How do I stop cocoa going lumpy in overnight oats?

Stir it in thoroughly before the jar goes in the fridge, scraping the bottom. A small splash of milk mixed into the cocoa first also helps it dissolve evenly.

Will the banana go brown overnight?

It can darken a little. Adding the sliced banana in the morning keeps it looking fresh, and the flavour is the same either way.

DessertsContinental

Chocolate Banana

For chocolate lovers who want to stay healthy. This tastes like a dessert but fuels you like a proper meal. Perfect for satisfying late-night cravings, post-workout recovery, or when you need a mood boost. The cocoa provides antioxidants while banana adds natural sweetness and potassium.

Time: 365 min
Method: Mix
Serves: 1
Energy: 570 kcal
Protein: 17 g

Go to the method

Glass jar of chocolate banana overnight oats topped with cocoa powder, sliced banana and chocolate chips

Method

Step 1: Mix cocoa powder directly into your DIY Oats base until evenly distributed - you want every bite to be chocolatey.
Step 2: Add sliced banana and chocolate chips on top.
Step 3: The cocoa will transform the oats into a rich, chocolate pudding-like texture overnight.
Step 4: For extra indulgence, use dark chocolate chips for that bittersweet contrast.

Notes from the Department

Add cocoa to base

Nutrition

1 serving

570 cal | 17g protein | 15g fiber

2 servings

1140 cal | 34g protein | 30g fiber

Estimates. Not medical advice.

Why it works

Cocoa on its own is bitter and a bit bossy. Banana calms it down with natural sweetness, and the chocolate chips bring the part that makes it feel like a treat. Mixing the cocoa all the way through the base matters. Leave streaks and you get some bites that taste of chocolate and some that taste of paperwork.

The texture

Overnight, the cocoa thickens the soaked oats into something closer to chocolate pudding. It is the main reason people make this one twice.

Make it yours

Dark chocolate chips give a bittersweet contrast against the banana. Milk chocolate chips make it sweeter and softer. If you want more crunch, add a few chopped almonds on top in the morning. Slice the banana close to eating time if you dislike it browning.

No DIY Oats jar?

Soak rolled oats overnight in milk with chia seeds and a few almonds, then stir in the cocoa and carry on.

Storage

Covered in the fridge, it keeps well for a day. The banana softens and darkens after that, so it is best eaten the next morning. One serving is around 570 calories, 17g protein and 15g fibre.

Questions people ask

How do I stop cocoa going lumpy in overnight oats?: Stir it in thoroughly before the jar goes in the fridge, scraping the bottom. A small splash of milk mixed into the cocoa first also helps it dissolve evenly.
Will the banana go brown overnight?: It can darken a little. Adding the sliced banana in the morning keeps it looking fresh, and the flavour is the same either way.

Department of Recipes