If you’re searching for breakfast that tastes like dessert but makes you feel good all day, Chocolate Baked Oats are your ultimate answer. These fudgy, cake-like oats come together in a snap, fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of chocolate, and bake up gorgeously in one dish for a fuss-free morning treat. With wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and a method so simple it’s almost magic, Chocolate Baked Oats will easily earn a spot on your regular breakfast rotation — and maybe even your dessert table, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be happily surprised by how streamlined this recipe is. Each ingredient brings its own special superpower — from rich cocoa flavor to creamy texture, or a hint of warmth — making these baked oats absolutely crave-worthy.
- Rolled oats: The heart of the dish; they blend into the batter for a surprisingly cake-like texture.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess and keeps everything moist — any variety you love will work.
- Large eggs: These provide lift and help create that deliciously tender crumb.
- Cocoa powder: The chocolate star of the whole show; use unsweetened for rich, deep flavor.
- Maple syrup or honey: For perfect sweetness and a subtle depth; choose either based on your preference.
- Baking powder: Gives the oat batter its beautiful rise so each bite is soft and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, aromatic background note only vanilla can offer.
- Cinnamon: Slightly earthy and sweet, it pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Dark chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top for melty, gooey chocolate pockets in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oats
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps your Chocolate Baked Oats set up perfectly. Next, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish — just a spritz of oil or swipe of butter does the trick — so your oats lift right out after baking with minimal sticking.
Step 2: Blend the Oat Mixture
Reach for your blender or food processor and add in the rolled oats, milk, eggs, cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Blend everything until you have a smooth, pourable batter. This step is where the magic happens: blending the oats gives your dish that delightfully airy, cake-like feel!
Step 3: Pour Batter and Top with Chocolate Chips
Pour the blended batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to scrape out every last bit of chocolatey goodness. Evenly sprinkle the dark chocolate chips across the top. They’ll melt into delicious pools as the oats bake, making every slice extra indulgent.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The Chocolate Baked Oats are done when the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a little gooeyness is great!). If you prefer an ultra-fudgy texture, bake closer to 30 minutes; for a cakier vibe, go the full 35.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your oats cool for just a few minutes so they set up and slice easily. Cut into squares and serve warm, topped with your favorite extras — think a drizzle of nut butter, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a handful of fresh fruit for something bright and fresh.
How to Serve Chocolate Baked Oats
Garnishes
Jazz up your Chocolate Baked Oats with colorful and flavorful garnishes! A sprinkle of chopped nuts ever so slightly toasty, a spoonful of creamy yogurt, a handful of berries, or even a light dusting of extra cocoa powder brings each bite to life. Don’t forget a generous drizzle of nut butter if you’re after that rich, decadent finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee for the ultimate cozy morning pairing. Chocolate Baked Oats also play nicely alongside a bowl of mixed fruit, a side of crisp bacon (if you eat meat), or even a scoop of cottage cheese for added protein and creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, you can bake Chocolate Baked Oats in individual ramekins for adorable single-serve portions. Feeling fun? Layer squares with extra fruit, yogurt, and a few more chocolate chips for a parfait-style dessert. Or, make mini bites for a breakfast grab-and-go bar; they’re perfect for guests or busy mornings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Baked Oats are a meal prep dream. Simply cover the cooled squares tightly or move them to an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and the texture stays pleasant, so tomorrow’s breakfast will be just as delightful.
Freezing
Want to keep the goodness going even longer? Chocolate Baked Oats freeze beautifully. Slice after cooling completely, wrap individual pieces in parchment or plastic wrap, and seal in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a square (or two) in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until warm, or heat covered in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Add a dash of extra milk if you like things extra moist, and top as desired for a freshly-baked feel every time.
FAQs
Can I make these Chocolate Baked Oats vegan?
Yes! Swap the eggs for two flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal plus 5 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes) and use a non-dairy milk. Just be aware the texture may be a bit softer, but still deliciously chocolatey.
Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats?
Rolled oats work best here for their perfect balance of creaminess and structure. Quick oats can substitute in a pinch but may yield a slightly softer bake, while steel-cut oats won’t blend smoothly or bake through the same way.
Is it possible to add protein powder for extra nutrition?
Absolutely! Stir in a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder after blending (so the batter doesn’t get too thick in the blender). You might need to add an extra splash of milk for the right consistency.
Can I reduce the sweetener or use a sugar substitute?
Definitely — you can cut the maple syrup or honey back for a less sweet version or experiment with liquid stevia, monk fruit syrup, or your preferred sweetener. Just keep an eye on bake time, as dryer batters may cook faster.
How do I know when Chocolate Baked Oats are perfectly baked?
Look for set edges and a center that’s just barely firm — a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with a touch of fudgy crumb. Remember, a little gooeyness inside is part of the Chocolate Baked Oats charm!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a batch of Chocolate Baked Oats emerging from your oven: rich, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a spot in your breakfast (or snack or dessert!) routine and watch it disappear bite by bite. You deserve a breakfast that tastes like a treat, so grab your oats and cocoa and get baking — you’re about to fall in love!
Print
Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Chocolate Baked Oats. This easy-to-make dish combines the goodness of oats, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate chips for a decadent breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, mix oats, milk, eggs, cocoa powder, maple syrup, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the dish, sprinkle chocolate chips on top, and bake for 30–35 minutes until set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool, slice into squares, and serve warm with optional toppings.
Notes
- For a gooier texture, slightly underbake.
- To make it richer, add a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter to the batter.
- You can also bake in ramekins for single-serve portions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
