If you love Nutella, you are going to be obsessed with these Nutella overnight oats. They taste like dessert for breakfast but are secretly packed with fiber, protein, and whole grains. Just stir everything together the night before and wake up to a creamy, chocolatey jar of goodness waiting for you in the fridge.
This recipe is one of those rare finds that is both incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying. No cooking, no mess, and no excuses to skip breakfast anymore!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zero cooking required: Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy in the morning.
- Ready in 5 minutes of actual work: Your fridge does all the heavy lifting overnight.
- Tastes like a treat: Rich Nutella flavor makes this feel totally indulgent.
- Meal prep friendly: Make up to 4 jars at once for the whole week.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust toppings, sweetness, and mix-ins to your liking.
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love the chocolate hazelnut flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use instant oats, they get too mushy)
- 2 tablespoons Nutella (or any hazelnut chocolate spread)
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice (dairy, oat milk, almond milk, or any plant-based milk all work great)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and protein; use coconut yogurt to keep it dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional but highly recommended; they add thickness and nutrition)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (trust us, it makes the chocolate flavor pop)
- Toppings: sliced banana, fresh strawberries, chopped hazelnuts, mini chocolate chips, or extra Nutella drizzle
How to Make Nutella Overnight Oats
- Grab a jar or container. A mason jar works perfectly, but any airtight container with a lid will do the job. You want it to hold at least 12 ounces.
- Add the Nutella first. Spoon the Nutella into the bottom of the jar. This makes it easier to mix into the other ingredients as you stir.
- Add the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, vanilla, salt, and sweetener. Pour everything right on top of the Nutella.
- Stir really well. Mix everything together until the Nutella is fully incorporated and no streaks remain. A long spoon or chopstick works great for reaching the bottom of a jar.
- Seal and refrigerate. Put the lid on and place the jar in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best creamy texture.
- In the morning, give it a stir. The oats will have thickened up nicely. If the mixture feels too thick, just splash in a little extra milk and stir to loosen it up.
- Add your toppings and enjoy. Top with sliced banana, berries, chopped hazelnuts, or an extra swirl of Nutella. Eat it cold straight from the jar or scoop it into a bowl.
Pro Tips for Perfect Nutella Overnight Oats
- Use rolled oats, not quick oats. Rolled oats hold their texture overnight and give you that satisfying chew. Quick oats turn to mush and feel more like paste.
- Warm your Nutella slightly if it is hard to mix. If your Nutella is stiff from being in a cool pantry, pop it in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds before adding it to the jar. It will blend in so much easier.
- Do not skip the salt. Just a tiny pinch of salt brings out the chocolate and hazelnut flavors in a big way. It makes a real difference.
- Let it sit at least 4 hours. The oats need time to absorb the liquid and soften. Overnight is best, but if you make it in the morning, you can enjoy it as an afternoon snack.
- Adjust the consistency to your liking. Some people love super thick oats, and others prefer them more like a pudding. Add more or less milk to hit your sweet spot.
Flavor Variations
Banana Nutella Overnight Oats
Mash half a ripe banana right into the jar before adding the other ingredients. The banana adds natural sweetness, so you can skip any added sweetener. Top with banana slices in the morning for extra flair.
Nutella Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Add 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter along with the Nutella. The combination of chocolate, hazelnut, and peanut butter is absolutely next level. This version is also higher in protein, which keeps you fuller longer.
Strawberry Nutella Overnight Oats
Layer sliced fresh strawberries on top before sealing the jar. Strawberries and Nutella are a classic pairing, and they make this breakfast look gorgeous too. You can also stir in a tablespoon of strawberry jam for extra berry flavor throughout.
Mocha Nutella Overnight Oats
Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or 2 tablespoons of cold brew coffee in place of some of the milk. The coffee deepens the chocolate flavor and gives you a little caffeine boost alongside your breakfast.
Storage Tips
These overnight oats keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a great option for weekly meal prep. Store them in sealed jars or airtight containers so they stay fresh and do not pick up any fridge odors.
It is best to add fresh toppings like banana slices or berries right before eating rather than storing them in the jar. This keeps the fruit fresh and prevents it from getting soggy. Crunchy toppings like chopped hazelnuts or granola should also be added at serving time to keep their texture.
Do not freeze overnight oats. The oats and yogurt do not thaw well and the texture becomes unpleasant after freezing.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (without optional toppings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~430 kcal |
| Protein | ~14g |
| Carbohydrates | ~55g |
| Fat | ~17g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sugar | ~20g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on the specific brands and milk you use. Adding a banana or extra toppings will change the totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Nutella overnight oats without yogurt?
Yes, you can leave out the Greek yogurt. Just replace it with an equal amount of extra milk. The oats will be slightly less thick and creamy, but they will still taste amazing. Chia seeds will help make up for some of that lost thickness.
How long do Nutella overnight oats need to soak?
You need at least 4 hours for the oats to fully soften and absorb the liquid. Soaking overnight, which is usually 7 to 8 hours, gives you the creamiest and best texture. If you are in a hurry, even 2 hours will work in a pinch.
Can I eat overnight oats warm?
Absolutely! While most people eat overnight oats cold straight from the fridge, you can heat them up if you prefer. Just scoop them into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if they seem too thick after heating.
Are Nutella overnight oats healthy?
They are a balanced breakfast that provides whole grain carbs, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Nutella does contain sugar and fat, but in the amount used here it fits into a well-rounded diet. You can reduce the Nutella to 1 tablespoon and add more yogurt if you want to lighten the recipe up.
Can I use gluten-free oats?
Yes! Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often processed in facilities that handle wheat. If you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, just look for certified gluten-free rolled oats at the store. The recipe works exactly the same way with gluten-free oats.
These Nutella overnight oats are the breakfast upgrade you have been waiting for. They are easy, delicious, and make your mornings feel a whole lot more exciting. Give this recipe a try tonight and let us know in the comments what toppings you chose! We would love to hear how you made it your own.
