Chocolate baked oatmeal is a healthy yet decadent, meal-prep-friendly, one-pan breakfast that tastes like dessert, with whole or blended oats (for a cake-like texture), + gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free!
3tablespoonsof cocoa powder,depending on your sweetness preference
¼ teaspoonof salt
1teaspoonof baking powder
2cupsof old-fashioned oats
½ cupsof vegan chocolate chips or chunkson top, garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and lightly oil and 8x8 baking dish.
Place the banana in the baking dish and mash it until creamy. Add the milk, vanilla extract, agave, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Add the oats and mix well.
Top with the vegan chocolate chips or chunks if using, and press them into the top of the oats.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before eating.
Enjoy hot or cold.
Notes
For softer/firmer oats: By changing how much plant-based milk you add, you can make softer oats or firmer, easily sliceable oatmeal bars. This method is better than adjusting baking time (which can dry out the oats).
To adjust the texture: Use whole oats for textured, chewy baked oatmeal, blended oats for a fluffy cake-like consistency, or 50/50 blended + whole oats for something between.
For a crispier top: Broil the baked oats for 1-2 minutes at the end.
For individual servings: Divide the oats between smaller buttered ramekins or a muffin tin and bake for 15-25 minutes (based on size).