a blender actually work for thicker mixes from here: how to pick the right blender for smoothies.

And yes, I still consider it a win that I’m eating something that tastes like brownie batter at 8 a.m.

Substitutions and Variations

This is one of those recipes that is really forgiving. You can make it work with what you have, or tweak it to match your mood.

Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup is easy, but you can use honey (not vegan), agave, date syrup, or a mashed ripe banana. Banana makes it taste extra “bakery,” but it will also add banana flavor, obviously.

Milk swaps: Any plant milk works. Oat milk is naturally creamy. Almond milk makes it lighter. Coconut milk (from a carton) gives it a dessert vibe.

Oat swaps: Rolled oats are best, but quick oats work if that is what you have. It will be softer, more like pudding. I would not use steel cut oats unless you like a lot of chew and plan to soak longer.

Make it extra rich: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of melted dark chocolate into the blended liquid. I do this when I want full on “treat yourself” energy.

Fun toppings (pick one or go wild): sliced strawberries, raspberries, chopped walnuts, toasted coconut, extra cocoa dusting, or a little whipped coconut cream.

If you are making multiple jars for the week, keep toppings separate until you eat them. Otherwise things get soggy, and nobody wants sad nuts.

Also, because this is Brownie Blended Overnight Oats, the blending matters most when you want that smooth brownie batter feel. If you are struggling with a blender that leaves chunks behind, it might be time to look at something stronger: blender recommendations for smoothie style mixes.

Top Tip

My biggest tip is this: taste the blended liquid before you add the oats. It should taste like a lightly sweetened cocoa drink. If it tastes flat, add a tiny pinch more salt or a small splash of vanilla. If it tastes too bitter, add a touch more sweetener. Once the oats go in, you can still adjust, but it is harder to get everything evenly mixed.

And if you want the most “brownie” texture, stir in a few chocolate chips right before eating. They get a little soft and it feels like you are biting into actual brownie bits.

Common Questions

Can I make Brownie Blended Overnight Oats without a blender?

Yes. Whisk the cocoa into the milk really well, then stir everything together. The texture will be more like classic overnight oats instead of smooth brownie batter, but it still tastes great.

How long do they last in the fridge?

Usually 3 to 4 days. I like them best within the first 2 days because the oats still have a nice texture.

Why are my oats too thick in the morning?

Chia and oats both thicken a lot overnight. Just add a splash of plant milk and stir until it loosens up.

Can I add protein powder?

Yep. Blend it into the liquid base. Start with a half scoop because some powders thicken a lot and can make the texture dry.

Do these taste like actual brownies?

They taste like brownie batter inspired oatmeal, especially if you use nut butter and chocolate chips. It is chocolatey, rich, and satisfying, but still breakfast.

A sweet little morning win

If you try this once, you will get why I keep coming back to Brownie Blended Overnight Oats when I want an easy morning that still feels special. You mix, blend, chill, and wake up to something that tastes like a treat but actually fuels you. If you want another fun comparison point or flavor inspiration, this version is worth a peek: Brownie Batter Overnight Oats – Eating Bird Food. Make a jar tonight, throw a few chocolate chips on top in the morning, and let breakfast feel a little more like dessert in the best way.

Indulgent Brownie Blended Overnight Oats for a Tasty Morning Treat