Candy bar overnight oatmeal

Dawn Earnesty<wilcoxd4@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - December 07, 2015

Healthy recipes to curb the candy craving and start the day off right.

Finally, there is a way to eat candy for breakfast with a clear conscious. These recipes from Michigan State University Extension will have you feeling rebellious while providing a satisfying, wholesome start to the day. They feature oatmeal, a whole grain that provides a great source of protein and dietary fiber. Protein and fiber help keep you full throughout the morning and keep you from reaching for high-sugar candy bars.

If you haven’t had a positive experience with oatmeal in the past, the overnight preparation might change your mind. The oats are saturated with milk and other ingredients without heat so they develop a texture different than traditional oatmeal recipes.

Overnight oatmeal also opens the door to limitless flavor combinations. Be creative in adding fruits, nuts, nut butters, cinnamon, flavor extracts (peppermint, almond, vanilla) or anything that suits your taste. Chia or flax seeds are a popular addition as they provide texture, protein, fiber, and heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These recipes can even be made in larger batches to last all week.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Oats

Serves two, Serving Size ¾ cup

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

2 teaspoon chia seeds

1 cup milk of choice

2 teaspoon maple syrup

2 tablespoon peanut butter

2 teaspoon chopped salted peanuts

2 tablespoon chocolate chips

Calories: 370; Fat: 16g; Protein: 13g; Fiber: 7g

Chocolate Almond Coconut Oats

Serves two, Serving Size ¾ cup

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1 ½ cup milk of choice

2 Tbsp maple syrup or

1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

4 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut

1 Tbsp mini chocolate chips

Calories: 310; Fat: 12g (analysis based on Skim Milk); Protein: 9g; Fiber: 6g

Dark Chocolate Bar Overnight Oats

Serves two, Serving Size ¾ cup

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1-1 ¼ cup milk of choice

1-2 Tbsp cocoa powder

2 Tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup

1 Tbsp mini chocolate chips

Calories: 300; Fat: 9g; Protein: 9g; Fiber: 5g

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients
Stir until combined
Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours
Enjoy cold!

Now you can celebrate the fall and winter season while also satisfying the need for an easy, healthful breakfast.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).