If you have a sweet tooth and love cozy breakfasts, this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe will quickly become your new favorite way to start the day or enjoy a delightful snack. Imagine warm, chocolatey oats with a tender crumb and pockets of melty chocolate chips in every bite — it feels indulgent but still wholesome. The combination of quick oats, cocoa powder, and chocolate milk creates a rich, comforting flavor that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of espresso powder for depth. It’s easy to prepare and bakes into a satisfying dish that’s ideal for sharing or savoring throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Every item plays its part to build flavor, texture, and that irresistible chocolatey goodness you crave.
- 2 large eggs: They bind the oats and create a fluffy structure to keep the bake tender.
- 2 cups quick cooking oats: These make the base hearty and wholesome while baking into a soft consistency.
- 2 cups chocolate milk: This adds moisture and a subtle sweetness with creamy chocolate flavor.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Provides a rich, deep chocolate taste that’s crucial for intensity.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate notes with a warm, fragrant touch.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the dish rise slightly, keeping it light and fluffy.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the oats.
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla): Contributes a creamy tang and moist crumb.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness with a warm, caramel-like undertone.
- ½-1 tsp espresso powder (optional): Intensifies chocolate flavor without overt coffee taste.
- ½-¾ cup chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate for rich bursts in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot enough to bake the oats evenly, creating a perfectly set top with just the right amount of moisture inside. While the oven warms up, grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to make sure the oats don’t stick and come out effortlessly once they’re ready.
Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs first until they’re well combined and slightly frothy. This gives the bake some lift. Then add the chocolate milk, melted butter, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to create a harmonious chocolatey blend.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Next, add your quick oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) into the wet mixture. Stir until the oats are fully coated and the cocoa powder is evenly distributed, giving the batter a luxurious chocolate hue. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips carefully, ensuring every bite will have melty chocolate surprises.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the surface gently. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven’s quirks. You want the edges and top set firmly but still with a touch of softness inside. Check doneness by poking a toothpick in the center — it should come out mostly clean, with just a hint of moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, let your Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period lets the dish firm up, making it easier to slice and enjoy without crumbling. Trust me, the aroma alone will have your whole home smelling like a chocolate bakery.
How to Serve Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate’s richness and add a slight crunch. Alternatively, dollop on some creamy yogurt and fresh berries for a fresh, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement its decadent flavors. For extra indulgence, serve alongside a handful of toasted nuts or a spoonful of nut butter for added texture and protein.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the baked oats into bars for an on-the-go breakfast or snack. You can also cut them into smaller squares and serve as mini chocolate oat bites at brunch. Adding a light drizzle of warmed chocolate or caramel sauce takes the presentation and flavor to another level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe fresh, moist, and ready to enjoy with minimal fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep the baked oats longer, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making them ideal for batch cooking and future breakfasts.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a portion for 45 to 60 seconds or warm in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. You’ll still get that cozy, homemade feel with every bite as if it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of chocolate milk?
Absolutely! Substitute regular milk and add a little extra cocoa powder and a bit more sweetener to keep that rich chocolate flavor intact. This method gives you more control over sweetness and cocoa intensity.
Is quick oats necessary or can I use rolled oats?
You can use rolled oats if you prefer a bit more texture, but the bake might be heartier and take a little longer to set. Quick oats create a softer, smoother crumb that’s classic for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with some swaps! Use a vegan egg replacer, plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk chocolate variety), dairy-free yogurt, and vegan butter to keep the same lusciousness without animal products.
What does the espresso powder do?
Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor by bringing out its richness and depth without imparting a coffee taste. It’s optional but highly recommended for true chocolate lovers.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the batter?
Definitely! Try folding in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or mix fresh or dried fruit, such as raspberries or cherries, for extra texture, flavor pops, and nutrition boosts.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe a try because it’s one of those special dishes that feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s simple to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for starting the day or treating yourself anytime. Once you bake it, you’ll understand why it’s beloved by everyone who tastes it!
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
Chocolate Baked Oats is a wholesome and indulgent breakfast or snack option combining oats, chocolate milk, and cocoa powder for a rich, satisfying treat. Baked to a tender, cake-like texture with gooey chocolate chips throughout, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
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 evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the 2 large eggs in a large mixing bowl until slightly frothy to help incorporate air.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the quick cooking oats, chocolate milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, melted butter, Greek yogurt, salt, maple syrup, and espresso powder (if using) into the bowl with the eggs. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips evenly into the batter to ensure pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan to prevent sticking, then pour in the chocolate oat mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. The oats are done when the edges and top are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a little moisture acceptable to retain softness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oats to cool for approximately 10 minutes to firm up before slicing. Optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt or serve topped with additional yogurt and fresh berries for added flavor.
Notes
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
- Use quick cooking oats for a smoother, more cake-like texture.
- Letting the baked oats cool slightly helps them set and makes slicing easier.
- For dairy-free options, substitute chocolate milk and Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
