What Makes This Recipe High Protein?

Making this recipe high protein was not at all difficult because I used my favourite chocolate protein powder from Botanica and swapped whipped cream for Greek yogurt. Also, never underestimate chia seeds. Their contribution of protein and fibre is perfect for this breakfast recipe.

Black Forest Overnight Oats Ingredients

• Oats create the base of this recipe and provide the soft, creamy texture that overnight oats are known for. They absorb the milk as they sit, becoming tender without any cooking. Old-fashioned oats work best because they hold their shape while still becoming creamy.
• Chia Seeds help thicken the mixture and add fibre. As they sit in the liquid, they absorb moisture and create a spoonable texture. They also help make the oats more filling, which is exactly what we want in a breakfast recipe.
• Botanica Chocolate Protein Powder gives this recipe its rich chocolate flavour while making it high in protein. It blends into the oats and helps turn a simple breakfast into high protein overnight oats with protein powder. This is the protein powder that I used, but you could use whatever one you have on hand.
• Cacao Powder deepens the chocolate flavour. It gives a chocolate cake vibe you cannot miss and balances the sweetness of the cherry jam beautifully. If you use black cocoa, the flavour becomes even more dramatic and dessert-like.
• Milk softens the oats and brings the mixture together. Any milk will work, including dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Use what you love and what you have.
• Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavour. It makes the oats taste softer, sweeter, and more complete without adding sugar.
• Greek Yogurt is the creamy topping that gives this recipe its Black Forest feel. It adds protein, tang, and richness while replacing the whipped cream traditionally found in Black Forest cake. For a plant-based option, use a high protein coconut yogurt.
• Homemade Cherry Chia Jam brings the sweet-tart cherry layer. It is what turns these from plain chocolate oats into cherry chocolate overnight oats. The jam adds colour, flavour, and that nostalgic Black Forest feeling. Click here for my cherry jam recipe!
• Cacao Nibs or Shaved Chocolate add crunch and a slightly bitter chocolate note, while shaved chocolate makes the oats feel more dessert-like. Either option works beautifully.
• Fresh Cherries make the final bowl look beautiful and reinforce black forest energy. They are optional, but they make the whole recipe feel extra special.