This Chocolate Baked Oatmeal recipe is a deliciously healthy way to enjoy the classic breakfast dish. It has a texture that falls between baked oatmeal and cake, and a rich chocolate flavor enhanced by fresh cherries and walnuts.
This baked chocolate oatmeal is a vegan, oil-free recipe for a guilt-free morning treat your whole family will adore. Combining the wholesome goodness of rolled oats, the rich flavor of cacao powder, and the natural sweetness of fresh cherries, it tastes great and is good for you too!
For those who like their breakfast sweet and satisfying, my chocolate baked oatmeal recipe is a must-try. If you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love my 3-minute healthy oatmeal and creamy caramelized apple oatmeal, which are just as quick and delicious.
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Why You'll Love This Chocolate Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious breakfast ready to bake and enjoy!
- Irresistible Flavors: The combination of chocolate, cherry, and walnut in this recipe creates a flavor profile that's hard to resist. It's a true crowd-pleaser!
- Healthy Twist: This baked chocolate oatmeal is made with healthy ingredients like rolled oats, almond milk, and fresh cherries. It's a nutritious breakfast that feels like a treat.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. It's a great way to start the day on a sweet note that everyone can enjoy.
Key Ingredients
Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Chia seeds: These will be mixed with water to create a "chia egg," which helps bind the ingredients together.
- Rolled oats: The main ingredient in this recipe, rolled oats provide a hearty, whole-grain base for the dish. Steel cut oats would work too, but don’t go over quick oats since they get mushy. You can also choose gluten-free oats if you have a gluten allergy.
- Cacao powder: This gives the oatmeal a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Walnuts: Chopped into smaller pieces, these add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor to the oatmeal.
- Maple syrup: This natural sweetener enhances the flavor of the chocolate and helps balance the oats.
- Almond milk: This liquid helps to hydrate the oats and creates a creamy, dairy-free base for the oatmeal. Oat milk or other nut milk may be used as a substitute.
- Fresh cherries: Pitted and halved, these add a sweet, juicy burst of fruit to the oatmeal.
- Chocolate chunks: These add a melty, sweet surprise to each bite of the oatmeal. Feel free to substitute this with dark chocolate chips.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
Making this incredible chocolate baked oatmeal recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 375 F. This will ensure it's at the perfect temperature for baking your chocolate oatmeal.
Prepare your chia egg: In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and water. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and expand. This will be your "chia egg," which serves as a binding agent in place of traditional eggs.
Combine your dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together your oats, cacao powder, and baking powder. Don't worry about adding the walnuts here, they'll go in later.
Add your wet ingredients: To the bowl of dry ingredients, pour in your almond milk, maple syrup, and the chia egg you prepared earlier. Stir everything together until it's well combined.
Incorporate the walnuts: Now, it's time to add in your walnuts. Stir them into the oatmeal mixture.
Assemble the oatmeal: Spread 1 cup of cherries on the bottom of a 1 ½ qt baking dish. Next, pour your oatmeal mixture over the cherries.
Add the finishing touches: Scatter 1 more cup of cherries and some chocolate chunks over the oatmeal.
Bake the oatmeal: Place your oatmeal dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.
Serve: Once your chocolate baked oatmeal is done, remove it from the oven. Top it with the remaining ¼ cup of cherries and serve immediately.
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Tips For Making the Best Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
- Use Chia or Flax Seeds for a Healthier "Egg": If you don't have chia seeds, you can make a "chia egg" by mixing 1 tablespoon of flax meal with 2 ½ tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then add it to the recipe. This is a great dairy-free and egg-free alternative that adds a nutritional boost to your baked oats.
- Customize Your Nuts: If you're not a fan of walnuts, feel free to replace them with pecans, pistachios, or almonds. This allows you to enjoy the rich, cake-like texture of the oatmeal without compromising on your favorite nuts.
- Experiment with Fruits: This recipe calls for fresh cherries, but you can also make this baked oatmeal with blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries. You can even use frozen fruit entirely or a combination of fresh and frozen fruit. This makes the recipe versatile and perfect for any season.
