Imagine waking up to a breakfast that tastes like dessert but keeps you fueled like a champion. Nutella Overnight Oats are exactly that: creamy, chocolatey oats soaked in dreamy Nutella flavor, speckled with crunchy nuts, sweet oats, and a smooth drizzle of chocolate. This bowl doesn’t just look good — it’s a sensory experience of rich texture and indulgent taste with every bite.

Perfect for busy mornings, late-night cravings, or a healthy snack with a twist, this make-ahead breakfast is as functional as it is irresistible. Whether you’re a die-hard Nutella fan or simply looking for new breakfast ideas, this dish brings the decadence of a dessert to the simplicity of a wholesome overnight oats recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Nutella Overnight Oats Recipe

Time Saver: Prep it the night before and enjoy it instantly in the morning.
Satisfying Texture: A creamy base with oats, crunchy nuts, and silky chocolate drizzle.
Decadently Healthy: While it feels like a dessert, it’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and a touch of protein.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make several jars at once for grab-and-go breakfast all week.
Customizable: Switch out toppings, adjust sweetness, or make it dairy-free with ease.
Kid-Approved: Chocolate for breakfast? Kids and adults alike will be all in.
No Cooking Required: Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy — no stove or oven needed.
Great for All Seasons: Enjoy cold in summer or gently warm it up in winter.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment & Their Importance)

Crafting the perfect bowl of Nutella Overnight Oats doesn’t demand a full kitchen arsenal, but the right tools do make a difference. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item counts:

Essential Tools

Mason Jars or Airtight Containers: These are ideal for portioning your oats. The seal keeps flavors fresh and textures intact overnight.
Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients thoroughly before transferring them into jars.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters, especially when dealing with Nutella and oats. Too much liquid, and it’s soupy; too little, and it’s dry.
Spoon or Spatula: For stirring everything together without mess.
Refrigerator: The hero of the overnight oats method — low and slow soaking allows flavors to meld and oats to soften perfectly.
Optional: Food Scale: If you’re tracking nutrition or prefer weight-based precision for macro control.

Preparation Tips

To get the best texture, taste, and overall experience from your Nutella Overnight Oats, keep these tips in mind:

Use Rolled Oats: Quick oats become mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too tough. Rolled oats hit that creamy-slightly-chewy sweet spot.
Warm the Nutella Slightly: A quick 10-second microwave zap helps it mix easily into your milk or yogurt without clumping.
Mix Wet and Dry Separately First: Stir the Nutella into the milk thoroughly before adding it to the oats for even distribution.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Nutella is sweet, but you can enhance it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.
Add Crunchy Toppings in the Morning: Nuts, granola, or chocolate chunks should go on right before serving to maintain their crunch.
Let It Sit for At Least 6 Hours: Overnight is ideal, but 6 hours is the minimum soak time for great texture.
Double the Batch: These oats store well, so make more for several days at once.
Try Flavored Milks: Almond, hazelnut, or chocolate milk can add a deeper richness to the flavor profile.

Ingredients for This Nutella Overnight Oats Recipe

To create this rich and indulgent breakfast treat, you’ll only need a handful of everyday ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance — creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, and satisfying.

Here’s what you’ll need for one hearty serving (scale up for meal prep!):

Base Ingredients:

½ cup rolled oats – Old-fashioned oats provide the perfect texture and soak beautifully overnight.
1 tbsp Nutella – The star of the show, adding a luxurious hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or hazelnut milk) – Helps soften the oats and enhances creaminess.
¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional) – For extra creaminess and a protein boost.
1 tsp chia seeds – Thickens the mix and adds fiber and omega-3s.
½ tsp vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor and complements the Nutella.
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate tones.

Topping Suggestions (add in the morning):

Sliced almonds or chopped hazelnuts – For crunch and a nutty boost.
Dark or milk chocolate chips – Adds texture and a bit of decadence.
A drizzle of warm Nutella or chocolate syrup – Extra indulgence, totally worth it.
Rolled oats (untoasted) – For rustic texture on top.
Banana slices or strawberries – Fresh fruit balances the richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Nutella Overnight Oats

Ready to put it all together? These steps are simple and straightforward — no cooking required, just mix, chill, and enjoy. Let’s get into the rhythm of layering flavors and textures the right way.

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

½ cup of milk (your choice)
1 tablespoon of Nutella (warm slightly for easy mixing)
¼ cup of Greek yogurt (optional)
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Make sure the Nutella is fully dissolved into the milk mixture to ensure that sweet, chocolatey flavor is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in:

½ cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon chia seeds

Mix well until all the oats are evenly coated in the liquid. This is what gives the oats their creamy texture after soaking.

Step 3: Transfer and Chill

Pour the mixture into a mason jar or any airtight container. Seal it and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

This soaking time allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften into that perfect spoonable consistency.

Step 4: Top and Serve

In the morning (or when you’re ready to eat), remove from the fridge and give it a quick stir. Top with your favorites:

A drizzle of Nutella or chocolate syrup
Chopped almonds or hazelnuts
Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Fresh fruits like bananas or strawberries
A sprinkle of raw oats or granola for crunch

Serve chilled or let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for a softer bite.

