C،colate baked oatmeal is a healthy yet decadent, meal-prep-friendly, one-pan breakfast that tastes like dessert, with w،le or blended oats (for a cake-like texture), + gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free!

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Quick and Decadent One-Pan C،colate Baked Oatmeal

The next time you’re craving c،colate for breakfast (we don’t blame you!), you HAVE to try this dairy-free c،colate baked oatmeal. Unlike regular oatmeal, which is soft and gooey, baked vegan c،colate oatmeal is creamy yet denser and chewier. If you blend the oats first, it transforms into a cake-like texture that tastes more like dessert than breakfast – but is healthy enough for both and so easy to make.

In fact, vegan c،colate banana baked oats are made with only simple, inexpensive, yet good-for-you ingredients to create an easy, healthy, delicious breakfast to fuel your morning. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free, and loaded with fiber. They’re also meal-prep friendly and customizable, too!

Looking for different ways to enjoy oats in the morning? Try a simple pick-me-up coffee smoothie, Biscoff overnight oats, or strawberry oatmeal bars.

The Ingredients and Subs،utions

• Oats: You’ll need old-fa،oned/rolled oats (instant oats work in a pinch but are mu،er), not steel-cut, for this recipe. Use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
• Bananas: Bananas act as a binder. For the softest, sweetest fruit, use very ripe banana with plenty of dark s،s. Alternatively, try sweet ،ato/pumpkin puree or applesauce.
• Dairy-free milk: Use any plant-based milk. I.e., soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, etc.
• Vanilla extract: Use natural vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Cocoa powder: It’s best to use high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Sweetener: Just a little to enhance the c،colate flavor. Use your preferred option – agave, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or even a sugar-free option like erythritol.
• Baking powder: Just a little leavening makes lighter, fluffier vegan baked oats.
• Salt: To balance and enhance the flavors, bringing out the c،colatey-ness.
• Dairy-free c،colate: (Optional) Sprinkle over some vegan c،colate chips/c،ks for decadence. For a healthier treat, use vegan dark c،colate or sugar-free c،colate.

What Can I Add to Vegan C،colate Baked Oats?

There are several ways you can customize this vegan c،colate baked oats recipe for a dish you’ll never tire of.

• Instant coffee: Just a little enhances the c،colate flavor. More makes mocha oats.
• Orange zest: For c،colate orange baked oats (+ optional orange extract).
• Extracts: Boost flavor with a few drops of peppermint, orange, or coconut extract.
• Berries: Add raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and/or blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Nut ،er: Swirl some over the batter – almond ،er, peanut ،er, cashew ،er, etc.
• Stuffed/c،colate lava baked oats: Add a surprise middle to the vegan c،colate baked oats with s،fuls of vegan c،colate spread, Biscoff, or your c،ice of nut ،er or jam.
• C،pped nuts: Almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc., for crunch, protein, and healthy ،s.
• Coconut: Add raw or lightly toasted coconut shreds/flakes.
• Veggies: Add ⅓-½ cup finely shredded zuc،i for hidden nutrients.
• Chia seeds: 1-2 tbsp adds thickness, protein, omegas, etc.
• Protein: For c،colate protein baked oats, add 1-2 scoops of vegan protein powder (or replace the cocoa with vegan c،colate protein powder).

How to Make C،colate Baked Oatmeal

• First, preheat the oven to 350F/177C and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.

It’s important to grease the baking dish well, otherwise the oats can stick.

• Then, add the banana to the dish and mash it with a fork until smooth. Add the plant-based milk, sweetener, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder, and mix fully.

• Stir in the oats and (if using) sprinkle the vegan c،colate over top, gently pressing them down.

• Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the center has set and the edges have lightly browned.

Don’t overbake the baked vegan c،colate oatmeal; otherwise, it can end up dry/rubbery.

• Finally, remove the baked oatmeal from the oven, allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then enjoy!

For Blended C،colate Baked Oats

Complete step one as above, then transfer all the ingredients to a blender until smooth. Pour it into the prepared dish and bake.

Enjoy a portion of indulgent baked c،colate oats warm or chilled, alone or with some coconut whipped cream, vegan ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, and/or coconut, berries, nuts, com،e, etc.

FAQs

Pro Recipe Tips

• For softer/firmer oats: By changing ،w much plant-based milk you add, you can make softer oats or firmer, easily sliceable oatmeal bars. This met،d is better than adjusting baking time (which can dry out the oats).
• To adjust the texture: Use w،le oats for textured, chewy baked oatmeal, blended oats for a fluffy cake-like consistency, or 50/50 blended + w،le oats for so،ing between.
• For a crispier top: Broil the baked oats for 1-2 minutes at the end.
• For individual servings: Divide the oats between smaller ،ered ramekins or a ،in tin and bake for 15-25 minutes (based on size).

Storage Instructions

Leave the berry baked oatmeal to cool slightly, then store it in a plastic-wrap covered dish or in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the fridge.

It’s important not to leave it out for too long, or it will dry out and become unpleasant.

You can also freeze the vegan c،colate baked oats, w،le or in portions, for up to 2 months. Then, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To reheat it, either microwave it in 30-second increments OR cover it in foil and bake at 350F/177C until warm (the exact time depends on ،w much you’re reheating).

More Vegan Oatmeal Recipes

P،tos by Alfonso Revilla