If you have a sweet tooth but still want a nourishing breakfast or snack, this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, chocolatey oats infused with rich cocoa, a hint of espresso, and melting chocolate chips—all baked to perfection for a warm, cozy treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s like having dessert for breakfast but with the hearty goodness you need to fuel your day. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients that come together to create a decadent yet nutritious dish. Each component not only adds flavor but also enhances the texture and color, making every bite enjoyable and comforting.
- 2 large eggs: They bind everything together and provide a fluffy yet firm structure.
- 2 cups quick cooking oats: The base of the dish, bringing hearty fiber and a satisfying chew.
- 2 cups chocolate milk: Adds moisture and a subtle chocolate taste that keeps the oats rich without being overpowering.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Packs that deep, intense chocolate flavor that makes this recipe truly irresistible.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Balances the cocoa with a sweet, aromatic warmth.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the oats rise slightly, giving a light texture.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla): Boosts creaminess and adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the chocolatey flavors by contrast.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements the chocolate without being cloying.
- ½-1 tsp espresso powder (optional): Intensifies the cocoa flavor with a subtle coffee kick.
- ½-¾ cup chocolate chips: The delightful melty pockets of chocolate that make this baked oat dish divine.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures a perfectly even bake for your oats from the get-go. Meanwhile, grease an 8×8 inch baking pan so your chocolate creation won’t stick and comes out cleanly when sliced.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth and slightly frothy—this helps lighten the texture. Add the chocolate milk, melted butter, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and espresso powder if using. Whisk until everything is combined into a silky, chocolatey base that smells heavenly.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly but gently so every oat is coated with the chocolate mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring your baked oats aren’t dry and have a beautiful, even color throughout.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the chocolate chips evenly. These little gems will melt during baking, creating gooey pockets of rich chocolate that make this recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and smooth out the surface. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges and top are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean—with just a hint of moist crumbs. This perfect baking time ensures tender, moist baked oats that aren’t soggy.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the baked oats to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps it firm up for clean, beautiful squares and lets the flavors settle so every bite tastes balanced and rich.
How to Serve Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. The mild saltiness contrasts beautifully with the sweet chocolate. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or fresh berries to add freshness and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, fresh fruit salad or a handful of nuts for some extra crunch. A glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee drink complements the richness perfectly, creating a balanced, indulgent breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked oats warm in individual ramekins topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. For a grab-and-go option, cut into bars and wrap individually for an easy on-the-run breakfast. You could even turn it into parfait layers by alternating chunks of baked oats with yogurt and fresh fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The oats will keep their moist, tender texture and flavor, making them a perfect next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep your baked oats longer, slice them into portions and freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for an easy breakfast waiting for you.
Reheating
Reheat your stored or frozen baked oats in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds depending on portion size, or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt to keep them extra creamy during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of chocolate milk?
Absolutely! Using regular milk will still work great; just add a bit more cocoa powder or a little extra maple syrup to keep the deep chocolate flavor intact.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Many quick cooking oats are processed in facilities with gluten, so be sure to check the label.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make vegan adjustments by replacing the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free yogurt alternatives. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the oats are fully baked?
The baked oats are done when the edges look set and the center springs back slightly to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the recipe?
Certainly! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add great texture, and dried or fresh fruit like raspberries or bananas work beautifully with the chocolate flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is a delicious way to elevate your breakfast game or satisfy your afternoon craving with something cozy and comforting. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a treat that feels completely indulgent but is surprisingly wholesome. Give it a try—you won’t regret having a batch of these ready in your kitchen anytime you want a chocolatey hug in a bowl.
Print
Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Baked Oats recipe is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with rich chocolate flavor. It’s easy to prepare and baked to perfection, resulting in a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing or meal prepping. The addition of vanilla, espresso powder, and chocolate chips adds depth and indulgence, while Greek yogurt and eggs provide protein and creaminess.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups quick cooking oats
- 2 cups chocolate milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½–1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- ½–¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the oats.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs until smooth. Then add the 2 cups of chocolate milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 Tbsp melted butter, ⅓ cup Greek yogurt, and ¼ cup maple syrup. Stir these wet ingredients together thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Into the wet mixture, add 2 cups quick cooking oats, ¼ cup cocoa powder, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½-1 tsp espresso powder if using. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ to ¾ cup chocolate chips gently to distribute them throughout the mixture.
- Pour and Bake: Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and pour the chocolate oat batter into it evenly. Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top and edges appear set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a little moisture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oats from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Slice into portions and optionally sprinkle with flakey sea salt or serve with extra yogurt and berries for added flavor.
Notes
- Using quick cooking oats helps achieve a tender texture, but you can substitute with rolled oats for a heartier bite.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor dramatically.
- Allow the baked oats to cool slightly for easier slicing and improved texture.
- Serve warm or at room temperature based on preference.
- Add fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a nutritious topping.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