Notes

Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a plant-based yogurt or skip it entirely.
Protein Boost: Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder to the mix — just increase the liquid a bit to keep the consistency smooth.
Adjust Sweetness: Nutella is sweet, so often no extra sugar is needed. But if you have a sweet tooth, a dash of maple syrup or honey does wonders.
Nut-Free Option: Use a chocolate spread alternative and top with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
Serve Warm (Optional): Don’t love cold oats? Pop your jar (if microwave safe) in the microwave for 30–40 seconds before adding your toppings.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Instant Oats: They break down too much and get mushy. Stick to rolled oats for the ideal texture.
Not Mixing Nutella Properly: Clumps of Nutella won’t blend well with cold milk. Warm it slightly and stir until smooth.
Skipping the Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, especially chocolate.
Adding Crunchy Toppings Too Early: Nuts, granola, or chocolate chips will lose their crunch if added the night before.
Too Little Liquid: Dry oats in the morning? Make sure there’s enough milk to submerge everything — oats and chia will soak up a lot.
Overloading with Sweet Additions: Nutella is rich; balance it with fruit or unsweetened milk to avoid sugar overload.
Rushing the Chill Time: Let it sit for at least 6 hours. The full overnight soak really makes a difference in texture.
Skipping Stirring Before Eating: Overnight oats settle; give them a quick stir in the morning to remix the layers and flavors.

What to Serve With Nutella Overnight Oats?

While Nutella Overnight Oats are delightful on their own, pairing them with a few sides or sips can elevate your breakfast to something extra special. Whether you’re crafting a weekend brunch board or a quick weekday breakfast tray, these additions will complement the creamy, chocolatey goodness of your oats beautifully.

8 Recommendations:

Fresh Brewed Coffee or Espresso
The boldness of coffee cuts through the sweetness of Nutella and pairs like a dream.
Vanilla or Hazelnut Latte
A flavored latte complements the nutty-chocolate notes and gives your morning a cozy upgrade.
Greek Yogurt with Berries
A small bowl of tart yogurt with blueberries or raspberries offers a nice contrast in both flavor and texture.
Hard-Boiled or Scrambled Eggs
Add some savory balance to the meal with a protein-rich egg dish.
Fruit Salad
Chopped melons, pineapple, kiwi, and strawberries bring a bright, juicy counterpoint to the creamy oats.
Whole Grain Toast with Butter or Avocado
A slice of toast adds crunch and makes the breakfast more filling — savory or sweet, your call!
Green Smoothie
A light, veggie-forward drink (think spinach, banana, and almond milk) keeps the meal balanced and energizing.
Mini Pancakes or Waffles
For a brunch vibe, serve a few bite-sized pancakes or waffles on the side — even better if you drizzle a little Nutella on those, too.

Storage Instructions

Nutella Overnight Oats are a dream when it comes to meal prep — they’re built to be made ahead and stored for convenience. Here’s how to keep them fresh and flavorful:

Refrigeration: Store the oats in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. They last well for up to 4–5 days, which makes them ideal for prepping several at once for the week.
Avoid Topping Early: Only add crunchy toppings or fresh fruit just before serving to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
Stir Before Eating: Oats and chia tend to settle. Give your jar a quick stir in the morning for the best consistency.
To Warm It Up: Microwave (if your container is microwave-safe) for 30–40 seconds if you prefer warm oats. Stir halfway through.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Please note these are approximate values and can vary based on the type of milk, yogurt, and toppings used.

Calories: ~350–400 kcal
Protein: ~10–14g (more with Greek yogurt or added protein)
Fat: ~15–18g
Carbohydrates: ~40–45g
Fiber: ~6–8g
Sugar: ~12–15g
Calcium: ~20% of daily value
Iron: ~10–15% of daily value

This makes it a well-balanced breakfast with a good mix of slow-digesting carbs, healthy fats, and some protein — perfect for starting your day strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Nutella Overnight Oats without yogurt?

Absolutely! While yogurt adds creaminess and protein, you can skip it or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt. Just slightly reduce the oats or increase the milk to maintain the right texture.

2. Are overnight oats eaten cold or hot?

Traditionally, they’re enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, which is great for busy mornings. But if you prefer them warm, microwave them for 30–40 seconds and stir — they’re still delicious!

3. Can I use steel-cut oats?

It’s not recommended for this recipe. Steel-cut oats don’t soften well overnight and result in a chewy, tough texture. Stick with rolled oats for the best result.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as some are processed in facilities that handle wheat.

5. How can I make this more filling?

Add a scoop of protein powder, nut butter, or top with extra nuts and seeds. You can also increase the portion size slightly for a more substantial meal.

6. What if I don’t like Nutella?

You can substitute it with almond butter, peanut butter with cocoa powder, or any chocolate-hazelnut spread of your choice — or even use plain cocoa and sweeten to taste.

7. Can kids eat this?

Definitely! It’s a kid-friendly recipe. You may want to control the sweetness depending on their age and serve with fruit for balance.

8. How do I stop my oats from being too thick or too runny?

Too thick? Stir in more milk in the morning. Too runny? Reduce the milk slightly next time or add more chia seeds for thickening.

Conclusion

Nutella Overnight Oats are the perfect fusion of indulgence and nutrition. They deliver that dessert-for-breakfast vibe while keeping your morning energized and efficient. With minimal effort, a handful of ingredients, and no cooking at all, this recipe is ideal for busy mornings, meal prep routines, or treating yourself on a slow Sunday.

They’re fully customizable, friendly to various diets, and guaranteed to bring joy to your breakfast routine. So grab your jars, stock up on oats, swirl in that Nutella, and treat yourself to the magic of chocolatey, creamy oats done right.