Start by taking a medium mixing bowl or a jar with a tight-sealing lid. Add the rolled oats, cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure that the cocoa is evenly distributed throughout the oats.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until they are fully combined and smooth. This will be the liquid mixture that brings life to your oats.
Slowly pour the almond milk mixture over the dry oat mixture. With a spoon or spatula, gently stir until all the oats are fully coated and no dry bits remain.
Incorporate the shredded coconut and chopped almonds into the oat mixture. If you’d like, reserve a small amount of both for garnishing later. Fold these ingredients in gently to maintain some of the texture.
Seal the bowl with a lid or cover the jar tightly with a lid. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the oats to soak up the flavors and soften.
When you're ready to serve, take the oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If you find the oats are too thick for your liking, feel free to add a splash more of almond milk to achieve the desired consistency.
For a delicious finish, top your oats with the reserved shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and banana slices if you wish. This adds extra flavor and visual appeal to your dish before you dive in.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and toppings to your preference.