If you’re on the hunt for a comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug and satisfies your chocolate cravings all at once, then you’re going to love this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of wholesome oats, rich cocoa, and naturally sweet banana, baked to a tender, cake-like perfection. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy weekend morning or need a nutritious yet indulgent start to your day, this recipe is straightforward, nourishing, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is delightfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting that luscious texture and rich flavor we all crave. From the wholesome oats that give body and fiber to the ripe banana adding natural sweetness and moisture, every component works in harmony.
- Rolled oats (1 cup): The hearty base that gives body and fiber to your oats, creating a filling and nutritious start.
- Almond milk (¾ cup): Adds creaminess and helps blend everything smoothly; any milk works perfectly here.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds fluffiness; substitute with a flax egg for a vegan twist.
- Very ripe banana (1): Naturally sweetens and moistens the bake, plus adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift to make your oats light and tender.
- Cocoa powder (2 teaspoons unsweetened): Brings that rich, deep chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Sweetens naturally; maple syrup works great for a vegan alternative.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and cocoa.
- Dark chocolate chunks (2 tablespoons): Melts into gooey pockets of decadence, making every bite a treat.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment for your oats to cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden top. Preheating is key to guarantee the right texture from the get-go.
Step 2: Blend Your Ingredients
Into your blender, add the rolled oats, almond milk, egg, ripe banana, baking powder, cocoa powder, honey, and kosher salt. Blend it all together for about 30 seconds to a minute. The goal is a smooth, uniform batter with the oats well broken down, which helps create that pancake-like softness in your bake.
Step 3: Pour Mixture Into Ramekins
Divide the blended mixture evenly between two 10-ounce ramekins. These small dishes are perfect for baking individual portions, making serving both fun and convenient. Plus, they give a lovely presentation right from oven to table.
Step 4: Sprinkle on the Chocolate Chunks
Top each ramekin with your dark chocolate chunks. As they bake, they’ll melt slightly and form those decadent pockets of rich chocolate throughout the oats—pure bliss with every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet so they’re stable and easy to handle. Bake for 30 minutes until the tops look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. That golden, slightly firm top is your signal that they’re ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the baked oats cool just enough to handle. You can enjoy it warm for a gooey, indulgent texture or wait till it reaches room temperature when it firms up a bit, giving a more cake-like consistency. Either way, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
How to Serve Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little flair on top takes this dish to the next level. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a tangy contrast to the richness, while a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream brings creaminess and freshness. Don’t forget a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your chocolate baked oats with some crisp bacon or a handful of crunchy nuts for texture. If you prefer a lighter touch, a simple green smoothie or fresh fruit salad on the side complements the warm, chocolatey goodness perfectly, balancing indulgence with bright freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch centerpiece, bake this recipe in several small ramekins, then arrange them neatly on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of toppings in small bowls for guests to customize. You can even serve it in mason jars for an on-the-go breakfast treat that’s as adorable as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the oats moist and flavorful so you can enjoy a quick breakfast or snack the next day without starting from scratch.
Freezing
Chocolate baked oats freeze beautifully. Pop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well for up to two months, making them perfect for meal prepping or a quick treat whenever a chocolate craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave your oats for about 30 to 60 seconds until warm. If thawed from frozen, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes first, then warm gently to keep that soft texture intact without drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and swap honey for maple syrup, and you’re good to go. The texture and flavor remain just as delicious.
What type of oats should I use?
Rolled oats are best for this recipe. They absorb liquid well and blend into a smooth batter, giving you that perfect balance of tenderness and body. Avoid instant oats, as they can make the texture too mushy.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a few spoonfuls of peanut butter can add wonderful variety and texture to your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe. Just be mindful of moisture levels if you add wet ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this recipe is safe for those avoiding gluten. Always check your oat packaging to ensure they’re processed in a gluten-free facility.
What’s the best way to sweeten if I avoid sugar?
Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, but if you want to avoid added sugars entirely, you can skip the honey or syrup or replace them with mashed dates or a splash of vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness without refined sugar.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm bowl of baked oats, especially when it’s packed full of chocolatey goodness like this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe. It’s a personal favorite because it combines simplicity, nutrition, and a little indulgence all in one easy dish. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and discover just how satisfying and comforting a breakfast can be when done right.
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 breakfast that combines wholesome rolled oats with rich cocoa and sweet banana. Blended together for a smooth batter and baked to perfection, these individual ramekins of chocolate goodness make for a healthy yet indulgent start to your day. Suitable for vegan modifications, this dish balances nutrition with decadence in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 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 unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the oats evenly.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine rolled oats, almond milk, egg, ripe banana, baking powder, cocoa powder, honey, and kosher salt. Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and the oats are thoroughly broken down for a creamy texture.
- Pour Batter: Evenly distribute the blended oat mixture into two 10-ounce ramekins, preparing individual portions for baking.
- Add Chocolate: Sprinkle the dark chocolate chunks on top of the batter in each ramekin to add pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
- Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the baked oats to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for a gooey texture, or let it reach room temperature for a firmer consistency.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes).
- You can swap almond milk for any milk alternative like oat milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or maple syrup amount accordingly.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract can enhance the flavor.
- Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for richer taste and less sugar.
- This recipe can be doubled for more servings by using larger or more ramekins.
