Chocolate Baked Oats

What are chocolate baked oats?

Thanks to the cakey texture, decadent flavors, and ease of preparation, baked oats have become a viral sensation on TikTok. This chocolate version takes it to a new level!

Not to be confused with baked oatmeal, which leaves the oats whole, baked oats are made by blending all of the ingredients until smooth.

The batter is then poured into a pan (or ramekin) and baked, resulting in a light, airy, and moist, texture similar to a cake. In essence, this recipe tricks your brain into believing you’re eating dessert for breakfast. In reality, it’s an extremely nutritious breakfast full of fiber, iron, protein, and other beneficial nutrients.

What's To Love About Chocolate Oats?

• Indulgent: You won’t believe this recipe is actually healthy for you. Chocolate baked oats have all the flavors of chocolate cake with the nutritional profile of traditional oatmeal. It's sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup and no other added sugars.
• Easy: Just combine everything in a blender or food processor, then bake it in a baking dish. No fancy kitchen equipment or techniques are required!
• Customizable: Make this recipe your own by experimenting with mix-ins like nuts, protein powder, or peanut butter. The options are endless!
• Filling: Rest assured, chocolate baked oats will leave you feeling full and energized for hours. It's a perfect way to start your day. You’ll likely make it all the way through to lunch!

• Oats Use rolled oats, quick oats, or old fashioned oats. This recipe won't work with steel cut oats (Instead try Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats ) or instant oats. If you are celiac or have sensitivities, double-check the oats are certified gluten-free.
• Milk: You can use any type of milk. Regular milk, skim milk, or your favorite non-dairy milk like cashew, almond or oat milk, all will work. Coconut milk will also work, however, be aware that it will impart a coconut flavor to the chocolate oatmeal. (Not necessarily a bad thing).
• Cocoa powder: For an ultra-rich and decadent chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa powder. You can also use natural unsweetened cocoa powder but opt for a high-quality brand. You can also use cacao powder, which is the raw form of cocoa powder and is more bitter.
• Banana: Adds moisture and natural sweetness. Make sure your banana is extra spotty for the best flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Helps bind the baked oats together and gives the batter lift, resulting in a cakey texture. For an egg-free version, replace it with ¼ cup of mashed banana.
• Maple syrup: Sweetened with just three tablespoons of pure maple syrup, these chocolate oats aren't overly sweet. If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, opt for agave nectar, coconut nectar, or honey.
• Vanilla extract: A common pairing with chocolate, vanilla enhances the other ingredients in this recipe. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract, not artificial.
• Baking powder: Baking powder is our leavening agent. Look for gluten-free baking powder if gluten is a concern.

How to make chocolate baked oats

Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the meantime, prepare an 8 x 8 baking pan by greasing it with cooking oil.
2. Place all of the ingredients in a blender and mix it on high for 1 minute. If you prefer a more cake-like texture, blend the batter for an additional 30 seconds, or until it is as smooth as you like.

3. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, then spread it until smooth. For extra chocolatey flavor, sprinkle the top with chocolate chips.

Storage & reheating

This recipe is great for making ahead of time or storing for later. Just follow these tips to keep your chocolate baked oats fresh:

• Fridge: Once cooled, transfer the slices to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For a longer storage option, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze them in individual portions for easier reheating. 
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350 degrees F for 7-8 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, heat them in the microwave in 30-second increments.

Variations

• Protein: Try adding a few scoops of chocolate protein powder in place of the cocoa powder for a high-protein option.
• Nut butter: Mix in your favorite nut butter for a chocolate and nut butter twist on this recipe. My personal favorite is peanut butter, but almond butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut butter would all be delicious as well!
• Coffee: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee to the batter, or try adding fresh espresso. Just make sure to reduce equal amounts of milk for espresso.
• Vegan: For a vegan version, swap the milk for dairy-free milk and the egg for more banana or a flax egg. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Helpful tips

• Blend until just combined: Don’t blend the batter for too long or the final texture of your chocolate baked oats will be too dense.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the time and check 5-7 minutes before you think it’s done. Each oven is slightly different and overbaking will result in firm, crispy oats.
• Use ripe bananas: As bananas ripen, the starches convert into sugars, resulting in a sweeter overall flavor and better consistency. Let your bananas turn spotty!

Common questions

Serving suggestions

If you’re like me and enjoy toppings on almost everything, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or fresh fruit to your chocolate baked oats. For a little sweetness, try topping with a drizzle of peanut butter, honey, Greek yogurt, or even chocolate sauce.

Related recipes

For more oat-based breakfasts, snacks, and baked goods, check out some of my most popular recipes:

• Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins
• Oatmeal Energy Bites
• Maple Walnut Overnight Oats
• Rhubarb Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies