Chocolate Baked Oats

Introduction

I recently made these chocolate baked oats for a cozy Sunday brunch, and I have to say, they were a hit with the entire family! My partner, who’s not usually a fan of oatmeal, was absolutely smitten with the rich, chocolatey flavor and the cake-like texture. My kids gobbled them up in seconds, even asking for seconds—which, in our house, is a big deal! What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make, yet it feels like a treat. The chocolate is indulgent, but there’s enough wholesome goodness from the oats, banana, and almond milk to keep it feeling like a balanced breakfast. Whether you’re serving it as a weekend brunch or a weekday breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to kick-start your morning with something that feels both indulgent and healthy, this chocolate baked oats recipe is the perfect option. Not only does it offer the decadence of chocolate cake, but it also packs in some nutritional benefits. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

1. Gooey Chocolate Flavor: The dark chocolate chunks melt into the oats, creating pockets of gooey chocolate goodness in every bite.
2. Wholesome Ingredients: With oats, banana, and almond milk, this recipe brings together a perfect balance of healthy and indulgent ingredients.
3. Easy to Make: The prep time is just 5 minutes, and the oven does the rest of the work.
4. Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding nuts, seeds, or other toppings to suit your taste.
5. Perfect Texture: The baked oats have a soft, cake-like consistency, making them both filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1 egg (can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option)
• 1 very ripe banana (this acts as a natural sweetener)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder (unsweetened for a rich chocolate flavor)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chunks (or chips for extra chocolatey goodness)

Instructions

Making these chocolate baked oats is incredibly simple and quick. Follow these steps for a delicious, decadent breakfast:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oats bake evenly and get that golden, cake-like texture.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, egg, ripe banana, baking powder, cocoa powder, honey, and kosher salt. Blend for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and the oats are mostly broken down. You want the consistency to be similar to pancake batter.
3. Prepare the Ramekins: Take two 10-ounce ramekins (or any similar-sized oven-safe dish) and evenly distribute the blended oat mixture into them. If you don’t have ramekins, a small baking dish will work just fine. For smaller ramekins, divide the batter into three portions and reduce the baking time slightly.
4. Add Chocolate Chunks: Sprinkle the dark chocolate chunks on top of the batter. This will melt into the oats as they bake, giving you rich, gooey chocolate pockets.
5. Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet for stability and pop them in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The tops should be slightly golden and firm to the touch.
6. Serve: Allow the baked oats to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them warm for a gooey texture, or at room temperature for a firmer consistency. Either way, they’re delicious!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 413 calories

This recipe provides a satisfying and balanced meal with a rich, indulgent chocolate flavor. While the chocolate makes it feel like a treat, the oats, banana, and almond milk keep it filling and nutritious. The protein from the egg and healthy fats from the dark chocolate make it a well-rounded option to start your day.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

This makes it a great option for a quick yet satisfying breakfast or brunch on a busy morning. You can even prepare the batter the night before and bake it in the morning for an even faster breakfast.

How to Serve

There are many ways you can serve these chocolate baked oats for a delicious breakfast or brunch experience. Here are some ideas:

• Top with Fresh Fruit: Add sliced bananas, berries, or strawberries for extra natural sweetness and texture.
• Serve with Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt adds a creamy contrast to the baked oats.
• Add Nut Butter: A spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter swirled into the oats before baking can add richness and flavor.
• Pair with a Hot Beverage: A cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea complements the chocolatey oats nicely.
• Add a Drizzle of Honey: For extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey (or maple syrup) over the top just before serving.

Additional Tips

Here are five additional tips to help you make the most of this recipe:

1. Use a Very Ripe Banana: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be. If you don’t have a ripe banana, you can microwave a regular banana for 15-20 seconds to soften it.
2. Try Different Milk Options: While almond milk works great, feel free to use oat milk, soy milk, or cow’s milk depending on your preferences.
3. Customize with Add-ins: Add-ins like walnuts, almonds, or shredded coconut can be mixed into the oat batter for added texture and flavor.
4. Make It Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe entirely plant-based.
5. Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding more people or want leftovers, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or more ramekins.

FAQ

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
   Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different, as they cook faster and absorb liquid more quickly.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I replace the egg with a chia egg?
   Yes, a chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds + 2.5 tablespoons water) will work as a great egg replacement.
4. How long can I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup?
   Yes, you can use agave syrup, coconut sugar, or any other sweetener of your choice.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the oat mixture the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next morning.
7. What other toppings can I add to these baked oats?
   You can top them with whipped cream, granola, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
8. What’s the best way to reheat these oats?
   Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
9. Can I freeze these baked oats?
   Yes, you can freeze the baked oats in individual portions. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave.
10. Can I use dairy milk instead of almond milk?
    Yes, dairy milk will work perfectly in this recipe if you prefer it over almond milk.

Conclusion

These chocolate baked oats offer the best of both worlds: they’re indulgent enough to feel like a treat but made with wholesome ingredients that make for a balanced breakfast. Whether you enjoy them warm for a gooey texture or at room temperature for a firmer consistency, they’re sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Plus, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings. Try it for your next breakfast or brunch and watch as your family devours it!

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