There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich aroma of chocolate and the warm texture of oats coming together in one dish. This Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Baked Recipe hits that sweet spot between indulgence and wholesome goodness, making it a treat you’ll actually feel good about enjoying any time of day.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I stumbled upon this Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Baked Recipe one chill weekend when I wanted a breakfast that felt like dessert but was still nourishing — and wow, did it deliver! It’s like enjoying your favorite brownie without the guilt, and the oatmeal adds a cozy texture that just feels right.
- Wholesome indulgence: Combines chocolatey richness with hearty oats for a satisfying balance.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile and customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
- Perfect any time of day: Equally good for breakfast, snack, or after-dinner treat.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Baked Recipe plays a part in creating its luscious and hearty texture. From the oats grounding the dish in fiber to the cocoa powder delivering that dreamy chocolate flavor — here’s why each one makes a difference:
- Rolled oats: They soak up moisture and give the bake structure, plus add a natural nuttiness.
- Cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor without extra fat or sugar, keeping it rich yet wholesome.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly, so it’s fluffy rather than dense.
- Salt: A pinch really enhances the chocolate taste and balances sweetness.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add protein for a filling meal.
- Maple syrup: I prefer this natural sweetener—it blends beautifully and adds subtle caramel notes.
- Coconut oil: Adds richness and moistness, plus a hint of tropical flavor that pairs surprisingly well with chocolate.
- Almond milk: Keeps the dish dairy-free while adding creaminess.
- Vanilla: A splash brings warmth and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate chips: Little pockets of melted chocolate magic scattered through the oats and on top!
Make It Your Way
I love switching things up when making this baked oatmeal — it’s a recipe that truly welcomes your personal touch. Whether you prefer it extra gooey or studded with nuts, feel free to experiment so it becomes your favorite go-to treat.
- Nutty variation: I often stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and added nutrition — it transforms the texture beautifully.
- Dairy swap: Have oat or cashew milk handy? They work just as well as almond milk and add a slightly different creaminess.
- Extra chocolatey: Try folding in some cocoa nibs or a swirl of peanut butter before baking for that crave-worthy mix of flavors.
- Maple syrup alternative: Honey or agave nectar work, though maple syrup remains my top pick for its rich, complex sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Baked Recipe
Step 1: Prep Everything Before You Start
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan. I always like to toss in a little coconut oil or use non-stick spray so the oatmeal slides out easily after baking. Measure your ingredients ahead — it makes the mixing flow smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Don’t skip tossing the cocoa powder well — you want that deep chocolate flavor blended evenly throughout.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add almond milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. I find melting the coconut oil first gives a nice smooth texture and helps everything come together without lumps.
Step 4: Combine and Add Chocolate Chips
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is combined. Fold in most of the chocolate chips but save a handful for sprinkling on top — those melt into gooey little pockets that look and taste amazing. Pour the mixture into the greased pan and spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are firm and the center looks set, but it still feels slightly soft to the touch. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting — it helps the bake firm up and makes slicing much neater.
Top Tip
From personal experience, taking the time to let this baked oatmeal cool properly is a game-changer. Rushing to cut it while hot can make the texture a bit gooey and sticky, which is fine if you’re going for a warm scoop—but for neat squares, patience pays off.
- Grease well: I learned the hard way that a lightly greased pan prevents sticking without the need for parchment paper.
- Use room temperature eggs: It helps them mix in easily without scrambling in the liquid ingredients.
- Don’t overbake: Aim for a slightly soft center; it continues to set as it cools.
- Add chocolate chips last: To avoid melting them too much in the batter, which maintains little gooey bits in the bake.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Baked Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top mine with a dollop of peanut butter or a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. Toasted nuts add crunch and bring out the chocolate flavor even more. These garnishes turn each bite into a delightful treat that feels extra special.
Side Dishes
If I’m enjoying this as a breakfast or brunch, a side of fresh berries or sliced banana pairs wonderfully. For a decadent snack, a cup of your favorite tea or coffee creates the perfect cozy moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special occasions, I bake this in a larger dish and cut into rustic bars. Serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates it into a luscious dessert everyone loves. You could also sprinkle with sea salt flakes for an adult twist that highlights the chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers covered in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This recipe holds up really well, and the flavors deepen even more after resting overnight.
Freezing
Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to make a batch ahead. I slice the baked oatmeal into individual squares, wrap them in plastic wrap, and pop them in a freezer bag. They keep great for up to 3 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To reheat, I microwave a square for about 30 seconds or warm it gently in the oven wrapped in foil to keep it moist. Adding a little nut butter or a splash of almond milk before reheating helps revive that fresh-baked softness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Quick oats can work in a pinch but the texture will be softer and less chewy, so I recommend sticking to rolled oats if you want that classic baked oatmeal feel.
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
You can swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk as noted to make it vegan-friendly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for longer storage.
To reheat, microwave briefly or warm in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Baked Recipe has found a happy place in my kitchen and heart. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little hug with every bite—comforting but nourishing. I truly hope you try making it and enjoy the wonderful mix of flavors and textures as much as I do. Trust me, once you have a slice fresh from the oven, it might just become a regular on your menu too!
Print
Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Baked Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal recipe is a delicious and wholesome treat combining rolled oats, rich cocoa powder, and melty chocolate chips, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and flavored with vanilla. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a guilt-free dessert, it offers a comforting brownie taste with the added benefits of oats and almond milk.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 ½ cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips, plus extra for sprinkling
Optional Toppings
- Peanut butter
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until fully combined with no dry pockets remaining.
- Add Chocolate Chips. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter, reserving some to sprinkle on top for a melty chocolate finish.
- Pour and Bake. Transfer the mixture into the greased pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top, then bake for 50 minutes or until the oatmeal looks set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the baked brownie oatmeal to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm topped with optional peanut butter, whipped cream, maple syrup, or nuts as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any other plant-based milk or dairy milk as preferred.
- Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness, but honey or agave syrup can work as alternatives.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.
- Ensure the coconut oil is melted before mixing to incorporate smoothly.
- Letting it cool slightly helps the oatmeal hold its shape better when serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 726 calories
- Sugar: 48.2 g
- Sodium: 269.1 mg
- Fat: 34.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 23.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 91.6 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 14.9 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg
Leave a Reply