Get ready to indulge in a warm, comforting breakfast or snack that feels like a chocolatey hug in every bite. This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe combines the rich flavors of cocoa and chocolate chips with the hearty goodness of oats to create an irresistibly moist and satisfying dish. Whether you’re kickstarting your day or craving a wholesome treat, this recipe is a total game changer. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers a flavor-packed punch that will have you making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and chocolate goodness. From the creamy Greek yogurt that adds moisture to the subtle hint of espresso powder enhancing the chocolate depth, every element is essential.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together for a tender bake.
- 2 cups quick cooking oats: The hearty base that makes these baked oats deliciously filling.
- 2 cups chocolate milk: Adds richness and infuses the oats with a smooth chocolate flavor.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Packs in deep, intense chocolate notes for that authentic taste.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and complements the chocolate beautifully.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Gives a slight rise for a fluffy texture without fluffiness taking over.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Brings a silky richness and slightly crisp edges once baked.
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla): Keeps the oats moist and adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- ½ tsp salt: Elevates the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements the cocoa without overpowering.
- ½-1 tsp espresso powder (optional): A secret weapon to deepen the chocolate flavor intensity.
- ½-¾ cup chocolate chips: Little bursts of melty chocolate to make every bite decadent.
How to Make Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s the perfect temperature for baking the oats through evenly. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking—this step is key so your baked oats come out looking just as perfect as they taste.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
Whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and slightly frothy. This helps to aerate the mixture a bit, lending fluffiness. Then add the quick oats, chocolate milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, melted butter, Greek yogurt, salt, maple syrup, and optional espresso powder. Stir everything together until you get a uniform chocolatey batter that promises comfort with every spoonful.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. These chips will melt slightly while baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that elevate this recipe beyond your average baked oats.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the oat mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean, but a little moistness is fine since the oats will set as they cool. The edges will look slightly set and the top should have a delicate crust, signaling baked oat bliss just waiting to be sliced.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the baked oats cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to allow the texture to firm up slightly. This cooling step makes slicing easier and prevents the oats from crumbling. Once cooled just enough, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to add a delightful contrast that makes the chocolate flavor pop even more. Alternatively, a dollop of fresh Greek yogurt with berries on the side creates a fresh, tangy complement that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
A fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie pairs wonderfully, adding brightness and freshness to your baked oats experience. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a dessert-worthy twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, consider slicing the baked oats into bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter with an assortment of toppings—nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of nut butter—to let everyone customize their own slice. You can also layer warm baked oats in a parfait glass with yogurt and fresh berries to wow your guests visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your leftover baked oats tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them an excellent option for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover baked oats by wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—perfect for prepping breakfasts ahead of time or saving a batch for a rainy day.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave your portion for about 30-60 seconds until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat from frozen on a lower microwave power setting to avoid drying it out. You could also warm them in a low oven for that freshly-baked vibe.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of chocolate milk?
Absolutely! Using regular milk will still create a delicious baked oats dish, but you might want to add a bit more cocoa powder or chocolate chips to get that rich chocolate flavor. It’s all about adjusting to suit your tastes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats sometimes are processed in facilities that handle gluten, so double-check the packaging if you need to avoid gluten.
Can I substitute the maple syrup for another sweetener?
Yes! Honey, agave nectar, or even coconut sugar can work well. Keep in mind that each sweetener will bring its own unique flavor, so choose one you enjoy.
What if I don’t have espresso powder?
No worries—the espresso powder is optional and mainly used to boost the chocolate flavor. The baked oats will still be wonderfully chocolatey without it.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use a plant-based chocolate milk, and substitute the butter and yogurt with vegan alternatives. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for so many reasons—it’s simple, comforting, and delightfully chocolatey. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or whenever you need a sweet yet wholesome pick-me-up. I encourage you to dive in and make this recipe your own; tweak it, garnish it, share it, and enjoy the loving warmth a dish like this can bring to your kitchen and your heart.
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: Low Fat
Description
This Chocolate Baked Oats recipe combines wholesome oats with rich chocolate flavors, creating a warm, comforting breakfast or snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a crowd, it bakes up moist and tender with hints of cocoa and espresso, finished with melty chocolate chips throughout. A simple, make-ahead dish that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the oats evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs thoroughly. Then add 2 cups of chocolate milk, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, ⅓ cup of Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ cup maple syrup. Stir well to combine all the wet ingredients.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add 2 cups of quick cooking oats, ¼ cup cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and the optional ½ to 1 teaspoon espresso powder. Stir everything until combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ to ¾ cup of chocolate chips gently into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Pour the chocolate oat mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The baked oats are done when the edges and top are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, allowing for slight moisture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oats from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Slice them into squares and serve warm. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or top with yogurt and fresh berries for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder slightly or add extra chocolate chips.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate depth without adding caffeine.
- You can substitute the chocolate milk with regular milk and add 2 tablespoons of sugar if preferred.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger batches or meal prep.
