If you are craving a breakfast or snack that is both indulgently chocolatey and wonderfully wholesome, this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine a warm, fudgy, and soft baked treat that has all the comforting goodness of oats combined with the rich depth of cocoa and melty chocolate chips. It’s easy to whip up, perfect for a crowd or meal prepping, and absolutely packed with flavor and texture that make every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether you want to impress your morning guests or simply treat yourself, this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe brings joy in a pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating flavor, texture, and that irresistible chocolate glow. From basics like oats and eggs to the punch of cocoa powder and melty chocolate chips, every item will make your baked oats shine.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the mixture and add a tender, cakey structure.
- 2 cups quick cooking oats: The hearty base that provides fiber and oomph to the texture.
- 2 cups chocolate milk: Adds rich chocolate flavor and moisture, keeping everything perfectly soft.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate notes without overpowering the oats.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Gives a subtle lift for a light and less dense bake.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and a lovely, tender crumb.
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt: Boosts creaminess and keeps the oats moist; plain or vanilla both work great.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness to complement the chocolate without being cloying.
- ½-1 tsp espresso powder (optional): Amplifies the chocolate flavor with a slight mocha hint.
- ½-¾ cup chocolate chips: The star gems that melt into gooey bites throughout.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s ready and hot for perfectly even baking. Meanwhile, grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and make serving easier later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk the 2 large eggs until smooth and slightly frothy. This step helps incorporate air for fluffiness. Then add in the melted butter, Greek yogurt, chocolate milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk again until everything is beautifully combined and glossy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl (or a separate one if you prefer), add the quick oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder if using. Stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture well, ensuring there are no dry patches of oats or cocoa powder. The batter will be thick but creamy.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips gently but thoroughly. They are going to melt into heavenly pockets of chocolate as it bakes, so don’t skip this step or skimp on the amount you add.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your chocolate oat batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges have set firmly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean but can have a tiny bit of moist crumbs—this keeps the center fudgy and delicious.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This resting time helps it to firm up just enough to slice beautifully without crumbling. Then cut into squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of chocolate heaven.
How to Serve Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish is amazing on its own, garnishing elevates each bite. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a fantastic sweet-savory contrast, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fresh, tangy balance that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a cup of your favorite coffee or a glass of cold milk to soothe the chocolate intensity. For a more elaborate breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a mix of savory and sweet that’s truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, crumble the baked oats over a bowl of yogurt and drizzle with extra maple syrup to create a layered parfait. Or cut into smaller squares, add a scoop of ice cream, and serve as a decadent dessert with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled maintains freshness and makes it easy to grab a slice for a quick breakfast or snack anytime.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, making it perfect for meal prep or a surprise treat.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap your frozen slice and microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm and soft. Alternatively, heat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes for a slightly crisp top and tender center.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of chocolate milk?
Absolutely! Using regular milk is fine, but you’ll want to add a bit more cocoa powder or sweetener to maintain that rich chocolate flavor familiar in the Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe.
Is quick cooking oats necessary?
Quick oats are preferred because they soften and blend well during baking, giving a better texture. Rolled oats can work too but might create a denser, chunkier final result.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut or vegan butter and use almond, oat, or soy chocolate milk to keep it dairy-free while retaining the delicious chocolate essence.
What if I don’t have espresso powder?
Espresso powder is optional but recommended for deepening chocolate flavor. If you don’t have it, simply omit it; your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe will still be deliciously chocolatey.
How can I make this more protein-packed?
Try adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter or sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds on top before baking for an extra nutritious crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is a true game changer if you’ve never baked your oats into a chocolate treat before. It combines simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying dish that pleases chocolate lovers and health-conscious eaters alike. I hope you dive in and enjoy making this as much as you will enjoy eating it. Trust me, it will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe you’ll want to share again and again!
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Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Baked Oats recipe is a delicious and wholesome breakfast or snack option that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and oats. It’s easy to prepare, baked to perfection, and yields a moist, fudgy texture with melty chocolate chips throughout. Perfectly portioned for nine servings, it’s a comforting, nutrient-packed treat that can be enjoyed warm or cold, topped with yogurt, berries, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate milk
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups quick cooking oats
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½–1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- ½–¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk the two large eggs until smooth. Add the chocolate milk, melted butter, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir thoroughly to integrate all liquid components.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the quick cooking oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and the optional espresso powder if using. Mix well until the batter is uniform.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and pour the chocolate oat mixture inside, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the edges and top are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean but can have a little moisture, indicating it will continue to cook after removal.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oats to cool for about 10 minutes to set further. Slice into portions and optionally top with flakey sea salt, yogurt, or fresh berries as desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the baked oats moist and fudgy in texture.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor if included.
- Use quick cooking oats for best texture; old-fashioned oats can also work but may alter the consistency.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated before eating.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute chocolate milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based yogurt.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
