Made without any protein powder, these brownie batter protein overnight oats are the perfect recipe for a quick and easy breakfast. They are made with wholesome ingredients that naturally pack in the protein, like hemp seeds. All you have to do to make it is mix everything together and then let it do its thing in the fridge overnight!
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brownie batter protein overnight oats highlights
- It's an incredibly easy recipe and you can make it in the same jar you store it in. Meal prep win!!
- No protein powder is needed and if you don't have collagen, no worries! You can easily just leave that out! They also don't have any yogurt or dairy!
- Extra decadent yet healthy with healthy fats from coconut milk, protein from cashew butter and hemp seeds, and all-natural sweetness from maple syrup.
- Gluten free and super thick and chocolatey, just like brownie batter!
I have a complicated relationship with overnight oats. Being dairy free for much of my life, overnight oats recipes that used dairy or whey protein were always out of the question.
I have a super tasty recipe for overnight oats with protein powder (dairy free), but how could I thicken oats without protein powder? After a few tests and trying some store bought versions, I developed this Trader Joe's Vanilla Overnight Oats Copycat recipe that was STELLAR!
And so the flood gates were opened for me to make lots of variations of this easy protein breakfast staple. First up, brownie batter protein overnight oats.
ingredients & substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See recipe card for quantities.
notes
- Cashew Butter: This has the most mild flavor of any nut butter making it the perfect way to not overwhelm the chocolate. Almond butter will work too.
- Milks: Coconut milk and almond milk are both used to get just the right texture. The coconut milk is canned so it's extra thick (mimicking yogurt). You can use plain yogurt or vanilla yogurt in place of coconut milk (try this brownie protein yogurt parfait if using yogurt!). And any milk can be used if you don't have almond milk.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Lots of chocolate goodness. Remember though, the ratio of cocoa powder to sweeter should be 1:1 or the sweeter should be greater since cocoa powder is bitter.
- Rolled Oats: You can use quick oats too but the texture is a bit mushy. Don't use steel cut or Irish.
- Maple syrup: I like the warm pure maple syrup adds but honey or agave will work too.
- Hemp hearts: These have 9g of protein per serving making them the perfect protein addition! They are just shelled hemp seeds and can be found at most stores, including Costco. Chia seeds will work too, but will have a bit less protein.
- Collagen peptides: Unflavored collagen adds 20-40g of protein depending the brand, but I prefer Orgain or Great Lakes Wellness. You can also leave this out and the brownie batter overnight oats will just have a bit less protein.
- Vanilla & sea salt
substitutions & variations
- Peanut Butter Brownie Overnight Oats: Use peanut butter in place of cashew butter.
- Add a crunch: You can mix in chocolate chips or cocoa nibs for a nice little crunch.
- Mocha Oats: Add in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder.
- Vegan brownie batter protein overnight oats: Just leave out the collagen to make these vegan. I would use a vegan higher protein yogurt, like Siggis, in place of the coconut milk in this case to boost the protein.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
cacao powder vs cocoa powder
These two can be confusing and can usually be used interchangeably. Cacao powder is made from cold pressing unroasted cocoa beans while cocoa powder is roasted at high temperatures. For this reason, cacao powder retains more nutrients and I prefer to use it but cocoa powder is more common and will totally work too!
how to make these
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full brownie batter protein overnight oats recipe!
- Mix everything together in a large bowl or jar.
- Split evenly into individual sizes if desired (mason jars are my go to!).
- Store in the fridge overnight
- Top with whatever you like and enjoy!
quick recipe video
helpful tips
- This recipe is meant to be not super sticky and doughy like some overnight oats - these are more traditional oatmeal consistency. That being said, if you want it thicker, reduce the almond milk by half.
- Adjust the sweetness as desired but simply adding a little more or less maple syrup.
- Leave the oats out: It's easier to mix everything else, then stir in the oats.
overnight oats topping ideas
- Fresh berries (raspberries are my favorite!)
- Cashew butter
- Caramel sauce (or date caramel sauce)
- Coconut whipped cream
- Yogurt
- Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Bananas
- Nuts, seeds, or granola
- Dried fruit
- Jam or fruit preserves
- Shredded coconut
- Brownie bark
common questions
I prefer milk because it creates a thicker and creamier texture.
I like to use mason jars with plastic lids to store individual sizes of the oats. This recipe makes enough for 2-3 servings (depending on size) so you'll need at least 2 12 oz mason jars.
It depends on the flavor. I prefer these ones cold but my vanilla overnight oats recipe I like warm. So really either way is fine.
my oats are runny (or clumpy)
Overnight oats will be runny if you don't use coconut milk from a can so please use it or yogurt! It can also be a matter of whether the oats weren't measured quite right. After adding the oats (before setting overnight), the oats should take up most of the space with about ½" - 1" or so of liquid all the way around. Check the short video to see the texture you're going for.
If they clumped together, that means the cashew butter was not mixed all the way and oats stuck to it. Sometimes I ill add all the ingredients to a blender except the oats. Then add the oats to the jar, pour the liquid on top, and give it a quick stir to ensure everything is mixed well.
how to store & meal prep it
fridge
These an be kept in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Just wait to put the topping on until you are ready to eat it.
meal prep
Make a large batch of this, even double or triple it. Then portion into individual jars for family members to grab on their way out the door. If you know they will be eaten in the next 3 days, you can store the toppings right on the oats in the jars.
Recipe
Brownie Batter Protein Overnight Oats (no protein powder!)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cashew butter (creamy and drippy, almond butter works too)
- ⅓ cup coconut milk (canned or plain or vanilla yogurt)
- ⅔ c almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 4 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- ¾ c rolled oats (or quick oats)
- 4 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts (hulled hemp seeds)
- ½ c collagen peptides unflavored (can omit)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
Before you start!
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Instructions
- In a large bowl or jar, mix together everything except the oats, ensuring the cashew butter is fully mixed. Then add in the oats.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge overnight, or at least 4 hours, to set up.
- Top with whatever you like and enjoy!
Video
Notes
helpful tips
- This recipe is meant to be not super sticky and doughy like some overnight oats - these are more traditional oatmeal consistency. That being said, if you want it thicker, reduce the almond milk by half.
- Adjust the sweetness as desired but simply adding a little more or less maple syrup.
overnight oats topping ideas
- Fresh berries (raspberries are my favorite!)
- Cashew butter
- Caramel sauce (or date caramel sauce)
- Coconut whipped cream
- Yogurt
- Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Bananas
- Nuts, seeds, or granola
- Dried fruit
- Jam or fruit preserves
- Shredded coconut
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.