If you love a quick breakfast that tastes like a treat, these Nutella Swirl Overnight Oats are for you. They’re creamy, rich, and take just a few minutes to prep the night before. In the morning, you’ve got a chilled jar of oats with a luscious Nutella ribbon running through every bite.

It feels like dessert, but still leaves you full and energized. Great for busy mornings, meal prep, or a sweet midday snack.

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What Makes This Recipe So Good

Close-up detail, process shot: A mason jar three-quarters filled with thick, creamy overnight oats j

Minimal prep, maximum payoff: Stir, chill, and enjoy. No cooking required.
Balanced and satisfying: Oats, milk, and chia or flax give you fiber, protein, and staying power.
That Nutella swirl: A little goes a long way, adding chocolate-hazelnut flavor without overpowering the oats.
Customizable: Swap the milk, boost the protein, or add fruit and nuts—make it your way.
Grab-and-go friendly: Make it in jars for easy mornings and packed lunches.

Ingredients

1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
2/3 to 3/4 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
2 to 3 teaspoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional, for thickness and fiber)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Nutella (or chocolate-hazelnut spread)
Optional toppings: sliced banana, chopped hazelnuts, cocoa nibs, strawberries, or a drizzle of warm Nutella

How to Make It

Final dish, tasty top view: Overhead shot of Nutella Swirl Overnight Oats in a clear 12–16 oz jar,

In a jar or bowl, combine oats, milk, chia or flax, sweetener, vanilla, and salt.
Stir well to fully moisten the oats.
Fold in the Greek yogurt if using. This makes the oats extra creamy and adds protein.
Warm the Nutella for 10–15 seconds in the microwave to loosen it. Spoon it over the oat mixture.
Use a butter knife or spoon to gently swirl the Nutella through the oats.
Don’t overmix—you want visible ribbons.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, until thick and pudding-like.
In the morning, give it a quick stir. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick. Top with banana slices, berries, or chopped hazelnuts, and enjoy.

Keeping It Fresh

Store in an airtight container or mason jar for 3–4 days in the fridge.
Wait to add fresh fruit or crunchy toppings until just before serving to keep them crisp.
If the oats thicken over time, stir in a splash of milk to loosen.

Benefits of This Recipe

Time-saver: Breakfast is ready the moment you wake up.
Steady energy: Oats and chia provide fiber for a slow, satisfying burn.
Comforting flavor: The Nutella swirl makes it feel special without a lot of effort.
Meal-prep friendly: Make several jars at once for the week.
Flexible nutrition: Adjust sweetness, add protein, or go dairy-free as needed.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Too runny or too thick: Oats absorb differently.
Start with 2/3 cup milk and adjust after chilling.
Overmixing the swirl: Stir lightly so the Nutella doesn’t disappear into the oats.
Skipping salt: A tiny pinch brightens flavors and balances sweetness.
Using quick oats: They can get mushy. Rolled oats hold texture better.
Adding fruit too early: Fresh fruit can get soggy—top just before serving.

Variations You Can Try

Protein boost: Stir in 1/2 to 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder and add an extra splash of milk.
Mocha vibe: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the base before swirling in Nutella.
Berry swirl: Layer the oats with mashed strawberries or raspberries for a PB&J-style twist (Nutella + berries is magic).
Nutty crunch: Add toasted hazelnuts or almonds on top for texture.
Dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and a coconut or almond-based yogurt.
Lower sugar: Reduce sweetener and use a thin drizzle of Nutella; add cocoa nibs for a bittersweet bite.

FAQ

Can I use steel-cut oats?

Steel-cut oats won’t soften the same way overnight without extra prep. If you want to try them, use quick-cooking steel-cut oats and plan for a chewier texture, plus a longer chill time.

Do I have to use chia or flax?

No, but they help thicken the oats and add fiber. If you skip them, reduce the milk slightly or expect a looser texture.

Can I make this warm instead of cold?

Yes.

Warm the prepared oats gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk, then swirl in Nutella just before serving.

How can I make it higher in protein?

Add Greek yogurt, a scoop of protein powder, or use high-protein milk. You can also top with chopped nuts or hemp seeds.

What’s the best jar size?

A 12- to 16-ounce mason jar gives you room to stir, swirl, and add toppings without spills.

In Conclusion

Nutella Swirl Overnight Oats turn an ordinary morning into something you’ll look forward to. They’re creamy, simple to prep, and easy to tailor to your taste.

With just a few pantry staples and a spoonful of Nutella, breakfast is done—and delicious. Make a few jars now, and thank yourself tomorrow.