Baked Chocolate Oatmeal

Name: Baked Chocolate Oatmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oats; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; Optional toppings: fresh berries (banana slices, nuts, or a dollop of yogurt)

Baked Chocolate Oatmeal is a delicious and healthy breakfast option that’s perfect for cold winter mornings. This recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

A close-up of a chocolate baked oatmeal square being lifted from a pan, showing its moist, textured oat and chocolate chip surface.

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My family absolutely loves this recipe because it offers everything we enjoy in a breakfast dish. It’s hearty, filled with chocolate goodness, and just the right balance of sweet and satisfying. Plus, it makes the kitchen smell like freshly baked brownies, so it’s always a win in our house!

If you’re a fan of oatmeal recipes, you might want to try my Peach Baked Oatmeal or Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins for even more variety.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to whip up this delicious breakfast. Full quantities are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Old-fashioned oats – The heart of this recipe, these oats provide the perfect chewy texture while also being a great source of fiber and energy, making your oatmeal both satisfying and nutritious.
Cocoa powder – This ingredient brings a deep, rich chocolate flavor to the dish, turning simple oatmeal into a decadent but healthy treat. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for the best balance of flavor and control over sweetness.
Brown sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference or substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option.
Baking powder – A key ingredient for achieving a light, fluffy texture, especially if you’re baking the oatmeal into bars or other forms. It ensures the recipe holds its structure without being dense.
Salt – A small pinch of salt enhances and balances out the flavors, making the chocolate taste even more pronounced and delicious.
Milk – Whether you prefer regular dairy milk or plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk, this ingredient adds creaminess and helps blend the dry ingredients smoothly.
Eggs – Essential for binding all the ingredients together, eggs add structure and contribute to the texture of the oatmeal. For a vegan alternative, a flax or chia egg works well too.
Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor, complementing the chocolate and making the dish even more indulgent.
Chocolate chips – The finishing touch! These melt into gooey pockets of chocolate, making every bite extra special. You can go for dark, milk, or even sugar-free chocolate chips, depending on your preference.

Instructions

Making chocolate baked oatmeal is super easy, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen! Here’s an overview of the steps. Full directions are provided in the recipe card below.

A glass bowl with oats, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, next to bowls of chocolate chips and a measuring cup of milk on a white surface.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with oil or butter.

A glass measuring cup with a beaten egg mixture, next to bowls of chocolate chips and granola, and a metal fork on a white surface.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

A glass bowl with chocolate chip cookie batter and a spatula, topped with chocolate chips, sits beside a small bowl of extra chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread it evenly, and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are lightly browned.

A square baking pan filled with unbaked chocolate chip oat batter, viewed from above on a white background.

Step 4: Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Add fresh berries, maple syrup, or yogurt on top if desired. Enjoy warm!

Hint: For an extra decadent twist, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top before baking. They’ll melt beautifully into the oatmeal and create pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite!

Storage

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Portion into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave a serving for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or heat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

A metal spatula lifts a square piece of baked chocolate oat bar from a rectangular baking pan.

Wendy’s Tips

Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the perfect texture. Quick oats might work in a pinch, but steel-cut oats require additional cooking time and adjustments.
Want a healthier twist? Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup, or reduce it slightly and rely on the sweetness of the chocolate chips.
Turn it into a protein-packed breakfast by adding a scoop of protein powder to the dry ingredients.

What To Serve With Baked Chocolate Oatmeal

Turn your baked chocolate oatmeal into a breakfast feast! Pair it with a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast or a bowl of fresh berries to complement the chocolate. If you’re entertaining, serve it alongside a frothy cappuccino or a tall glass of almond milk.

A close-up of a baked chocolate oatmeal bar in a rectangular metal pan, showing a textured surface with visible oats and chocolate chips.

FAQs

What type of oats should I use?

For this baked oatmeal recipe, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. They provide the best texture. Steel-cut oats won’t cook properly in this recipe, and quick oats may result in a mushier texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh in the morning for a warm and delicious breakfast.