Creamy Nutella Overnight Oats (5 Minutes Prep)

These Nutella overnight oats are the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but takes about five minutes to stir together the night before.

Cold, thick oats swirled with chocolate-hazelnut spread, a little tang from yogurt, and soft chia seeds if you add them. It’s filling, not too sweet, and actually tastes like something you’d look forward to in the morning.

Why This Breakfast Works

I keep coming back to this version because the Nutella mixes in without a lot of fuss, and the Greek yogurt makes it creamy without turning into a sugar bomb.

The cold, thick texture reminds me of pudding, but it has enough oats and protein to feel like breakfast. A pinch of salt is the small thing that keeps the flavor from falling flat.

It scales easily, so I’ll often make two jars at once and have breakfast covered for a couple of days.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: use these, not quick oats, for the best chewy texture
• 1/2 cup milk: any kind works, whole milk makes it extra creamy
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: adds tang and thickness, nonfat or full-fat both fine
• 2 tablespoons Nutella: at room temperature so it stirs in smoothly
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds: optional, they help thicken and add fiber
• Pinch of fine sea salt: helps balance the sweetness

Variations / Substitutions

• Dairy-free: use oat milk and coconut yogurt for a creamy, plant-based version.
• Mocha twist: stir in 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules with the wet ingredients for a mocha flavor.
• Extra chocolate: swap a tablespoon of milk for chocolate milk, or add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder with the oats.
• Nut-free option: replace Nutella with a seed-based chocolate spread; check the label for added sugar.

Swirled Nutella Sourdough Bread is a sweet bake to enjoy alongside these overnight oats.

How to Make Nutella Overnight Oats

Step 1: Whisk the Nutella Mixture

In a jar or bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 2 tablespoons Nutella, vanilla, and salt until smooth and no streaks remain. If the Nutella is too cold and stiff, warm the jar in the microwave for 10 seconds first.

The mixture will look light brown and glossy. You want it fully combined so every bit of oat gets coated.

Step 2: Fold in the Oats

Stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds, making sure everything is submerged in the liquid. Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

As the oats sit, they’ll absorb the liquid and swell into a thick, pudding-like consistency. The chia seeds gel up and make it even creamier.

Step 3: Top and Serve

In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If they’re too thick, add a splash of milk. Then top with an extra drizzle of Nutella, sliced banana, a handful of toasted hazelnuts, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Eat it cold straight from the jar, or spoon it into a bowl. The toppings add crunch and another layer of chocolate-hazelnut flavor.

Getting the Creamiest Nutella Oats

• Bring Nutella to room temperature before mixing. Cold spread won’t blend smoothly and leaves lumps. If you forget, microwave the jar (lid off) for 10 seconds.
• Don’t skip the salt. A tiny pinch brightens the chocolate flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats turn mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too hard.
• If you want a thicker set, reduce the milk by 1 tablespoon. For a looser texture, add a splash of milk when you stir in the morning.
• Make two jars at once and you’ve got breakfast ready for the next few days. Just keep them covered in the fridge.

Keeping Them Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The oats will thicken as they sit, so stir in a little milk before eating.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm oats, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between. The Nutella may separate a little but it still tastes great. Eat cold is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use steel-cut oats?

No, they need cooking and won’t soften properly here.

Is there a way to make this lower in sugar?

Use half the Nutella or a sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spread. The yogurt keeps it creamy without extra sweetener.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, whisk a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder with the wet ingredients. You might need an extra splash of milk to get the right consistency.

Nutella Overnight Oats Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 servings

Calories: 518

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Nutella
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
• Pinch of fine sea salt

Method

 

1. Whisk together the yogurt, milk, Nutella, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth.
2. Stir in the oats and chia seeds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
3. In the morning, stir the oats and add a splash of milk if needed. Top with extra Nutella, banana, hazelnuts, or sea salt, and serve cold.

Notes

The oats need at least 4 hours to soften; overnight is best. Give them a good stir in the morning and add a splash of milk if they seem too thick. For a grab-and-go option, assemble everything directly in a jar with a lid.