If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting breakfast or snack that feels indulgent without any guilt, this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe has you covered. Imagine a warm, chocolatey treat packed with wholesome oats, ripe bananas, and just the right touch of sweetness that makes each bite feel like a little celebration. It’s simple to make, naturally filling, and perfect for those mornings when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe, it’ll become your go-to when you want a breakfast that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of texture, moisture, and richness in your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe. Each one plays a role in making this dish irresistible, from the creaminess of the almond milk to the deep chocolate flavor that cocoa powder brings.
- Rolled oats: The heart of this dish, rolled oats offer a chewy and hearty texture that makes the bake filling and wholesome.
- Almond milk (or any milk of your choice): Adds moisture and creaminess without overpowering the chocolatey goodness.
- Egg (or flax egg for vegan option): Binds the ingredients together and helps the oats set beautifully in the oven.
- Very ripe banana: Naturally sweetens and adds softness, plus it enhances the overall moist texture.
- Baking powder: Gives a light lift to the bake, ensuring it’s not too dense but pleasantly fluffy.
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened): Infuses a rich chocolate flavor that’s intense yet balanced.
- Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option): Sweetens the batter subtly while contributing to a lovely golden color once baked.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and chocolate flavors, bringing them into perfect harmony.
- Dark chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips): Create delightful pockets of gooey melted chocolate throughout and on top.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is perfectly hot for baking so your oats cook evenly and develop a deliciously set top without drying out.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Place rolled oats, almond milk, egg, ripe banana, baking powder, cocoa powder, honey, and kosher salt into a blender. Blend everything for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth and the oats are nicely broken down. This step is key because it creates a silky batter with that perfect texture you want in baked oats.
Step 3: Pour Batter into Ramekins
Divide the blended oat mixture evenly between two 10-ounce ramekins. These small dishes are perfect for even baking and creating individual portions that feel extra special.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chunks
Sprinkle dark chocolate chunks generously over the surface of the batter in each ramekin. These will melt while baking, creating gooey, melty chocolate spots that make this recipe irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Set the ramekins on a baking sheet to keep them stable in the oven, then bake for 30 minutes. Your baked oats are done when the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. This baking time allows the oats to cook through while keeping everything tender and moist inside.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe cool slightly before diving in. You can enjoy it warm for a luscious, gooey texture or at room temperature if you prefer it a bit firmer. Either way, it’s incredible.
How to Serve Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter can add creaminess and tang that complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a tangerine segment. If you’re in the mood for something savory on the side, a serving of scrambled eggs or avocado toast offers a balanced contrast to the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your baked oats straight in the ramekins with a small spoon for a cozy breakfast vibe. Alternatively, turn them out onto a plate and drizzle with warm chocolate or caramel sauce for a dessert-like presentation that feels like a special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The oats will firm up as they cool, making them easier to slice or scoop for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Freezing
You can freeze individual ramekins or portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for a comforting breakfast anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe in the microwave for about 60 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to maintain a bit of crispness on top.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
What type of oats work best?
Rolled oats are ideal because they blend well into a smooth batter while still offering some texture. Avoid instant oats as they may make the consistency too mushy.
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, any milk you have on hand works perfectly. Cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk can be substituted to suit your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Oats themselves are gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur. To be safe, use certified gluten-free rolled oats if you need a gluten-free Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe.
How sweet is this recipe?
The sweetness level is mild and naturally balanced thanks to the banana and honey or maple syrup. You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sweetener if you prefer a sweeter bake.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning or a sweet pick-me-up any time of day. It’s simple to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and tastes absolutely divine. Whether you’re new to baked oats or a seasoned fan, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. You might just find your new favorite breakfast or snack that hits the chocolate craving and keeps you fueled with goodness.
Print
Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Baked Oats recipe is a warm, comforting, and nutritious breakfast option that combines wholesome rolled oats, ripe banana, and rich cocoa powder. Perfectly baked to create a soft, cake-like texture with gooey dark chocolate chunks throughout, this dish is simple to prepare, customizable for vegan diets, and ideal for a cozy morning treat.
Ingredients
Oat Mixture
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 very ripe banana
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the oat mixture evenly.
- Blend the ingredients. Combine rolled oats, almond milk, egg, ripe banana, baking powder, cocoa powder, honey, and kosher salt in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and oats are broken down.
- Divide the batter. Pour the blended oat mixture evenly into two 10-ounce ramekins, ensuring each is filled properly.
- Add chocolate chunks. Sprinkle dark chocolate chunks on the surface of the oat batter for gooey chocolate throughout the bake.
- Bake the oats. Place ramekins on a baking sheet for stability and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and serve. Allow the baked oats to cool slightly. Enjoy them warm for a gooey texture or at room temperature for a firmer consistency.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Use rolled oats for the best texture; avoid quick oats or instant oats as they may become too mushy.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup according to taste.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
