Nutella Protein Overnight Oats – Creamy, Chocolate-Hazelnut Breakfast You Can Meal Prep
If you’re craving a breakfast that tastes like dessert but still keeps you full, these Nutella Protein Overnight Oats are your sweet spot. They’re creamy, chocolatey, and satisfyingly nutty, with an easy boost of protein to keep your morning on track. Best of all, you mix everything the night before and wake up to a grab-and-go jar.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes weekday mornings feel simple and a little indulgent. One bowl, five minutes, zero stress.

Nutella Protein Overnight Oats – Creamy, Chocolate-Hazelnut Breakfast You Can Meal Prep
Ingredients
Method
- Start with the wet base: In a jar or bowl, whisk the milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, Nutella, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth. If your protein powder clumps, sift it in or whisk a little at a time.
- Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oats, chia seeds, and a small pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Adjust thickness now: If it looks very thick, splash in a bit more milk. If it’s very thin, add a teaspoon more chia or a few extra oats.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for a creamy, pudding-like texture.
- Finish and serve: In the morning, give it a good stir. Add toppings like sliced banana and chopped hazelnuts for crunch, plus a tiny drizzle of warm Nutella if you want extra flair.
What Makes This Recipe So Good

- Flavor that feels like a treat: The chocolate-hazelnut combo delivers a dessert-like taste without being cloying.
- High-protein and actually filling: Protein powder, Greek yogurt, and milk give this staying power through the morning.
- Meal-prep friendly: Mix a batch in jars and you’re set for several days.
- Customizable: Works with dairy or non-dairy options, different protein powders, and a range of toppings.
- No-cook convenience: Just stir, chill, and eat. Perfect for busy mornings or hot days.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or steel-cut)
- 2/3 cup milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened almond/oat/soy)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1 scoop (about 25–30 g) chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 1–1.5 tablespoons Nutella (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for thickness and fiber)
- 1–2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins and toppings: sliced banana, chopped hazelnuts, mini chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, fresh berries, a drizzle of warm Nutella, or a spoon of plain Greek yogurt
How to Make It

- Start with the wet base: In a jar or bowl, whisk the milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, Nutella, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
If your protein powder clumps, sift it in or whisk a little at a time.
- Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oats, chia seeds, and a small pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Adjust thickness now: If it looks very thick, splash in a bit more milk. If it’s very thin, add a teaspoon more chia or a few extra oats.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for a creamy, pudding-like texture.
- Finish and serve: In the morning, give it a good stir.
Add toppings like sliced banana and chopped hazelnuts for crunch, plus a tiny drizzle of warm Nutella if you want extra flair.
Keeping It Fresh
- Storage time: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The texture stays best within the first 2–3 days.
- Separate toppings: Add fresh fruit and crunchy items right before eating to prevent sogginess.
- Consistency check: Oats thicken over time. Stir in a splash of milk on day two or three to loosen.
- Containers matter: Use airtight jars or lidded containers to keep flavors fresh and avoid absorbing fridge odors.

Benefits of This Recipe
- Balanced macros: Protein powder, yogurt, and milk support satiety, while oats and chia bring complex carbs and fiber.
- Steady energy: The mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps prevent mid-morning crashes.
- Portion control built in: Single-serve jars make it easy to stay consistent with calories and macros.
- Family-friendly: The Nutella flavor wins over picky eaters and can be tweaked for sweetness as needed.
- Budget-friendly meal prep: Pantry basics and a few fridge staples stretch into several ready-to-eat breakfasts.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Using quick oats: They can turn mushy.
Stick to rolled oats for the right bite.
- Too much protein powder: This can make the texture chalky. One scoop is usually enough; add more only if your powder blends well.
- Skipping salt: Even a small pinch boosts flavor and balances sweetness.
- Over-sweetening: Nutella is already sweet. Taste first, then add maple or honey only if needed.
- Wrong liquid ratio: Too little milk leads to paste-like oats; too much makes them soupy.
Aim for a thick, pourable batter before chilling.
Variations You Can Try
- Mocha Hazelnut: Replace 2–3 tablespoons of milk with strong brewed coffee or a shot of espresso. Top with cocoa nibs.
- Banana Bread Twist:-strong> Mash half a ripe banana into the base and add a pinch of cinnamon. Top with banana slices and walnuts.
- Double Chocolate Crunch: Stir in 1 teaspoon cocoa powder and top with mini chocolate chips and toasted hazelnuts.
- High-Protein Boost: Add 2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter or an extra 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.
Add a splash more milk if needed.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or soy milk, a coconut or almond milk yogurt, and a plant-based protein powder that blends smoothly.
- Lower Sugar: Cut Nutella to 1 tablespoon, skip added sweetener, and use unsweetened milk. Add vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
- Berry Hazelnut: Stir in a handful of raspberries or strawberries just before eating for a bright, tart contrast.
FAQ
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats won’t soften enough with the standard overnight method. If you want to use them, pre-soak longer (24 hours) with extra liquid or par-cook first.
For best results, stick with rolled oats.
What protein powder works best?
Whey blends into a creamy texture with minimal grittiness. A smooth plant-based powder also works, but you may need a touch more milk and extra whisking. Choose chocolate for deeper flavor or vanilla for a lighter, balanced sweetness.
How can I make this vegan?
Use a non-dairy milk, a dairy-free yogurt, plant-based protein powder, and a chocolate-hazelnut spread that doesn’t contain milk.
Many grocery stores now carry vegan chocolate-hazelnut spreads.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
No, but they help thicken and add fiber and omega-3s. If you skip them, reduce the milk slightly or add a few extra oats so the mixture isn’t too loose.
Can I warm up overnight oats?
Yes. Add a splash of milk and microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until just warm.
The texture turns softer but still tastes great.
How sweet is this recipe?
Moderately sweet from the Nutella and possibly the protein powder. Start without extra sweetener and adjust after tasting in the morning. A drizzle of maple or a few banana slices can fine-tune sweetness without overdoing it.
What’s the ideal make-ahead schedule?
Mix a batch on Sunday night for Monday–Thursday breakfasts.
Keep toppings separate and add right before serving. Give each jar a stir and a splash of milk on day three if it’s thickened too much.
In Conclusion
Nutella Protein Overnight Oats hit that rare balance: indulgent flavor, real nourishment, and almost no morning effort. With a few pantry staples and five minutes of prep, you get a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut breakfast that actually keeps you full.
Customize the sweetness, switch up the toppings, and make a few jars at once to simplify your week. It’s a small routine that pays off every morning—spoon, jar, and you’re out the door, satisfied.
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