Decadent Chocolate Baked Oatmeal: Your Ultimate Dessert-for-Breakfast Recipe

Experience the rich flavor of chocolate baked oatmeal, crafted with wholesome nuts, ripe banana, creamy almond butter, and delectable chocolate chips. Prepare this nourishing breakfast in under an hour and enjoy a treat that feels like dessert!

Get ready to fall in love with this incredible Chocolate Baked Oatmeal recipe! It’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen, a comforting and satisfying breakfast that truly feels like an indulgence. In fact, it’s so good that when my partner, M, discovered his love for it, I immediately baked a second batch so we could each have our own pan to enjoy!

This past summer, I even packed both pans in our cooler for a trip to southern Virginia to visit family. Mornings at the mountain home were made extra special as I savored my baked oats, often paired with a dollop of fresh berries, a swirl of dairy-free yogurt, and a sprinkle of crunchy granola. It’s the perfect blend of cozy, decadent, and incredibly nutritious.

Crafted with a thoughtful combination of nuts, sweet banana, smooth almond butter, and rich dark chocolate chips, this Chocolate Baked Oatmeal offers a nourishing start to your day without compromising on flavor. It’s a plant-based, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free recipe that proves healthy eating can be utterly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a delightful weekend brunch or a convenient weekday meal prep option, this recipe promises a breakfast experience that tastes like dessert.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Creating this irresistible chocolate baked oatmeal requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:

• Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Oats: These provide the perfect hearty texture for baked oatmeal. Ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions. Quick oats tend to get too mushy, while steel-cut oats require a different cooking method, so stick to old-fashioned for the best results.
• Roughly Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: These nuts add a delightful crunch and a dose of healthy fats. I enjoy pecans for their buttery flavor and walnuts for their earthy notes; feel free to choose your favorite or even mix them. Make sure they are roughly chopped to distribute evenly and provide satisfying texture.
• Navitas Organics Cacao Powder: This is the secret to the deep, rich chocolate flavor. We’ll delve deeper into why this specific cacao powder makes all the difference in a moment.
• Ground Flaxseed: Used to create a “flax egg,” this ingredient acts as a fantastic plant-based binder, replacing traditional eggs, and also adds beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: A dairy-free staple that provides creaminess without added sugars. You can also use other plant-based milks like oat milk or soy milk if preferred.
• Pure Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener complements the chocolate beautifully, offering a subtle caramel note. Always opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor and to avoid artificial additives.
• Ripe Banana: Mashed banana serves multiple purposes: it adds natural sweetness, helps bind the ingredients, and contributes moisture to the baked oatmeal. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your oatmeal will be.
• Almond Butter: For rich flavor and a creamy texture, almond butter is a fantastic addition. It also contributes healthy fats and protein. Feel free to experiment with other nut butters like cashew butter or even a seed butter for a nut-free option.
• Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Essential for those pockets of molten chocolate goodness. Choose a high-quality brand of dairy-free chips to ensure a truly decadent experience.

That’s all it takes to create a truly spectacular chocolate baked oatmeal that’s both healthy and utterly delicious!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful chocolate baked oatmeal to life:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, prepare a 9×9 inch square baking dish. You can either line it with parchment paper for easy removal or lightly grease it with coconut oil to prevent sticking. A dish of similar size and shape will also yield excellent results.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious medium mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: the gluten-free old-fashioned oats, your chosen roughly chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work wonderfully), and the Navitas Organics Cacao Powder. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to distribute the chocolate flavor evenly. For my pan, I opted for chopped pecans, while M’s pan featured delicious chopped walnuts – both are fantastic choices! Remember, roughly chopping the nuts is key for the best texture throughout the oatmeal.

The Secret to Richness: Navitas Organics Cacao Powder

A key player in achieving the incredibly rich and decadent chocolate flavor in these baked oats is Navitas Organics Cacao Powder. This isn’t just any cocoa powder; it’s 100% cacao, providing an intense chocolate experience that truly elevates this recipe.

Unlike highly processed cocoa powders, Navitas Organics Cacao Powder retains more of its natural nutrients, making it a powerful plant-based superfood. It’s packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and iron, adding a significant nutritional boost to your breakfast. Its robust, pure chocolate taste is unparalleled, making it an excellent substitute for unsweetened cocoa in any of your chocolate-based culinary adventures.

