If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a treat but is totally wholesome, this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine the cozy warmth of freshly baked oats infused with rich cocoa, comfy chocolate milk, and unexpected pops of melty chocolate chips in every bite. It’s a fabulous way to enjoy a healthy meal that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping you energized throughout the day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a batch to enjoy all week, this chocolatey baked delight balances indulgence and nutrition brilliantly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient has a clear role, from adding moisture to enhancing chocolate’s deep flavors, making this dish comforting yet easy to prepare.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and give the oats a fluffy, cake-like texture.
- 2 cups quick cooking oats: The hearty base that makes this dish filling and fiber-rich.
- 2 cups chocolate milk: Adds creamy sweetness and a lovely chocolate note without extra steps.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Gives that rich, fudgy depth to the oats.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the oats rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and a subtle buttery undertone.
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla): Keeps the oats moist and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness that blends beautifully with chocolate.
- ½-1 tsp espresso powder (optional): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- ½-¾ cup chocolate chips: Melty chocolate pockets for a little texture and extra indulgence.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F, so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure your oats come out in beautiful slices, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the two eggs thoroughly until smooth. Add in the chocolate milk, melted butter, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Mixing these first ensures a seamless blend of flavors and a creamy base for the oats.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Now gently fold in the quick cooking oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder if you’re using it. Stir until everything is evenly combined into a luscious, chocolatey batter that’s begging to be baked.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Toss in the chocolate chips last, folding them gently into the mixture. These little gems will melt in the oven and create delightful bursts of gooey chocolate in your baked oats.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your chocolate oat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. You want the edges and top to be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out mostly clean. Don’t worry if there’s a tiny bit of moisture—the baked oats will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the baked oats cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving clean, beautiful slices. Once slightly cooled, cut into 9 squares and prepare for eager appetites!
How to Serve Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe, consider sprinkling flaky sea salt on top right after baking—it heightens the chocolate flavor spectacularly. Fresh berries, a dollop of creamy yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup also add bright and creamy contrasts that make each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or a simple green smoothie, balancing out the rich chocolate flavor with freshness and a boost of vitamins. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn breakfast into dessert—perfect for special weekends or when you want to treat yourself.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars, topped with extra chocolate chips and a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. You can even layer sliced bananas between the baked oats when serving for a beautiful breakfast parfait variation that looks just as delicious as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes it an excellent grab-and-go option for busy mornings or afternoon snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover baked oats by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making this recipe a great batch-cooking choice.
Reheating
To enjoy your saved chocolate baked oats warm, simply microwave a portion for 30 to 60 seconds until heated through. Alternatively, warming in a toaster oven brings back that freshly baked texture and melts the chocolate chips just beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of chocolate milk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have chocolate milk on hand, regular milk works fine. You might want to add a little extra cocoa powder or a touch of sweetener to keep that rich chocolate flavor intact.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may be processed in facilities with gluten-containing grains, so check the packaging if you’re sensitive.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few substitutions, yes! Use flax eggs or other egg replacers, plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free yogurt to create a vegan version that’s just as delicious.
How do I know when the baked oats are done?
The top and edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with nuts, dried fruits, or seeds. Just be mindful of their moisture content so it doesn’t affect the baking time too much.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is a total game changer for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast routine or whip up a comforting, chocolaty snack. It’s simple to make, healthy enough to enjoy without guilt, and wonderfully versatile. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and savor every warm, chocolatey bite—you’re going to love it as much as I do!
Print
Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and comforting Chocolate Baked Oats made with rich chocolate milk, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, baked to a perfect gooey and cakey texture. This dish is an easy, wholesome breakfast or snack option that combines the heartiness of oats with the indulgence of chocolate in a healthy way.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate milk
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups quick cooking oats
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½–1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- ½–¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs until smooth. Then add the chocolate milk, melted butter, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir well until all the wet ingredients are fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the quick cooking oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and optional espresso powder. Stir thoroughly to combine into a uniform batter.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips evenly into the oat mixture for bursts of chocolate in each bite.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Pour the chocolate oat batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top and edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean but may have slight moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes to allow the baked oats to set further. Slice into 9 servings. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or serve topped with yogurt and fresh berries for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can use either plain or vanilla Greek yogurt depending on your preferred sweetness and flavor profile.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor if included.
- Use quick cooking oats for a softer texture and shorter cooking time.
- Allow the baked oats to cool slightly before slicing to ensure neat portions.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
