Easy Chocolate Baked Oats (Printable)
Warm baked oats with cocoa and banana, delivering rich flavor and wholesome comfort in every bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup rolled oats
02 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1 ripe banana, mashed
06 - 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
07 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Add-ins & Toppings
09 - 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
10 - 1 tablespoon chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two small ramekins or an oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana thoroughly. Whisk in milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the tops for extra texture and visual appeal.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the oats are set and the tops appear slightly cracked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
07 - Let the baked oats cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with a drizzle of milk or a dollop of yogurt.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It comes together in minutes and bakes into something that tastes like a freshly baked chocolate brownie but fuels you like a wholesome breakfast
- The banana naturally sweetens everything while keeping the oats incredibly moist and tender
02 -
- Do not skip the resting time after baking, those 5 minutes make the difference between mushy and perfectly set oats
- The bananas must be ripe with some brown spots or the texture will be noticeably less sweet and creamy
03 -
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you need this to be gluten-free
- Mash the banana really well until no large lumps remain for the smoothest texture