I always keep a bag of this premium cacao powder on hand in my pantry. It’s my go-to for baking, stirring into hot cocoa, blending into smoothies, and even for no-bake treats. The depth of flavor it brings is simply unmatched, and it’s a difference you can truly taste in this chocolate baked oatmeal.

By incorporating this high-quality cacao, we’re not just adding chocolate flavor; we’re infusing our baked oatmeal with a plant-based powerhouse that’s both delicious and incredibly good for you!

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller mixing bowl, begin by preparing your flax egg. Combine 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of filtered water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens and gels. This “flax egg” is crucial for binding the oatmeal together. Once the flax egg is ready, add in the unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, mashed ripe banana, and creamy almond butter. Stir these wet ingredients thoroughly until they are well-combined and smooth. This recipe harnesses the natural sweetness of mashed banana and pure maple syrup, keeping it refined-sugar-free yet incredibly flavorful!

4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can sometimes affect the texture of baked goods.

Indulgent Mix-Ins: Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips

5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Now for the best part – gently fold in the dairy-free dark chocolate chips! I personally prefer using mini dark chocolate chips as they distribute more evenly, ensuring a burst of chocolate in every bite. However, if you don’t have chips on hand, feel free to chop up a dark chocolate bar into small pieces. For an even more intense cacao flavor and a boost of antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, you can swap in Navitas Organics Cacao Nibs. These raw cacao bean bits offer a satisfying crunch and a pure, unsweetened chocolate essence that pairs beautifully with the naturally sweet oatmeal.

6. Bake to Perfection: Spoon the mixed batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer using the back of a spoon or a spatula. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a few more dark chocolate chips over the top before placing the dish in the preheated oven. Bake the oatmeal for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and feels slightly firm to the touch. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!

Serving Suggestions for Your Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Once your delicious chocolate baked oatmeal is ready, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This cooling period helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve.

This versatile dish can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven or chilled, depending on your preference and the weather. For the ultimate breakfast experience, I love serving mine with a generous spoonful of creamy dairy-free yogurt, a delightful sprinkle of crunchy granola for added texture, and a handful of fresh, vibrant berries. The tartness of the berries perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal.

Beyond berries, feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider a drizzle of extra maple syrup, a dollop of your favorite nut butter, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. For a truly decadent dessert, a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped coconut cream would be absolutely divine.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave, or savor them chilled – they’re delicious either way!

Effortless Meal Prep: Chocolate Baked Oats for Busy Weeks

This Chocolate Baked Oatmeal is a dream come true for meal prepping, especially for anyone who loves starting their day with a chocolatey treat! Imagine having a delicious, nourishing breakfast ready to go every morning, cutting down on decision-making and cooking time during busy weekdays.

Simply prepare a pan of these baked oats on Sunday, and you’ll have flavorful squares to enjoy throughout the week. Its versatility is a major plus – it tastes fantastic whether enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator or gently re-warmed. This makes it a perfect breakfast solution for any season, providing comfort in the winter and a refreshing bite in the summer.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can simply pop a square in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm, or for a crispier top, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Or, as mentioned, simply grab a piece and enjoy it cold!

This recipe is also excellent for a shared weekend breakfast or a brunch gathering with family and friends. It’s easy to make in a larger batch, and everyone will love the delightful combination of chocolate, banana, and nuts.

Customization and Variations:

• Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version, simply substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) and omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. You can also use oat milk instead of almond milk for a completely nut-free and creamy base.
• Add Spices: Enhance the flavor profile with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of chili powder for a Mexican hot chocolate twist.
• Different Fruits: While banana is fantastic, you could experiment with other mashed fruits like pumpkin puree or apple sauce for different flavors and textures.
• Extra Protein: Stir in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder (chocolate or vanilla flavored) with the dry ingredients for an added protein boost.

Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of having a wholesome, chocolate-packed breakfast ready whenever you are!

Explore More Baked Oatmeal Recipes

If you loved this chocolate version, you might enjoy these other baked oatmeal recipes:

• Berry Baked Oatmeal

• Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

• Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal

Discover More Baked Breakfast Delights

Beyond baked oatmeal, there’s a whole world of delicious baked breakfasts to explore:

• Pumpkin Apple Baked Quinoa

• Blackberry Baked Quinoa

• PB&J Baked Breakfast Bars

• Raspberry Baked Oatmeal Cups

• Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

• Blueberry Maple Baked Breakfast Bars

We Want to Hear From You!

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XO Lauren

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