If you love the rich, fudgy allure of brownies but want a comforting, wholesome breakfast twist, the Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. This bake combines hearty rolled oats with luscious cocoa and melty chocolate chips to create a warm, satisfying dish that tastes indulgent without being overly heavy. Whether you’re gearing up for a cozy weekend morning or looking for a make-ahead, grab-and-go meal, this recipe balances nutrition, texture, and flavor beautifully. Once you try it, it’s hard to stop at just one serving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this bake is delightfully straightforward, and each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. From the wholesome rolled oats giving that chewy base to the coconut oil adding a subtle richness, each component is essential for recreating this cozy, chocolatey dream.
- 2 cups rolled oats: The hearty base providing fiber and a fantastic chewy texture.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bake rise slightly for a light, tender finish.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and add protein.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds warmth and depth.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil: Adds moisture and a subtle tropical richness.
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk: Keeps the bake creamy and dairy-free.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with sweet, aromatic notes.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping): The stars of the show, melting into pockets of gooey delight.
- Optional toppings – peanut butter, whipped cream, maple syrup, nuts: Customize each serving with added texture and flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan using coconut oil or butter to ensure your bake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly. Having everything ready upfront makes the baking process smooth and hassle-free.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients well so the cocoa powder and leavening agent are evenly distributed—this step ensures every bite is consistently chocolatey and that the texture comes out just right.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate medium bowl and whisk together the eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. These wet ingredients carry several layers of flavor and moisture, making the bake tender and richly flavored.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mix into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir thoroughly. The batter will be thick and chocolate-packed, so make sure everything is fully incorporated without overmixing to keep it light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Prepare for Baking
Gently fold in one cup of chocolate chips—this adds those dreamy pockets of melting chocolate throughout the bake. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for an irresistible chocolate crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the oatmeal looks set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. You want just a hint of moistness inside for the perfect brownie texture, not dry or crumbly.
Step 7: Cool and Add Optional Toppings
After baking, let your delicious chocolate brownie oatmeal bake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set fully and makes it easier to cut into squares. Then, top with your favorites like a drizzle of peanut butter, a dollop of whipped cream, a splash of maple syrup, or a handful of crunchy nuts to make it your own.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate your Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe is with thoughtful garnishes. A swirl of peanut butter adds nuttiness and creaminess, while a dollop of whipped cream brings lightness that balances the rich chocolate. A drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds sweetness and crunch, creating layers of flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or banana for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side can add tangy creaminess and boost the protein content, making your breakfast even more satisfying. If you’re serving it as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Mix things up by serving the bake warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a café-style touch. You can also cut it into smaller squares and layer them with whipped cream and berries in a trifle dish for an elegant brunch centerpiece. For a grab-and-go snack, slice it into bars and wrap them individually—portable, delicious, and nutritious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent it from drying out. When ready to enjoy, simply slice and serve cold or warmed slightly.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Freezing makes it easy to have a quick, nourishing breakfast or snack anytime you crave that chocolatey comfort.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until warmed through. You can also warm it in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Adding a little extra chocolate chip topping before reheating gives a lovely melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! Regular dairy milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk will work great. Almond milk is just a popular choice for its mild flavor and creaminess.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe can be enjoyed gluten-free. Always double-check your baking ingredients if you have gluten sensitivities.
Can I substitute the coconut oil with another fat?
You can swap coconut oil for melted butter or a neutral vegetable oil. Butter will add a slightly richer flavor, while neutral oils keep it light.
How do I know when the bake is done?
It’s done when the edges pull slightly away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. The center should feel set but not overly dry.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Use plant-based milk as the recipe already suggests for a vegan-friendly treat.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about a warm, chocolatey bake that also nourishes your body first thing in the day. The Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures that manages to be both indulgent and wholesome at once. I promise once you give it a try, it will become a regular in your baking repertoire and your breakfast rotation. Enjoy every fudgy, chocolate-packed bite!
Print
Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake is a rich, comforting breakfast or snack option that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the decadent flavor of chocolate. Baked to perfection with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla, this dish offers a fudgy texture reminiscent of brownies while providing a nutritious start to your day or a guilt-free indulgence anytime.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
- Optional toppings: peanut butter, whipped cream, maple syrup, nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent the oatmeal from sticking during baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir these together until they are evenly mixed, forming the dry base of the bake.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a consistent batter.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra chocolate flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Bake until the oatmeal is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, indicating it is cooked through but still moist.
- Cool and serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving. Optionally, add toppings such as peanut butter, whipped cream, maple syrup, or nuts to enhance the flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the baking pan is well greased to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Use rolled oats for texture; quick oats may yield a softer consistency.
- Feel free to substitute almond milk with any other plant-based or dairy milk according to preference.
- Optional toppings like peanut butter or nuts add protein and extra flavor.
- Check doneness with a toothpick after 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or other plant-based egg substitutes.
