A make-ahead breakfast packed with nutrition and fiber: Chocolate Overnight Steel Cut Oats! A great way to make steel cut oatmeal, which has a chewy texture and takes longer to cook. Dust with cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor. Nuts and cocoa nibs (or mini chocolate chips!) make it extra special. A healthy breakfast with all the indulgence of chocolate!

this recipe

Why Overnight Steel Cut Oats?

Overnight Steel Cut Oats are an easy and convenient way to enjoy steel cut oatmeal. Steel cut oats are added to boiling water and soaked overnight for 8-10 hours. In the morning, reheat and stir the oatmeal. Add your favorite toppings of choice and enjoy!

Although it requires some preparation the night before, Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal is extremely convenient. There’s no need to cook for 30 minutes. Or to stir constantly. Instead, let the overnight soak do all the work for you.

The secret is to make sure the water is boiling before adding the oats. That way, the water will be hot enough to penetrate and soften the outer hull of the chopped oat groats.

More of a method than a recipe, this simple method yields creamy, chewy oatmeal. EVERY TIME! Personally, it’s my favorite way to make Steel Cut Oats. It takes the least amount of work and has the best texture. While I love Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats as well, this method has a slight edge in terms of convenience.

A healthy breakfast for chocolate lovers, too. All you need to add is a dusting of cocoa powder, nuts, and cocoa nibs. And perfect for busy mornings or meal prep. With no sacrifice to texture or flavor. Enjoy!

More chocolate recipes: Chocolate Mug Cake with Miso, Chocolate Almond Cake with Espresso, and Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What are Steel Cut Oats?

Steel Cut Oats are whole oat groats chopped with a steel blade. They are small, hard, and take longer to cook. They have a chewy texture and nutty flavor. And they contain more nutrition and fiber than traditional rolled oats.

The health benefits of Steel Cut Oats are numerous. They are packed with soluble fiber, low on the glycemic index and good for managing blood sugar. They are also good for your heart.

In my humble opinion, Steel Cuts Oats also taste better than old-fashioned rolled oats. They make a delicious breakfast with a firmer texture. They can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory preparations. However, they take longer to cook and require constant stirring.

Ingredients

• Steel Cut Oats. Also called Pinhead Oats, Irish Oats, or Scottish Oatmeal. They are packed with fiber, good for your heart, and lower on the glycemic index. Their smaller surface creates a chewier texture but takes longer to cook.

For the best texture, do not use quick-cooking steel cut oats. They are cut into smaller pieces and are faster to cook but not as pleasantly chewy.

• Brown Sugar. Either brown sugar, light brown sugar, or Turbinado sugar work well. Adds sweetness and slightly caramel, molasses flavor. I like to use Demerara sugar, which is a kind of Turbinado sugar from Guyana. The sugar crystals are larger and darker. Look for it in the baking aisle. Or, use pure maple syrup.
• Cocoa Powder. A dusting of cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor. *Use a sieve so it doesn’t clump.
• Nuts. Adds crunchy, nutty flavor. Add your favorite nuts, like pecans, almonds or walnuts.
• Cacao Nibs. *Optional. Crushed cacao beans (cocoa beans) that have been dried and fermented. A minimally processed alternative to chocolate. They taste chocolate-y and are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other numerous health benefits. Look for them at health food stores or Whole Foods. Can be swapped with mini bittersweet chocolate chips.

How to make Chocolate Overnight Oatmeal

1. Boil water. Add cold water to a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Add steel cut oats. When the water comes to a rolling boil with big bubbles breaking the surface, turn off the heat. Immediately add the steel cut oats. Stir briefly with a spoon, making sure the oats are fully submerged in water. Cover with a lid and remove the pot from the heat source. Set aside overnight (8-12 hours) at room temperature or in the fridge.
3. Reheat. The next day, reheat the oats over medium heat until hot and steaming, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to remove the lid and stir with a spoon from time to time. Add up to 1 cup of water (or milk) to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Add toppings. Divide the oatmeal into individual portions. To each bowl, add 1 heaping Tbsp Demerara sugar. Using a fine-mesh sieve, add a dusting of cocoa powder. Sprinkle some cocoa nibs and chopped pecans on top.
5. Serve. Serve hot or at room temperature. Enjoy!

PRO Tips

• Meal prep in advance. A great recipe for making in advance. Divide into glass containers for individual servings. When it’s time to eat, reheat in the microwave and add toppings. Stays good for 5 days.
• Adjust consistency to your liking. When reheating in the morning, add more water (or milk) and adjust the consistency to your personal preference.
• Double the amount. It’s easy to make a lot of oatmeal with this overnight recipe. Make sure the pot is big enough to hold the oats.
• Add milk. For a creamier texture, add a little milk. Skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk make nice additions.

More Topping Ideas

The chocolate flavor pairs well with many toppings. Add more (or less), to your liking.

• Peanut Butter. Classic combination!
• Cinnamon. Spicy warmth.
• Fruit. Fresh fruit or dried fruit both make nice additions. Consider fruit that tastes good with chocolate, like bananas, raspberries, and dates.
• Chia Seeds. Add a sprinkle of these nutrient packed seeds to add protein and fiber.
• Hemp Seeds. Add omega fatty acids. Good source of plant-based protein.

FAQ

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