Easy Chocolate Baked Oats (Printable)
Wholesome baked oats with rich chocolate flavor, banana, and a hint of vanilla for a cozy start.
# What You 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 walnuts or pecans (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two small ramekins or oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana thoroughly. Whisk in milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared ramekins. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra richness.
06 - Bake for 22-25 minutes until oats are set and tops appear slightly cracked. A toothpick inserted in center should come out moist but not wet.
07 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with a splash of cold milk or dollop of Greek yogurt.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It tastes like dessert but is secretly packed with wholesome ingredients that actually fuel your morning
- The texture is somewhere between a warm chocolate cookie and a comforting bowl of oatmeal
02 -
- Overripe bananas with brown spots work best here because they mash easily and provide the most natural sweetness and moisture
- Adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the center before baking creates a molten peanut butter center that is absolutely next level
03 -
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you need this to be gluten-free, as regular oats are often processed in facilities with wheat
- For the fudgiest texture, pull them from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked, as they continue firming up while cooling