Sweet and Simple Almond Joy Overnight Oats

Almond Joy Overnight Oats is a simple, healthy breakfast that does not require prep time in the morning!

Do you hate waking up extra early to prepare breakfast? Mornings can be hectic and a healthy breakfast might be the last thing on your mind.

If you’re anything like me, then your ideal breakfast is ready to go in the morning. Let’s face it, we won’t wake up earlier than needed every morning to make that veggie omelet or avocado toast. The goal in the morning is to get out of the front door. Almond Joy Overnight Oats makes that a little easier.

Overnight oats are perfect because they are made the night before (hello morning time saver). Not only that, a healthy breakfast that tastes like the traditional candy bar and requires minimal work? Count me in!

This Almond Joy Overnight Oats recipe is BEYOND delicious and super simple.

If you’re looking for a variety of healthy breakfast ideas, check out my post on anti-inflammatory breakfast options.

What are Overnight Oats?

“Overnight oats” may be new to your vocabulary. It’s more traditional for oats to be served hot and right off the stovetop. Simply put, overnight oats are cold and typically made the night before.

Oats soak up the liquid (in this case, milk) while in the refrigerator to create a desirable texture. There are tons of variations to overnight oats. Almond Joy Overnight Oats happens to be one of my favorite.

The oats do not need to be cooked or heated up in overnight oats.

Ingredients & Recommendations

What you’ll need:

• Oats
• Milk of Preference
• Dark Chocolate Chips
• Coconut Flakes
• Slivered Almonds
• Pure Maple Syrup
• Greek Yogurt
• Flax and Chia Seeds (optional)

Oats

When it comes to an overnight oats recipe, I prefer rolled oats. They tend to soak up the liquid the best. However, steel cut, quick, or gluten free oats can also do the trick. The choice is up to you!

Just make sure to purchase oats and not premixed oatmeal.

Example: Bob’s Red Mill Organic Rolled Oats

Milk

Well, almond and coconut milk go with the theme. But any milk will work!

Different milk provides different nutrition. Check out the graphic to choose the best milk for you!

It’s important to read the label of the milk you choose. Plant milk tends to have increased ingredients to mimic the taste of cow’s milk. These ingredients aren’t harmful but everyone has different reactions to different ingredients.

Now, there’s WAY more to compare than what’s above. It’s recommended to research different options to find the best milk for you.

Coconut

We won’t be needed an entire coconut for this recipe.

I like coconut chips. Shredded or strips will also work.

I wouldn’t recommend big chunks of coconut to assure the flavor is mixed and for consistency purposes.

Example: Trader Joe’s Organic Unsweetened Coconut Chips

Almonds

Slivered or crushed almonds are recommended. Full almonds can be used but aren’t recommended.

Chocolate

I used dark chocolate chocolate chips. Simply, I find this easiest. Chopping up a dark chocolate bar is another option.

Not all dark chocolate is created equal.

• On ingredient labels look for: cocoa content of 70% or higher & cocoa or a form of cocoa as the first ingredient.
• Try to avoid: chocolate high in trans fat and sugar content.

It’s worth noting, any chocolate of preference will taste great. Dark chocolate provides more health benefits.

Greek Yogurt

Ok, if you don’t have yogurt on hand technically the oats will still come together. However, yogurt is definitely recommended for a creamier texture.

Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt is recommended. If you only have regular yogurt on hand, that will work too. Greek is recommended due to the increased protein content to promote fullness. The texture of Greek yogurt is also best for this recipe.

Additionally, if your preference is almond or coconut milk yogurt—that’s equally fine.

Maple Syrup

Natural maple syrup is the way to go! Lots of syrups sold in the store don’t even contain actual maple syrup but rather high fructose corn syrup.

What to look for: the ingredient label should read 100% pure maple syrup.

Example: Maple Grove Farms Pure Maple Syrup.

A substitution for maple syrup would be honey. I’d recommend local honey, if able.

