Pieces of rich, decadent dark chocolate. Slivers of slightly-sweet, crunchy, nutty almonds. Flakes of coconut adding taste and texture to every bite. Am I describing the famous Almond Joy chocolate bar or breakfast? Guess what? With my new “Almond Joy” Overnight Oatmeal, the answer is both! Except that the oatmeal version packs the goodness of whole grain oats, extra protein to fuel your day and no added sugar. But you can still pretend you’re having a candy bar for breakfast and no one will be the wiser.
Confession time: I’ve actually never had a true Almond Joy bar (sad, I know. But perhaps it’s for the best because otherwise I might never be able to pass one by without gobbling it up. Are there any treats you avoid just because you KNOW you won’t have willpower around them?). I have had bars variously incorporating dark chocolate and/or almonds and/or coconuts, though, and with something that looks THIS GOOD, how can you NOT want to re-create it? And we know that my favourite way to mimic a candy or dessert flavour is in oatmeal form!
I was thinking I should write up a blurb (a.k.a. a paragraph or two) extolling the health benefits of the various components of this recipe, but I’ve already waxed poetic about the benefits of dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate (FYI the original chocolate bar uses milk chocolate – as an aside, do you call it a “chocolate bar” or a “candy bar”? – I grew up using the former and not the latter). I’ve also covered off on the miraculous superfood that is coconut. As for almonds? Well, like other nuts, they are a nutrient-dense (that means a lot of calories and other goodness in a tiny little package) source of unsaturated fats. So that’s all I have to say about that. What’s not to like?
Let the taste speak for itself in this easy make-ahead recipe.
Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut 'Almond Joy' Overnight Oatmeal (High-Protein)
Packed with protein and the goodness of whole grain oats, you can enjoy the taste of an Almond Joy chocolate bar for breakfast!
Author: The Golden Graham Girl
INGREDIENTS
1 cup (80g) rolled oats – make sure these are gluten-free, if you require
1 scoop (28g) protein powder of choice – I used Quest Nutrition Vanilla Milkshake Protein Powder*
1 cup (250mL or 240g) unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup (113g) plain non-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 + 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut/coconut flakes – I used Edward & Sons Reduced Fat Unsweetened Coconut Flakes*
1 + 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
Optional 1/4 tsp sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Stir the oats and protein powder in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add the coconut milk and yogurt and mix thoroughly.
3. Stir in the sliced almonds and 1 tbsp each of the coconut flakes and chocolate chips, reserving the rest for garnish.
4. Divide the mixture into two wide-mouth Mason jars or containers, top with remaining coconut and chocolate chips, sprinkle with sea salt (optional) and refrigerate overnight. Note the recipe easily halves for single servings or multiplies for more.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories: 372 Fat: 19g Carbohydrates: 44g Sugar: 12g Fiber: 8g Protein: 25g
Enjoy straight out of the fridge – all you need is a spoon! You can eat it cold or warm it up and let the dark chocolate melt and swirl throughout every bite. Just like the chocolate bar (or maybe even better), and definitely better for you!
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*Please note that I am currently NOT sponsored by or affiliated with any particular brand, company or product. Any ideas, comments or opinions are my own, as mentioned in my Product Review page. However, if you choose to purchase new-to-you products I recommend using the link(s) I provide, I can earn a small credit. More information on that is available here.
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