Serving Suggestions
- For a hearty and wholesome breakfast, pair this chocolate-baked oats with a side of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of almond butter. The creaminess of the yogurt and nutty flavor of the almond butter perfectly complement the rich chocolate flavor of the oats.
- If you're in a rush, cut a square of this chocolate baked oatmeal and enjoy it on the go. It's a convenient, meal prep-friendly breakfast that will keep you full and satisfied until lunch.
- For a cozy weekend brunch, serve this chocolate baked oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream. The freshness of the fruit cuts through the rich chocolate flavor, while the whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence.
- This chocolate-baked oats also makes a great post-workout meal. Pair it with a chocolate protein shake for a double dose of chocolatey goodness that will help replenish your energy stores and build muscle.
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Crunchy Coconut: In addition to walnuts, stir in some coconut chips. These will add a delicious crunch and a hint of coconut flavor to your chocolate baked oats.
- Fruity Bliss: If you're a fan of fruit, you can make this variation with fresh berries or fruit only. You can also use a combination of frozen and fresh fruit. This will give your baked oatmeal a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
- Creamy Nut Butter: For those who love the creaminess of nut butter, this variation is a must-try. Stir in a spoon or two of almond butter or cashew butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't have chia seeds, you can make an "egg" with flax seeds. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of flax meal with 2 ½ tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, and add it to the recipe. This is a great dairy-free and egg-free alternative that still provides a good texture to your oatmeal.
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other nut milk in this recipe. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can even use coconut milk. Just make sure it's unsweetened to control the overall sweetness of the dish.
You can make this baked oatmeal with a variety of fruits. Try it with blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or a mix of your favorites. You can even use frozen fruit, making it a great option for meal prep.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: After enjoying your delicious chocolate baked oatmeal, you might have some leftovers. Don't worry, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This meal prep-friendly dish will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat Instructions: When you're ready to enjoy your chocolate oats again, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the oatmeal has thickened, you can add a splash of milk to restore the desired texture.
- Freeze: If you're thinking about freezing this dairy-free dish, I've got good news. You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure it's completely cooled before freezing.
- Thawing Instructions: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen chocolate baked oatmeal, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's heated through. The rich chocolate flavor and cake-like texture will still be as delicious as the day you made it.
Similar Recipes
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Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Baked Oatmeal With Cherries
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds Note 1
- 2 ½ tablespoon water Note 2
- 2 c rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ c walnuts chopped into smaller pieces, Note 2
- ½ c Maple syrup
- 2 c almond milk oat milk or other nut milk may be used
- 2 ½ c fresh cherries pitted, Note 3
- 1 oz chocolate chunks I recommend Hu Chocolate, use code IRYNA15 for 15% off
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- In a small bowl mix together chia seeds and water. Leave for 5 minutes to expand.
- In a large bowl stir together oats, cacao powder, baking powder and walnuts.
- Add in almond milk, Maple syrup and "chia egg" and stir to combine.
- Spread 1 cup of cherries on the bottom of a 1 ½ qt baking dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the cherries. Scatter 1 more cup of cherries and chocolate chunks over the oatmeal.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove chocolate oatmeal from the oven, top with the remaining ¼ cup of cherries and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Hanneke Bakker says
loved it! made a few little changes, more cocoa powder 1/4 cup. And about 1/4 cup of agave instead of the maple syrup. Tastes like oatmeal in chocolate custard with cherries.
Iryna says
Henneke, thank you so much for your comment! I'm happy you enjoyed this recipe:)
Beck says
Absolutely perfect breakfast! Made it several times now and love it for meal prep! I do 1 cup of frozen raspberries and 1 cup of frozen cherries and it turns out so good every time. Thanks for the recipe!
Iryna says
Beck, thank you so much for your comment and 5-star rating! I'm happy you loved this recipe!
Kate says
Best oatmeal bake I have ever had! It seriously tasted like dessert! So happy to find a healthy breakfast my 5 year old loved!
Iryna says
Thank you for your wonderful comment and 5 star rating Kate! I’m so happy that you enjoyed this recipe!
Natalia says
I just cooked It 2 days ago with the slight modification of recipe from original, put sour cream with kefir instead milk and it comes out delicious. Thank you for a great breakfast.
Iryna says
You're welcome! So glad you liked it!