Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s like having a healthy dessert for breakfast, combining the comforting flavors of chocolate and banana with the wholesome goodness of oats. Plus, it’s super easy to make and customizable, so I can always add my favorite nut butter or fresh berries to jazz it up!

There is nothing I like more than to commence my day with a breakfast that is both wholesome and indulgent. One of my all-time favorite breakfast recipes is for Chocolate Baked Oats.

Combining the not-too-distant cousins of oatmeal cookies and brownies, these baked oats are made deliciously with hearty rolled oats and rich cocoa powder, sweetened naturally with banana and maple syrup (or sometimes the ever-scrumptious brown sugar). On occasion, I’ll add nut butter or some other baking-dish-appropriate protein for my morning workout, and then I’ll top the oats with colorful fresh fruit.

Ingredients

Oats: They are an excellent fiber source, and they help with digestion and heart health.

Cocoa Powder: It is loaded with antioxidants and provides a profound chocolate flavor.

Banana: Delivers sweetness from nature, as well as potassium and moisture.

Maple syrup: Sweet by nature, it adds flavor and crucial minerals.

Chocolate Chips: Indulges your sweet tooth with tiny explosions of chocolate.

Nut Butter: Provides nutritious fats and a creamy consistency, improving nutrition.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1 banana, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• Optional: 1 tablespoon nut butter
• Optional: Fresh berries for topping

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a friendly nudge of grease to a baking dish or small, oven-safe bowl.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.

3. Incorporate the mashed banana, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey into the dry mixture. Mix them together until everything is well combined and the oats seem to be fully covered and coated by the liquid.

4. Incorporate the chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top, if you wish.

5. If you use nut butter, neatly blend it into the mixture for increased creaminess and taste.

6. The oat mixture should be poured into the baking dish that has been prepared. Then, using either a spoon or spatula, the mixture should be spread evenly to fill out the baking dish.

7. If you have any chocolate chips left to reserve, sprinkle them on top for an even more chocolatey finish.

8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the oats are set and the top is slightly golden.

9. Take it out of the oven, and for a few moments, just let it cool. Once it has cooled for a brief time, serve and enjoy.

10. Place fresh berries on top if you wish, and enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish or small oven-safe bowl
3. Mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spoon or spatula for stirring and spreading
7. Masher or fork (for mashing banana)

FAQ

• Can I substitute the banana?It is permissible to substitute unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree for the mashed banana.
• What type of milk should I use?You can use any kind of milk depending on your taste, such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cow’s milk.
• Are chocolate chips necessary?They do not, however, add a delicious richness. You can leave them out or substitute them with nuts or dried fruits.
• Can I prepare this the night before? Yes, you can mix the ingredients and refrigerate overnight for a quick breakfast bake in the morning.
• Is there a gluten-free option?This recipe can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
• How can I make it vegan?Ensure that all the ingredients are suitable for vegans, using only plant-based milk, maple syrup, and the right kind of chocolate.
• What is the serving size?This recipe generally produces roughly two portions, but that can change depending on how large or small a person makes their serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute quick oats for rolled oats if you want a softer texture.
Cacao powder is perfect for a richer taste. If you want a cacao powder alternative, you can use carob powder, which is naturally caffeine-free and a wonderful alternative.
Milk of choice: Exchange for almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for different dietary needs.
Banana: Substitute with 1/4 cup applesauce or 1/4 cup pumpkin puree for a different taste.
Substitute with agave nectar or a low-calorie syrup for reduced sugar.

Pro Tips

1. For enhanced flavor, toast the rolled oats in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before mixing with the other ingredients. This adds a nutty depth to the dish.

2. Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the baked oatmeal. They blend more smoothly and release more natural sugars.

3. To add a bit of texture, consider incorporating some nuts or seeds like chopped walnuts or chia seeds into the mixture before baking.

4. If using nut butter, try warming it slightly before adding it to the mix. This will make it easier to blend evenly throughout the oatmeal, ensuring every bite has a creamy richness.

5. For a richer chocolate flavor, you can replace part of the milk with brewed coffee or add a shot of espresso to the wet ingredients. This enhances the cocoa’s depth without making the dish taste like coffee.