These overnight almond joy oats are a much healthier breakfast version of the candy bar with lots of almond and coconut flavor.
If I didn’t fully convince you of my weirdness with these green bean fries when I said I never really crave french fries, let me take it a step further…
I can stand in front of the limo length candy selection in a drug store and not be tempted by a single one of them.
Except, the almond joy bar. There’s probably over one hundred to choose from and just one of them tempts me. It’s super weird because I have a huge sweet tooth but sugary suckers, gummy bears and candy bars do nothing for me. Nada.
Chocolate, coconut and almonds together however, that’s something that actually piques my interest.
So standing in line the other day at CVS to buy Ulysses a birthday card (happy 32 today!), I saw it. It spoke to me. It begged, pleaded and whispered sweet nothings in my ear and I rejected it. Not part of the 95%.
But it did give me an idea. A candy bar inspired breakfast.
Almond extract might be my favorite flavoring in the entire world. With one drop, it turns whatever it touches into something that tastes like straight up candy. I made these the “overnight” (aka: no cook) way but you could easily turn this into hot oats as well.
Almond candy oats, coconut milk and shredded coconut throughout, topped with cacao nibs.
Almost as good as an Almond Joy, so much better than a stupid Snickers.
Almond Joy Oats
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup steel cut oats
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla whey protein powder, optional for protein boost
- 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3/4 cup coconut milk, from a carton
- 1 tablespoon plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except cacao nibs in a small bowl and mix together.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Uncover, stir, add more milk if necessary until desired consistency is reached.
- Fold in cacao nibs.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Completely agree with you on almond extract, though the bf hates it so I put it in baked goods secretly…if he doesn’t see it go in, he doesn’t realize it’s there. Ha! Your almond joy oats sound freaking fabulous. I love almond joy and anything oatmeal related. YUM!
oh my gosh, I can’t imagine hating that stuff! I just realized (while making a smoothie with it today) that I’ve got about one serving left. Need to get more asap!
um i love overnight oats, and i love almond joys. thank you for this.
Yummy! I eat oats almost every morning so I will definitely have to try this variation. Any excuse to have chocolate for breakfast is ok with me. Love your pictures in your posts!
I wish I had your creativity. I don’t. But at least you share your amazing recipes.
Yum. This looks delicious!
Oh my, Gina. You’ve out done yourself on this one! Its my favorite candy bar… now to make it into a delicious bowl of oatmeal. I am so grateful to you. Nom Nom.
I heart your blog {I have been following secretly for at least a year} and I too, am not tempted by candy – but that combo of Dark Choc and Almonds with Coconut would be divine! I just read somewhere that people who start their morning with something sweet {chocolate, not fruits!} typically don’t crave it as the day goes on .. let me know ;) ha!
Hmmm…I might have to give that a shot for a few days in a row to test the theory! ;)
I’m not a big Almond Joy fan, but your images are so kickin’ that I almost want to try it! :) Way to treats healthier! :)
My favorite as a kid as Twix, but nowadays I would definitely pick Almond Joy over it. I need to get my hands on some almond extract! I’ve never tried steel cut overnight oats before, but they’re pretty chewy and delicious with Coach’s oats, so I bet these are even better. Happy birthday to Ulysses!
geniuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuus! i love leaving oats in the fridge overnight! they’re such a treat when they come out the next day all ooey gooey and cookie dough like :) almond flour is a fab addition too!