Chia Seeds & Flax Seeds

The main reason for the addition of seeds is the health benefits. However, seeds can make the oats creamy and chia seeds can even add a gel-like texture.

Either seed will work in this recipe but include both if you have them!

The Measurements

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup milk of preference
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes
• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tbsp flax seeds
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

Almond Joy Overnight Oats Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together in an airtight container
2. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 5 hours)
3. Enjoy in the morning! May require mixing prior to enjoying.

It really is that simple!

The Health Benefits

Overall, Almond Joy Overnight Oats are packed with fiber, healthy fat, probiotics, and FLAVOR. Below is the breakdown of each ingredient.

Oats

Oats are chock-full of fiber which can keep us full and aid in digestive health. On top of that, oat intake can lower cholesterol. Adequate fiber intake may even reduce risk of cancer.

Milk

Milk helps build strong bones, I know you’ve heard that before. It really is true.

Milk provides: protein, B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and many additional nutrients.

Cow’s milk provides the most protein and calcium.

Protein aids in muscle building and satiety. Calcium aids in bone health. Cow’s milk also provides the highest sugar content. However, this is natural sugar.

Soy milk and oat milk can provide small amounts of fiber (1-2g). Flax milk provides omega 3 fatty acids (healthy fat).

Coconut

Coconut contains fiber and protein. It also supplies vitamins and minerals such as manganese and copper. Additionally, coconut provides antioxidants.

Coconut does have high amounts of fat. However, this fat is different from the fat with the bad reputation (saturated fat). Coconut provides medium chain triglycerides.

Almonds

In my opinion, almonds are the best nut—nutritionally and taste.

Almonds contain: fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fat.

Fiber promotes fullness and aids in digestion. Vitamin E is great for your skin. While magnesium and healthy fat have countless functions in the body like providing energy and blood pressure management.

Chocolate

Yes, chocolate can provide health benefits. Specifically, cocoa (the main ingredient in chocolate) provides flavanols, a type of antioxidant.

Dark chocolate provides an increased amount antioxidants and is beneficial for heart health. On top of that, it even has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Dark chocolate also provides: magnesium, copper, and iron.

Some more good news: dark chocolate has even been shown to support brain function.

Additionally, chocolate is just overall good for the soul.

Greek Yogurt

Yogurt is packed with probiotics which aid in digestion. Probiotics have been shown to improve mental health.

Greek yogurt provides extra protein which helps keep us full.

Additionally, Geek yogurt also provides an adequate amount of calcium and a few B vitamins.

Maple Syrup

Not only does maple syrup add great flavor, pure maple syrup provides antioxidants.

This sweetener also provides: potassium, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and zinc.

Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds

Chia seeds and flax seeds are rich in omega-3s, a type of fat our body needs that is especially important for heart health. Only a select amount of foods contain omega-3s.

They also provide antioxidants, protein, and fiber. Chia seeds are even a complete protein!

Most of these items made it onto my Sleep Better Grocery list. Can you guess which? Click HERE for receive your FREE copy!

Special Diets

• Vegetarian
• Vegan (with vegan ingredients)
• Gluten Free (with gluten free ingredients)
• Heart Healthy
• Mediterranean diet compliant
• Lactose free (with lactose free ingredients)
• Kosher (but double check labels)
• Kid Friendly

Storing

Almond Joy Overnight Oats are best within the first 2 days.

They should be stored in the refrigerator.

Variations of Almond Joy Overnight Oats

Basically, almost any ingredient can be substituted or left out (other than the oats and milk).

Refer to “ingredients and recommendations” for common substitutions for each ingredient.

Other Posts you may Enjoy

• The Best Nontraditional Mediterranean Diet Smoothies
• 7 Simple Everyday Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Ideas
• Easy Salt and Vinegar Almonds

Tried this Almond Joy Overnight Oats recipe? Questions, comments, suggestions? Email me!  MindMemoryNutrition@gmail.com

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